On the 28th June 2011 at 10.30am the NSW Minister for Heritage, Robyn Parker, joined the Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, the Very Reverend Dr James Rigney and Newcastle City Council Lord Mayor, John Tate to announce Newcastle’s Christ Church Cathedral’s official listing on the New South Wales State Heritage Register.
The site’s history is as important as the building itself because of its origins in early convict history and the establishment of the Anglican Church in New South Wales.
The past of this beautiful city is intrinsically linked with this site – it was not until the Anglican church was established that Newcastle was declared a city.
Minister Parker said Newcastle Cathedral had become a place of pilgrimage for veterans, their families, friends and descendants, from all around Australia.
It is also important to acknowledge and thank the many people who have been instrumental in achieving the heritage listing of this wonderful site including Dr James Rigney, historian Dr Rosemary Barnard, Lord Mayor John Tate, the present Member for Newcastle, Tim Owen MP and former Member for Newcastle Ms Jodi McKay, the NSW Heritage Branch and Heritage Council and many members of the community that have cared for and championed this historic building.
A ceremony at the cathedral confirmed the listing, which encompasses the gothic church and its surrounding grounds and graveyard.
The Minister was delighted to announce the listing of Christ Church Cathedral, 52A Church Street, Newcastle, on the State Heritage Register (SHR) under the NSW Heritage Act 1977, the first landmark and Hunter icon to be added to the Register in her inaugural annoncement as Minister for Heritage.