AUSTRALIA’S FIRST PARLIAMENT TURNS 200 WITH BIG PUBLIC CELEBRATION
This Sunday, the Parliament of NSW turns 200. Over 5,000 members of the public are set to celebrate this milestone at a spectacular Open House. They will be joined by members of Parliament and staff, past and present.
August 25th marks exactly 200 years since the inaugural meeting of NSW Parliament’s Upper House, making it Australia’s first parliament.
Open House lets the community explore Australia’s oldest public building with exclusive access to areas not usually open to the public. The diverse program is expected to draw many first-time visitors and people of all ages to Parliament House, with exhibitions and historian talks on the iconic building’s legacy and heritage architecture, live music, historical re-enactments, guided tours, art, children’s activities, food and
more. It also features the world premiere performance of a music composition by the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, prepared especially for the Bicentenary.
The Hon. Ben Franklin MLC, President of the NSW Legislative Council, said the milestone is a once-in- lifetime opportunity to celebrate Australia’s oldest lawmaking body and 200 years of democracy.
“The NSW Parliament’s Upper House has come a long way since 1824, as an advisory council of five men appointed by the Governor. Today, we celebrate a robust House of Review with 42 directly elected members, representing the diverse voices of our state.”
Open House takes place on Sunday, 25 August from 10:00am to 4:00pm at NSW Parliament House.
For more information, visit the Parliament of NSW website.
