Dear Parishioners and friends of St George Church,

Woollahra Council is seeking to heritage list our Church building. As part of this process, the Council is undertaking community engagement seeking feedback on the proposed heritage listing. We oppose this.

Our Parish Priest Father Gerasimos and the Parish Board feel that we, the Parish-Community and its people, are the custodians of a two thousand year old heritage... as opposed to a local government which is looking at listing a relatively modern building, built in 1962. Many of the original features are gone, with improvements having being made over the years... new steps, new doors, new floors, new windows, new lighting, entirely modified community hall and more.

A heritage listing would be an impediment to future improvements, as we would be required to consult the bureaucracy even for the colour of the paint. We would also need to pay heritage consultants to tell us what they believe is acceptable or not. We consider this an impediment that restricts our freedom to improve our church further.

Our priority is growth, this means tending to and investing in our people. Bricks and mortar are a means to serving that end, not the end in and of itself. We want to be able to move adaptively into the future without hindrance.

We are on a growth trajectory and have a vision of developing our church's property to facilitate that growth. An existing D.A., approved in 2011, which will be for our community's benefit, precludes the imposition of a heritage listing upon the church building. Some adaptation of the church building may be required to harmonise with the adjoining facilities.

You can assist us by signing the online petition against heritage listing, which will then be delivered to the Local Government. Please take just two minutes of your time to help.

We appreciate your support in this campaign. Please forward this link to all members of your family. You can also watch and enjoy this video...https://www.youtube.com/live/J3XgVkQqfTI?feature=share

Respectfully,

Father Gerasimos and the St George Parish Board