An outcome of our annual review by the Committee of Management of DSWAA’s rules of association, was the decision that our statement of purposes (written in 2002) was too long and prescriptive. The language was also not entirely consistent with the Burra Charter.
The Burra Charter
First adopted in 1979, the Burra Charter is periodically updated to reflect developing understanding of the theory and practice of cultural heritage management. The current version of the Burra Charter was adopted in 2013.
Below is the draft of a new statement of purposes which we will put to the AGM later this year and in the meantime we invite your comment.
Draft DSWAA Statement of Purposes
To inform and educate the nation about the cultural significance of dry stone walls and structures in Australia and their associations and meanings for past, present and future generations.
To document dry stone structures and draw on historical records in order to encourage appreciation, conservation, maintenance, repair and interpretation of those of cultural significance.
To establish disciplines and accreditation systems that can contribute to the care and construction of dry stone structures.
To assist in ensuring that new construction, demolition, intrusions and other changes do not adversely affect the cultural significance of dry stone structures and that modern uses of them are compatible.
To respect Indigenous heritage places and values, and, in particular, to assist in the conservation of those associated with dry stone structures.