Big Celebrations: Corowa District Historical Society (CDHS) is gearing up to celebrate 130 years of the Corowa Conference next month with a big weekend of events lined up. Pictured at the museum on Monday are CDHS members Heather Hall, Lesley New, Margaret Playford and Gwynneth Handberg who have been working hard over the last few months to deliver the exciting event recognising Corowa’s role in the Federation movement.
Months of meticulous planning has paved the way for an unforgettable celebration as the Corowa District Historical Society gears up to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the historic Corowa Conference next month.
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The 1893 conference 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.
The upcoming weekend of July 29 promises to be a memorable occasion for the region, with many festivities planned for locals and visitors alike kicking off on Saturday morning with a captivating Pioneer Cemetery Walk.
Participants will have the opportunity to delve into the lives and stories of four notable delegates who attended the momentous 1893 conference, including brothers Alexandra and Frederick Piggin, George Haig, and Reverend William Hose.
Following the cemetery walk, a panel discussion will take place on Saturday afternoon at the historic Oddfellows Hall. Esteemed guests Frank Bongiorno, Jeff Brownrigg, and James Warden will engage in a lively debate centred around the importance of the 1993 centenary celebrations of the Corowa Conference.
The Oddfellows Hall will play host to two events of the July 29 weekend including discussions surrounding the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
The centenary events, which included the involvement of Prime Minister Paul Keating, hold a special place in the town's history and will be explored in depth during this thought-provoking session.
The centrepiece of the weekend will be the Saturday dinner held at the Corowa RSL Club. The distinguished trio of Frank Bongiorno, Jeff Brownrigg, and James Warden will be joined by esteemed constitutional lawyer Dr. Matt Harvey and his partner and leadership consultant Jane Hayman. Together, they will delve into the topic of 'What did Federation do for us?' This captivating discussion, moderated by Corowa High School History Teacher Martin Douglas, promises to provide insight into the impact of Federation on Corowa itself, Australia and its citizens.
Dr. Harvey will also host a special conversation at the historic Oddfellows Hall on Sunday morning (July 30) focusing on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. The objective of this session is to foster an open and inclusive dialogue that explores the various perspectives surrounding this critical issue.
Dr. Harvey's expertise and dedication to promoting understanding will ensure that participants are engaged in an entertaining and thought-provoking discussion.
The 130th anniversary celebrations of the Corowa Conference will not only pay homage to the historical significance of the event but also provide a platform for contemporary conversations. The weekend promises to be a blend of reflection, education, and stimulating discussions, showcasing Corowa's rich heritage and its ongoing commitment to shaping the future of Australia.
Corowa District Historical Society president Gwynneth Handberg said the committee is looking forward to the big weekend of celebrations.
“We are proud to be hosting this weekend celebrating Corowa and its role in Federation,” she said.
“Months of planning and preparation have gone into organising a weekend that will honour the delegates who gathered here in 1893, as well as provide engaging discussions on the legacy of Federation.
“We are grateful to have esteemed guests like Frank Bongiorno, Jeff Brownrigg, James Warden, Dr. Matt Harvey, and Jane Hayman joining us for these celebrations.
“We are particularly excited about the Saturday dinner at the Corowa RSL Club, where our esteemed guests will explore the topic of 'What did Federation do for us?'
“The weekend is opportunity to educate the public about Corowa’s role in Federation, why it came about. and how and
“In the meantime, if anyone would like to learn more about our history, I encourage them to visit the Corowa Federation Museum which has a splendid display relating to the 1893 conference.”
To secure your place for any of the weekend’s events visit www.trybooking.com/ciofd
