This April, Australia’s oldest parliament is opening its doors for a fun-filled Festival of Democracy – a jam-packed day of discovery, learning, and hands-on a
ctivities for young citizens across the state.
Celebrating its fourth year, this exciting open day is designed for children aged five to 12 years and their parents or carers, offering free, interactive and educational experiences that bring democracy to life.
This free school holiday event will be held on Tuesday 15 April, with a range of activities that will entertain and inspire children and adults:
- Step inside history with guided chamber tours
- Get creative in arts and crafts workshops
- Go behind the scenes with special video and documentary screenings and learn about how laws are made
- Travel through time with historical reenactments
- Take to the floor in a mock committee hearing
- Learn about voting with the NSW Electoral Commission
- Engage with the role of Legal Aid in assisting NSW citizens
The Festival of Democracy encourages an understanding of civics, citizenship, and the history and significance of the Parliament of NSW, Australia’s first and oldest legislature.
When: 9:30am – 3:00pm, Tuesday 15 April 2025
Where: NSW Parliament, 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney
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Behaviour at Festival of Democracy
NSW Parliament House is a heritage building and a place of work. The following outlines the behaviour that is expected by visitors to Parliament who are attending the Festival of Democracy. These standards ensure that the event is a respectful and safe environment for the community, staff, volunteers and other visitors to the Parliament.
- Please treat others, including Parliament staff and volunteers, with courtesy and respect.
- Do not engage in disruptive behaviour, including: disorderly or offensive conduct, physical abuse or threatening language.
- Please be considerate of noise. NSW Parliament is a working legislature and many staff are going about their usual work duties.
- Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/carer at all times.
- You are responsible for your child’s safety.
- No scooters, wheeled shoes or beach trolleys/wagons are to be used inside NSW Parliament House.
- No food or drink may be consumed in the Legislative Assembly Chamber, Legislative Council Chamber or Theatrette, except for water in a closed container.
- Food may only be consumed in The Long Bell Cafe on Level 7 or in the Speakers’ Garden.
- All rubbish must be disposed of in the bins provided.
- Feet are not to be placed on the furniture.
- Furniture must not be moved.
All bags will be passed through the metal detector in the Guardhouse. Sharp items, including scissors, are not allowed into Parliament. Please remove all items from your pockets before you enter and place in the containers provided. Pockets must be empty for screening.
