Nothing is more symbolic of our agricultural heritage than this farm, the remainder of 960 acres granted in 1799 to Captain Joseph Foveaux, and known as Stock Farm. He was then the largest stockholder and landowner in the colony.

Within two years, it was purchased by John Macarthur, founder of Australia's sheep industry, who was indicted for his role in the Rum Rebellion and returned to England.

This left the established home, then called Seven Hills Farm, to the occupancy of his wife, Elizabeth, who raised merinos there before the move to Camden, according to the Aussie Heritage website.

In the 1820s, the farm was a portion of a mixed land grant to James Robertson who used it (Robertson's Farm) for grazing and orchards. His neighbour, Isabella Acres, bought it in 1828. She sold it in 1842 to William Thomas Pearce as Bella Vista.

It remained in the Pearce family until 1949.

Orange orchards were established, later sheep and dairying took place, and a piggery was established early last century.

After Norbrik's purchase, Bella Vista farm was leased to Mrs Jones who introduced poultry farming to the property. Conservation orders in 1979 saved it from Sydney Water and development by Norwest.

To date, we have spent about $1million on some preservation work and hope that in March the State Heritage Office will grant us $50,000 so we can establish a tripartite partnership with the National Trust and the Master Builders Association.

This will allow us to work on restoring windows, shutters and doors, and stabilising the flooring, repairing the staircase, and connecting water and electricity.

Twice I have made representations to the Federal Government.

I want it to initially provide $250,000 towards this work and commit to annual funding until we complete the work.

If you know the Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, write to him and support this worthy project.

For my part, I hope to lead a delegation to see the minister and press our case for conservation of part of Australia's, not just Baulkham Hills', history.

Let's keep Elizabeth's dreams alive.