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Bicentenary Events

Bicentenary Events

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Be part of celebrating a momentous milestone for parliamentary democracy in Australia, with an exciting program of events, exhibitions and conversations marking 200 years of the NSW Legislative Council. ​

We’ll hit the road with community forums in regional NSW, host evening talks with past and present members to uncover their stories and passions, showcase some of the state’s incredible creative talent, hear from eminent historians, and open the doors of Parliament House for a special commemorative event.

Check out upcoming and past events below. For further details or questions, email us at [email protected]. You can also follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter)​ to stay updated. ​
Current Events​
EXHIBITION​
Legacy & Evolution ​ 200 Years of the NSW Legislative Council
October 2024​​ to January 2025 


Upcoming Events​​
Bicentenary Concert Series​  
CONCERTS​
Bicentenary Concert Series​
Next Concert, ​20 November 2024​
The Bicentenary Concert Series returns for 2024 with a series of free lunchtime concerts to be held in NSW Parliament's Fountain Court.​
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CONFERENCE
Bicentenary Conference
December​ 2024​


​​ Past Events​​
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BICENTENARY SEMINAR SERIES
Gudyarra
Past event, held 12 September 2024
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BICENTENARY ABORIGINAL ARTWORK
Unveiling of 'Ngurra Jagun'
Past event, held 11 September 2024


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     Open House
     Past event, held 25 August 2024


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BICENTENARY SEMINAR SERIES
Representation Matters: Culture & Identity
Past event, held 9 August 2024

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​​​REGIONAL ROADSHOWS​​​
Democracy on the move! Lismore, Port Macquarie, Bathurst, Batemans Bay, Armidale, Wagga Wagga​
Past events, held April to August 2024​

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BICENTENARY SEMINAR SERIES
Pride​ & Precedent: Law, Representation, Reform
Past event, held 19 July 2024​

Discover the powerful stories and inspiring figures behind four decades of ground-breaking legal and social reform in the NSW Supreme Court and the Legislative Council – NSW's Upper House – transforming the experiences of LGBTQIA+ people. Chaired by the President of the Legislative Council, the Hon Ben Franklin MLC, the panel featured Justice Richard Weinstein SC, the Hon Penny Sharpe MLC, and Trevor Khan. A recording and transcript will be available soon.


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BICENTENARY SEMINAR SERIES
Then & Now: People, Power & Representation​
Past event, held 18 April 2024​​
The first seminar in our Bicentenary Seminar Series was an evening of lively conversation and debate unpacking ground-breaking moments in the NSW Legislative Council’s 200-year history. Chaired by the President of the NSW Legislative Council, the Hon Ben Franklin MLC, the panel featured Dr Meredith Burgmann, Dr Peter Phelps, the Hon Robert Borsak MLC, Ms Abigail Boyd MLC, the Hon Courtney Houssos MLC, and the Hon Chris Rath MLC. The recording and transcript is available here.​​

September 2022 Conference​  ​
HISTORY CONFERENCE
The Spark: The Act that brought Parliament and the Supreme Court to NSW
Past event, held 13 and 14 November 2023​​
Our first Bicentenary event for 2023 was held across 13 and 14 November - a fascinating history conference exploring all things related to the NSW Act of 1823 and the beginnings of good governance in NSW.
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September 2022 Conference  
HISTORY CONFERENCE
The State of the Colony: People, Place and Politics in 1823
Past event, held 8 September and 24 November 2022
This conference explored key figures and events in the history of the Legislative Council, early colony and Aboriginal community, with sessions delivered by well-known academics and engaging authors.
EXHIBITION
Unlocking the House
Past event, held 27 September - 27 October 2022

Special Bicentenary exhibition 'Unlocking the House' opened the door to stories, accomplishments and curiosities from across the Legislative Council's history. While the exhibition's run at Parliament House has since finished, you can still click the link above to explore the fascinating information and imagery it showcased.
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