Bali (6) - Weekend Reflections

The remains of Klungkung Place, an historical complex built at the end of the 17th century which contains the Court of Jusstice.

For more reflections visit James' Weekend Reflections.

Into the future

I always thought this old building was associated with the tramway that used to run between Arncliffe and Bexley early in the 20th century but have been unable to corroborate this. I had also hoped it would one day be restored. Unfortunately not (although admittedly it is difficult to tell what the final result of the renovations will be).

Weekend Reflections/My favourite building (4)

Some more of the internal features of this beautiful building.

Main entrance. Do you see the coat of arms?

Pretty sure these aren't in use but aren't they wonderful.

Side exit.

For more reflections visit James' Weekend Reflections.

My favourite building (3)

One of the meeting rooms with its painted ceiling edges, carpet bearing the waratah emblem of the State of New South Wales and woodwork.

My favourite building (2)

Need the Ladies toilet? Go through the door next to the sign and along the walkway along one side of the open rectangle that is the centre of the building. See that white structure to the right half way along -

that's the ladies toilets. Can't remember where the men's are, possibly inside the building. Women would not have been catered for when the building was erected.

Looking back down the walkway to the door.

My favourite building

This is 23-33 Bridge Street, a building in which I used to work and absolutely love. I was back there for a meeting recently and, over the next few days, will show you why I love it.

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View from the cheap seats

This is the view from the cheapest seats of the City Recital Hall. Pretty good and, in my opinion, better than right at the back of the theatre. Possibly not the best for theatre but for music, absolutely fine.

City Recital Hall

This is the City Recital Hall, one of the newest performing arts spaces in Sydney. Its tucked down a lane and you wouldn't know it was there unless you were looking for it. I hadn't been inside until last week.

Australia Day

Australia's convict past at Port Arthur in Tasmania.

Visit the City Daily Photo National Day - Australia Day theme page.

Battery Point (3)

Battery Point (2)

Battery Point

The old, and now very expensive, Battery Point area of Hobart.

Marble Bar

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I hadn't been to the Marble Bar under the Hilton Hotel for probably 20 years. It was retained as part of the hotel redevelopment and is even more beautiful than I remember it. Bit pricey for me at $10 for a glass of house red.

Covered up

Sydney Town Hall is undergoing restoration so presumably no Christmas lights this year.

Look what's happened to Gowings (3)

Look what's happened to Gowings (2)

Reception

Look what's happened to Gowings

This is brand spanking new QT Hotel which occupies the old Gowings and State Theatre buildings in Market Street. Much as I miss Gowings, I love what they've done. The staff are dressed in specially designed uniforms and specially wigged and made up every day. I just wish I could afford to stay there. Have a look at the rooms.

Coffee Shop in the Foyer, opposite the lifts

While preserving two of the city’s most iconic buildings, QT Sydney is destined to become a new landmark by reviving a rich and colorful past of theatre and retail. Set within the historic Gowings department store and heritage-listed State Theatre in the heart of Sydney’s central business district, the surrounding area is brimming with culture, art, fashion, cuisine and design, while still being within easy reach of sandy beaches. With stars from stage and screen having performed in the State Theatre over the past 80 years, and the classic retail of the Gowings department store, the QT Sydney captures the intrigue and excitement of the past in an edgy, contemporary design style. 

The 200 guest rooms come in 12 different styles – most equipped with a signature oversized bathtub and shower and unique design pieces that reference the buildings’ past. The lower levels of the buildings have remained unchanged, but important historic fittings and fixtures – such as original stone cladding, gargoyles, facade detail, original timber floors and retail showcases – which have been damaged or removed over decades, have been carefully restored.

The lifts.

Soon to be no more

NSW Department of Primary Industries' Cronulla Fisheries Research Centre of Excellence is the oldest fisheries research facility in the Southern Hemisphere. In September 2011 the NSW Government announced staff and functions of the centre will be relocated to regional coastal centres at Coffs Harbour, Port Stephens and Nowra. Staff engaged in fisheries research, commercial, recreational and indigenous fisheries licensing and management, and the corporate services area for the Department will be relocated. Science facilities and functions will move to the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute and Research Centre of Excellence. Commercial fisheries management will be located at the National Marine Science Centre at Coffs Harbour. Recreational and indigenous fisheries management will be located at Nowra.

The Legislative Council Inquiry into the closure " ...  has concluded that there is an overwhelming case to retain the scientific staff, facilities and support personnel at the Centre and we have recommended that the Government reverse its decision.” The Committee's recommendations will make no difference and the facility is rapidly becoming a ghost town as staff relocate or take redundancy.

The H.C Dannevig Fisheries Laboratory is was a state-of-the-art facility which continually assists assisted in ground breaking fisheries research.

It houses housed the Department of Primary Industries' scientists doing research projects with the Wild Fisheries unit, including: ageing fish and invertebrates growth, survival and reproduction of commercially and recreationally important aquatic species assessments of fish attracting devices and artificial reefs and assessments of minimisation of by-catch of fishing gears.

The heritage-listed aquarium at Cronulla was the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

It is now was used to learn about our commercially and recreationally important fish species, such as studies on age validation and tag retention.

The Cronulla Fisheries Research Centre of Excellence’s library is was the only fisheries-specific library in NSW and services serviced many universities and schools. It houses housed an extensive and historic range of international and domestic journals and books. It also holds held all publications from the Centres’ scientists.

Cuttlefish in the aquarium

Between 1949 and 1967 some of the buildings currently used as offices were part of the Cronulla Migrant Hostel and housed thousands of people for up to two years. The accommodation was basic, consisting of small rooms with two single beds and bedside tables with communal showers and dining facilities. The hostel was closed in 1967 and the land was transferred to the CSIRO and then to the fisheries department.

Shark hanger

Looking back from the wharf, several of the buildings are heritage listed. There are also items of aboriginal heritage on the site.

Weekend Reflections

Reflections in the foyer of the Dymocks Building.

For more reflections visit James' Weekend Reflections.

Dymocks building (2)