AUSTRALIA’S OLDEST PARLIAMENT HOSTS PUBLIC DAY OF FESTIVITIES AS IT TURNS 200

On Sunday, 25 August, NSW Parliament House will welcome the public for a free day of festivities – 200
years to the day of the first ever meeting of the Legislative Council (the Upper House). The Bicentenary of
the NSW Legislative Council marks the birth of the country’s very first legislature and celebrates 200 years
of democracy in Australia.
Open House gives the community the chance to explore Australia’s oldest public building, including areas
of the Parliamentary precinct 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 live music, historical re-enactments,
guided tours, exhibitions, art, children’s activities, food, the opportunity to meet politicians and more. A key
highlight is 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 Bicentenary is a once-inlifetime opportunity to reflect on the Legislative Council’s incredibly rich and complex journey, celebrate its
achievements and impact, and together imagine a robust parliamentary democracy of the future.
“The NSW Parliament’s Upper House has come a long way since its inaugural meeting in 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.”
“The exciting Bicentenary program of events – regional roadshows, seminars, concerts, an upcoming
exhibition – and now Open House, are bringing communities across NSW together to celebrate this
important milestone for democracy.”
David Blunt AM, Clerk of the Parliaments and Clerk of the Legislative Council, said Open House is a chance
for the community to explore Parliament House following its award-winning restoration.
“Through Open House, we invite the public to rediscover the iconic NSW Parliament House building and
experience its grand architecture, historic rooms and chambers firsthand.”
Open House takes place on Sunday, 25 August from 10:00am to 4:00pm at NSW Parliament House. For
more information and to secure free tickets, please visit the Parliament of NSW website