Capital history in the news
Capital women
Canberra women of the ranges | Matthew Higgins writes that women have played a significant role in Canberra’s long running skiing, bush walking and mountaineering clubs. This is shown by profiles of Charlotte (better known as Charles) Burston nee Lane-Poole and Dorothy Brown who loved the high country and were pioneers of Canberra’s outdoor recreational clubs.
Anniversaries
Red Hill anniversary celebrations | Events planned to celebrate Red Hill Primary School’s 60th anniversary year, including a Community Open Day and evening soiree, have been cancelled due to coronavirus. Organisers are compiling a history of the school featuring the recollections, photos and objects of former students and teachers and the P&C will produce a souvenir magazine to celebrate the anniversary. Former staff and students are also encouraged to purchase a commemorative paver by 3 July. More information at redhillps.act.edu.au or by emailing rhps.pandc@gmail.com.
2021 – Centenary of the Griffins’ Castlecrag and Sesquicentenary of Marion Mahony Griffin’s birth | Plans are underway to commemorate the centenary of Castlecrag in Sydney and the 150th anniversary of Marion Mahony Griffin’s birth. The Museum of Sydney will have an exhibition about the Griffins and Castlecrag and the Walter Burley Griffin Society is organising events and a sculpture to honour Marion Mahony Griffin.
Family history
Growing number of Australian families lifting the lid on hidden Indigenous histories | Report about the increasing number of Australians who are seeking assistance from Aboriginal organisations so they can rebuild family histories that were broken because of the removal of Indigenous children from their families under various government policies over many decades. The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) said there had been a 20 per cent increase, year on year, in people seeking help for family reunification.
We have been here before
Party like its 1922, eased NSW restrictions a reminder of Canberra’s dry years | Jasper Lindell writes about how different COVID-19 restrictions in Canberra and Queanbeyan for pubs may see Canberrans head to Queanbeyan for a drink just as they did in the early years of Canberra when alcohol was prohibited in the new territory.
How Australia tackled the aids crisis | Senior Curator, Amy Lay of the National Archives of Australia explores how Australia responded to the 1980s AIDS crisis including the Grim Reaper from the Australian Government’s 1987 AIDS awareness campaign. Materials from the campaign are held by the Archives.
Why good leaders need to hold the hose, how history might read Morrison’s coronavirus leadership | Frank Bongiorno, Professor of History, Australian National University examines how Prime Minister Morrison’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic may be judged given historical examples of leadership.
NFSA and MOAD online content
Mabo: Life of an Island Man | In celebration of National Reconciliation Week, the National Film and Sound Archive will present an online screening of the documentary Mabo: Life of an Island Man, followed by a live Q&A session with director Trevor Graham. Screens at 6.00pm on Friday 29 May.
Digital learning at MOAD brings a key part of our democratic history to kids everywhere | The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House has made digital excursions a viable option for classrooms of kids everywhere and, during the time of COVID-19, for children at home. MoAD’s digital programs are aligned to the Australian Curriculum and while initially designed with classrooms in mind, they are also suitable for students learning from home. The range of programs covers years K –12 and can be booked online here.
Canberra 100 inspired stories
Iconic Canberra bus shelters: From skate ramp to nuptials shoot | Tim the Yowie Man writes about Canberrans’ feedback on the iconic status of the Cummings concrete bus shelters and the Canberra red brick, the first two objects of Capital history here’s Canberra 100. Also reports on Canberrans’ concerns that Major General Legge and his homestead Cranleigh, part of Belconnen’s heritage, could be better commemorated.
Acknowledgement: The image above of a woman skier is inspired by Matthew Higgins’ profiles of Charles Burston and Dorothy Brown, pioneers of Canberra’s outdoor recreational clubs. It was taken by Sam Hood in 1930 and is from the State Library of New South Wales. Details here.
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