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About Us

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The DSWAA is made up of rural property owners, farmers, urban dwellers, environmentalists and other professionals interested in identification, documentation and conservation of dry stone walls Australia-wide, as well as practitioners engaged in the craft of dry stone walling and sculpture. We are a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2002 at Ballarat, Victoria.

DSWAA STATEMENT OF VISION AND PURPOSES (amended June 2019)

DSWAA Vision

The Association’s vision is that dry stone walls and dry stone structures are widely appreciated for their unique place in the history and culture of the nation and for the legacy they represent.

DSWAA Statement of Purposes

  • To inform and educate the nation about the cultural significance of dry stone walls and dry stone structures in Australia and their associations and meanings for past, present and future generations.
  • To document dry stone walls and 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 walls and 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 walls and dry stone structures and that modern uses of them are compatible.
  • To respect Indigenous heritage places and cultural values, and, in particular, to assist in the conservation of those associated with dry stone walls and dry stone structures.

In the process, the DSWAA can play a critical role in educating both dry stone wall owners and the broader community of the significance of dry stone walls and allied structures in the landscape and encouraging their retention, as well as assisting both in the promotion of the waller’s craft and the practical conservation of Australia’s extensive, only part-documented dry stone wall legacy.


Dry stone walls and structures have been part of Australia’s history for hundreds of years. Built without mud or cement as ‘mortar’ they rely on the skill of the waller to make them strong and durable.

Dry stone walls are found right across the continent wherever stone has been available as a durable building material. Most dry stone construction is in the form of stone fences on pastoral or grazing land, but other uses include fish traps built by indigenous Australians, shelters in early mining settlements or beautiful sculptures and retaining walls in urban landscape settings. (See more under our Dry Stone Walls menu)

We are sure you will enjoy your visit to our website. If you want to become a member or attend any of our activities, look under Membership link and DSWAA tab for your State.

Who we are and what we do

The DSWAA Committee comprises a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Officer, Journal Editor and ordinary committee members.

We obtain our funds from membership subscriptions, attendance fees at field days, donations, and sponsorships. All income is devoted to the administration of the DSWAA, the promotion of our vision and purposes and the implementation of our strategic and business plan. We welcome new members from anywhere in Australia or overseas. If you would like to become involved and/or make a donation to assist our cause, please contact us below.

The Committee produces a quarterly journal; The Flag Stone, conducts research, runs field trips, workshops, meetings, and other events.

Our Rules

DSWAA Rules of Association June 2019Download

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