The Corowa District Historical Society celebrated the 130th anniversary of the Corowa Conference over the weekend with a series of exciting events, including a Pioneer Cemetery walk, historians talk and the fabulous Federation Dinner on Saturday evening. The dinner was attended by descendants of the delegates to the 1893 conference including the Piggin family (pictured). See story and more photos on page 3.
130th anniversary of the Corowa Conference
History came alive over the weekend as the Corowa District Historical Society (CDHS) hosted a celebration of the 130th anniversary of the Corowa Conference highlighting the pivotal role Corowa played in shaping the very fabric of a nation.
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The 1893 conference, often referred to as a ‘people’s movement’ was a catalyst for a series of actions which ultimately led to the federation of the Australian colonies in 1901. Corowa was subsequently honoured with the title “birthplace of Federation” in recognition of its role in the Federation movement.
Corowa Rotary members Robyn Rhodes, Michael Wrotny, Rosemary Ferguson, Bill Bott AM and Rob Ferguson with Christine Poidevin, Stacey Poidevin and Gary Poidevin OAM.
The festivities commenced on Saturday morning with the Pioneer Cemetery Walk, where more than 40 visitors gathered to pay homage to the delegates of the 1893 Corowa Conference.
Two guest speakers, Lindy Croft-Piggin and CDHS committee member Lesley New, captivated the audience with anecdotes about the intriguing people buried in the cemetery. Among those honoured were brothers Alexandra and Frederick Piggin, George Haig, and Reverend William Hose - all delegates to the 1893 conference.
Guest speakers of the Federation Dinner Professor Frank Bongiorno, leadership specialist Jane Hayman, Dr. Matt Harvey, Dr. Jeff Brownrigg and Dr. James Warden with panel facilitator Mr Martin Douglas of Corowa High School.
The cemetery itself appeared immaculate, thanks to the combined efforts of Corowa Lions, Corowa Rotary, Rutherglen Lions, and the parks and gardens staff of the Federation Council. Special recognition was given to Helen and David Jobson for their exceptional work in tidying the unmarked grave sites with brick borders and flowers, showcasing their dedication to preserving history.
On Saturday afternoon, esteemed historians Dr. Jeff Brownrigg, Professor Frank Bongiorno, and Dr. James Warden held a talk at the Oddfellows Hall, reflecting on the historical significance of Corowa and its association with the Federation movement.
The local Sing Australia group contributed to the program with their melodious renditions of Federation themed songs, adding a touch of cultural richness to the event.
Much loved high school teacher Martin Douglas was a fantastic moderator of the Q&A panel on Saturday evening.
The grand Corowa Federation Dinner took place at the Corowa RSL Club, where around 80 guests, including Federation Council General Manager Adrian Butler and his wife Rebecca, gathered to celebrate the legacy of the 1893 conference, and what it achieved for the nation.
Historians Dr. Jeff Brownrigg, Professor Frank Bongiorno, and Dr. James Warden, accompanied by constitutional lawyer Dr. Matt Harvey and leadership consultant Jane Hayman, engaged the audience with thought-provoking panel talks and a Q&A session. The event was moderated by the highly respected Corowa High School History teacher, Martin Douglas.
Professor Frank Bongiorno at the Oddfellows Hall speaking at the Saturday afternoon session on the historical significance of Corowa and its association with the Federation movement.
Prior to the Q&A session, CDHS President Gwynneth Handberg warmly welcomed the guests, while Lesley New spoke about Corowa’s pivotal role in the Federation movement, sharing stories about the difficulties the colonies faced each with their own government and laws, defence force, and how they issued their own stamps and collected tariffs on goods that crossed the borders.
Brad and Robyn and Moore, Brendan Christy and Meredith Mitchell, Michael and Jane Perry (standing) and Maggie and Gordon Nightingale at the Federation Dinner.
“What was so important about the 1893 Corowa Federation Conference?” Mrs New asked the crowd.
“It produced the process by which Federation was achieved. It made the federation movement a people’s movement thus taking it out of the hands of the politicians and placing it into the hands of the people.
“Following the acceptance of the idea by the premiers’ conference in 1895, meetings were held, a constitution was drawn up, it was put to the people in a referendum-two actually as the first one didn’t go through-and just eight years after the Corowa Conference, Federation was proclaimed in Sydney on January 1, 1901!”
After a lively panel discussion, questions from the audience included whether Federation had achieved anything- with states still facing cross border issues and the validity of the title “birthplace of Federation”.
The dinner featured delectable canapes, main courses, and desserts, creating a perfect ambiance for the celebration.
The evening was made even more special by the presence of distinguished guests who were direct descendants of the original 1893 conference delegates. Descendants of FC Piggin, including David Piggin, Stuart Piggin, Anthony Piggin, Phillip Piggin, Rosemary Flanagan, and Annie Piggin, were present, along with Rosemary Piggin, descendant of Mr. Lynn. Furthermore, Keith Barber and Robyn Barber, descendants of Mr. G.H. Willis, and Graeme Campbell, descendant of Mr. R. Kilborn, attended the event, highlighting the deep-rooted connections to the historical event.
Corowa’s Sing Australia choir entertaining the crowd on Saturday afternoon.
The dinner wrapped up with a rousing applause from the guests, and Martin Douglas praising the panellists and organisers.
“It’s been amazing to ask questions and hear your opinions,” he told the panellists who travelled from Canberra, Melbourne and beyond.
“The historical society has done a terrific job hosting the event so a huge thank you to the organising committee also.”
Sunday morning commenced with a heartwarming sermon at St. Johns Anglican Church, where Dr Stuart Piggin, great-grandson of Frederic Charles Piggin, delivered a thought-provoking message titled ‘The Corowa Convention: From Mustard Seed to Commonwealth.’
The celebration continued at the Oddfellows Hall with a compelling conversation on “the Indigenous Voice to Parliament,”. The engaging panel discussion, facilitated by Dr. Matt Harvey, featured esteemed guest Aunty Iris Troutman from Many Mobs
Wrapping up the weekend’s events, Corowa District Historical Society President Gwynneth expressed her gratitude to everyone who attended the celebration of Corowa and its role in shaping the Federation of Australia.
