NSW Government
Planning

State of Stone

Celebrating the Minister’s Stonework Program

Workers involved in the Minister's Stonework Program. Credit: Sebastian Photography
 

The NSW Government has custodianship of over 800 heritage assets built of sandstone. They include courthouses, hospitals, lighthouses, schools, colleges, government offices, landscape features, monuments, memorials and statues.

Specialist care for these assets is the purpose of the Minister's Stonework Program, an innovative, multi-award-winning industry leader administered and managed by Heritage Environment and Planning (HEP) NSW Public Works, on behalf of the Government Architect.

State of Stone – Celebrating the Minister’s Stonework Program (PDF, 36.7 MB), is a visual publication celebrating the many achievements and accolades of the program, the people who have driven and contributed to this important heritage initiative, and the outcomes it has delivered for NSW for over 30 years.

The book serves as a source of information and inspiration to those interested in the continued care and protection of sandstone-built heritage in NSW.

Read the book

State of Stone – Celebrating the Minister's Stonework Program

Purchase the book

A limited number of hard copies of the book are available for purchase for $120, plus postage.

If you are interested in purchasing the book, phone the NSW Public Works’ Plan Services on 1300 770 995 or email [email protected]

  • Stone is foundational for the shape of our landscape, our unique biodiversity, our coastal and riverine lifestyles, our genus loci and connection to Country. Credit: Sebastian Mrugalski, 2023
    Stone is foundational for the shape of our landscape, our unique biodiversity, our coastal and riverine lifestyles, our genus loci and connection to Country. Credit: Sebastian Mrugalski, 2023
  • Expert stone carver Luke McDermott carving a section of the dated ribbon to be ‘indented’ into the original coat of arms carved by Walter McGill in 1897 and positioned above the Forbes Street entrance to the former Darlinghurst Goal (now the National Art School, formerly East Sydney Technical College). Credit: Sebastian Mrugalski, 2023
    Stone carver Luke McDermott working on the coat of arms (originally carved by Walter McGill in 1897) from the Forbes Street entrance to the National Art School. Credit: Sebastian Mrugalski, 2023
  • Iconic-style capital, Art Gallery NSW built in 1901. Credit: Michael Nicholson, 2012
    Iconic-style capital, Art Gallery NSW built in 1901. Credit: Michael Nicholson, 2012
  • NSW Public Works Principal Heritage Architect Kate Napier and Heritage Stoneworks' Senior Stonemason Craig Miller assess condition and repairs. Credit: Michael Nicholson, 2018
    NSW Public Works Principal Heritage Architect Kate Napier and Heritage Stoneworks' Senior Stonemason Craig Miller assess condition and repairs. Credit: Michael Nicholson, 2018
  • Salt-level testing of captured water during stone desalination at Fort Street High School. Credit: Sebastian Mrugalski, 2023
    Salt-level testing of captured water during stone desalination at Fort Street High School. Credit: Sebastian Mrugalski, 2023
  • Stonemason Katie Hicks. Credit: Anson Smart for the 2008 Sydney Magazine article ‘Traders of the Lost Arts’ by Geraldine O’Brien
    Stonemason Katie Hicks. Credit: Anson Smart for the 2008 Sydney Magazine article ‘Traders of the Lost Arts’ by Geraldine O’Brien
  • State of Stone, 2023
    Stonemasons preparing to fix replacement carving in place at Cessnock High School