In the Parliament’s chambers, the past has a way of coming alive.
In 1824, the order arrives from Westminster – a council must be formed to advise the Governor of New South Wales on proposed legislation.
Currency, smuggling, debts and the rights of convicts are urgent and divisive issues, demanding tact and compromise as well as a firm hand.
A judge, a doctor, two soldiers and an explorer embark on the task of turning a penal colony into a nation…
Throughout 2024, Parliament of NSW has been proudly celebrating the Bicentenary of the NSW Legislative Council and the birth of Australia’s first legislature.
To mark 200 years since the newly-established Council sat for the first time on 25 August 1824, we held an Open House, a free event that allowed the public to explore the architecture and history of one of Australia’s oldest public buildings and take part in a range of activities, including a historical re-enactment of this first sitting.
Parliament commissioned the incredible Deadhouse Productions to produce ‘The First Council: How a Modern Government was formed’ to introduce audiences to this significant moment in history.
You can now watch the recording of this performance below.
Thank you to the Deadhouse cast and crew for this engaging performance to mark this historic event.
Production:
- Liviu Monsted (Writer-Director)
- Marisa Newnes (Costumier)
- Stephen Carnell (Producer)
- Abe Bastoli (Photographer)
- Kyla Ward (Narrator)
Cast:
- Governor Brisbane played by Martin Portus
- Messenger & William Stewart played by Johnny Cordukes
- Francis Forbes played by Graham Yates
- Frederick Goulburn played by Jordan Gallegos
- James Bowman played by Chad Traupmann
- John Oxley played by Chris Miller
- Millicent Preston Stanley played by Roslyn Hicks
