Coffee and conversation for our senior residents
The HCA has been approached to help facilitate a regular get together for our senior Hackett residents. It would be mid-morning on a weekday at Siam Twist once a month. Participants would need to cover their owns costs for food and drinks and arrange their own transport to and from home. To get an idea of the level of interest, we invite people to send an email to the HCA info@hackett.asn.au, indicating a preferred day and time. Or leave a note in the HCA Letterbox kept at the counter of the IGA checkout. We can then assess the demand and get back to those who wish to participate. Of course, such gatherings will be subject to any Covid conditions, so may be subject to change.
Grayson St complex added to Register of Significant Architecture
The Heritage Committee, of the Australian Institute of Architects ACT Chapter (AIA), has recently added the “Hackett Courtyard Housing Precinct” (Grayson St) to the Chapter’s Register of Significant Architecture. The citation is available on the AIA website Hackett Courtyard.
In 1966, this complex was described by The Canberra Times as a “Radical homes project for blocks went for Canberra.” Developers showed little interest in the sites when the four blocks went to auction on 25 May 1966 – only $550, $575, $550 and $825; an average of $625!! The auctioneer, Mr RH Webster, a director of LJ Hooker, said ‘buyers were wary of the patio housing scheme because it had not been tried in Canberra yet. Investors would not be interested in high medium density housing in Canberra until strata titles were introduced’ (CTimes 26 May 1966).
The AIA notes that the “Hackett Housing Precinct, designed in 1966 with 50 houses on four blocks, was the first major precinct of courtyard housing developed by the National Capital Development Commission. It has an important place in the ACT’s cultural history, due to the success of the precinct which led to the NCDC providing alternative forms of housing for Canberra’s suburban lifestyles, thus steering the city’s cultural history in a new direction in the 1970s.” The complex was designed by Dirk Bolt who designed many other buildings and neighbourhood centres across Canberra developing suburbs from 1966-71.
Entry on the Register of Significant Architecture is a recognition but offers no legal protection of the precinct.
Barking dogs
There have some issues with barking dogs so if you have concerns please visit the ACT Government website for further information: https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/pets-and-wildlife/domestic-animals/animal-nuisance
Welcome leaflet for new residents
The HCA has produced a leaflet aimed at new Hackett residents. We provide it to real estate agents selling or renting houses or units – a great way to show potential buyers details such as community organisations, schools, churches, shops and other matters. There are limited copies at the shops, but they may have run out – if you would like a copy (or know new residents) send an email with address details to info@hackett.asn.au. We can put one in your letterbox.
Equipment for use by community groups
The HCA has the following items for its use and for lending to other Hackett community groups. If you would like to borrow any of these, please send an email to info@hackett.asn.au.
- Gazebo 3mx3m
- Two power leads each 20m long
- Wheelable esky
- Electric 8 litre urn
- 70 metres of garden hoses
- Collapsible table
- A-frame poster board and a blackboard.
Meetings
We hold our meetings on the second Tuesday of the month, 7.30-8.30pm via Zoom. If you would like to participate, email info@hackett.asn.au and we can provide Zoom details. Meeting dates for the next three months are 14 June, 12 July and 9 August 2022.
Committee
Hackett Community Association
21 May 2022
