ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ

Historic dinner for ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ's business icons

Bonython Hall
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Elder Hall
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The Mitchell Building
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Tuesday, 19 February 2008

More than 150 of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ's leading business people will enjoy an historic fundraising dinner this Thursday 21 February when the University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ showcases its finest heritage buildings.

An exclusive progressive-style dinner will be held in and around the heritage-listed buildings of , the and the Mitchell Building to raise funds for their ongoing restoration and preservation.

Guests will be treated to pre-dinner drinks on the Mitchell Building's magnificent staircase at 7.30pm, followed by a silver service buffet dinner in Bonython Hall at 8.15pm and then performances by the and Jazz Ensemble in Elder Hall at 9.45pm.

The University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ's is hosting the event to highlight the cultural and historic significance of these educational buildings to ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ and the State.

Heritage Foundation Chair Theo Maras AM said he had been "overwhelmed" by the outstanding response from ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ's business sector to the dinner.

"Our initial target figure of $100,000 has been well and truly secured thanks to their generosity," Mr Maras said. "The profits will be used to restore, preserve and conserve the University's iconic, heritage-listed buildings, not only for future generations of students, but the whole community."

"The interest received from across ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ's business community goes to show that all South Australians have great pride in these buildings and are keen to see them preserved. They are a wonderful asset and a distinct part of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ's cultural life.

"However, there are significant costs associated with their ongoing maintenance," he said.

The Heritage Foundation has spent more than $500,000 on conservation plans alone for these three buildings since 2005. A total of $2.5 million has gone towards restoring the turrets and refurbishing the interior of Bonython Hall; re-carpeting and reupholstering the worn seats in Elder Hall has cost more than $400,000; and restoration works on the Mitchell Building has cost $1.3 million.

In August 2007 the conservation work on Bonython Hall was the only Australian project honoured in the . UNESCO's Regional Advisor for Culture, Mr , will attend the event from Bangkok to present the award to the University's Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor James McWha.

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