The Friends of the Albert Hall is a national network for groups and individuals interested in the future of Canberra's historic Albert Hall.
July 27, 2008
Release of Joint Committee Report into the NCA
The Report of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories Inquiry into the role of the National Capital Authority, “The Way Forward”, was released on 16 July 2008 with 22 key recommendations and others expressed as views/proposals in the body of the document. (The Joint Commitee Report is available on their website: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ncet/natcapauth/report/fullreport.pdf.)
Most significantly for the Albert Hall Precinct, the Joint Committee agreed that DA53 should be withdrawn, expressed as follows: “Therefore the committee proposes that Draft Amendment 53, Albert Hall Precinct, not proceed and that proposed changes to traffic conditions south of the Lake on Commonwealth Avenue bridge also not proceed.” It is a great outcome for Albert Hall and it is a bipartisan Committee view. The Report now goes to Minister Debus for his decision. The Friends has called on Minister Debus to agree to the Joint Committee’s bipartisan view that DA53 not proceed and to announce that DA53 will be withdrawn.
Other useful elements in the Report include numerous references to the need for better consultation by the NCA with the community and ways this might be achieved, including a recommendation for a National Capital Consultative Council (NCCC) with community representation. The Committee has also recommended new heritage legislation to deal with gaps in heritage legislation on designated land and a new heritage advisory body to advise the NCA on heritage issues. Proposals made in The Friends, including for a reconstituted and merit-based NCA Board, better cooperation between Federal and ACT planning authorities, alignment of planning with land administration jurisdiction, better opportunities for community engagement in NCA planning processes, an appeal process for NCA decisions and better promotion of national heritage assets, including Albert Hall, have been addressed in the Report’s recommendations. The Friends will be looking for more detail and close community involvement in the development of key aspects of the Report, especially the proposed new NCCC.
Media release - Release of NCA Inquiry Report [pdf]
April 10, 2008
NCA Inquiry will be in the Albert Hall
The Friends has made a Submission to the current Parliamentary Inquiry into the NCA and will appear before the Inquiry on 21 April from 1000-1030 at a public hearing in the Albert Hall. The hearings will commence before that time, but that is when our submission will be heard. Full details are in this media release.
We are delighted, of course, that the Inquiry hearing will be in our Albert Hall!! This hearing in the Albert Hall underlines the continuing national significance and important civic uses of the Albert Hall. We warmly encourage members and supporters of The Friends, and anyone interested in the future of Albert Hall, to attend the Inquiry hearing. For information about the Inquiry please see the Inquiry website on http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ncet/index.htm
March 11, 2008
Great Birthday Party!
It was a wonderful day! Our Albert Hall was resplendant in the sunny Canberra autumn weather. The temperature peaked at an unusual 32 degrees, so the umbrellas and shade structures were well patronised!
The CWA breakfast/morning tea was sumptuous, the COZMO mandolin orchestra entertained outside whilst the Earthly Delights Dance Academy whirled around inside. At the same time, oral histories were being collected, antiques evaluated, flowers admired and embroidery closely examined. The ABC was broadcasting direct from the hall foyer, and it was all just so busy and exciting.
By the time the "official" birthday celebrations were to start, there were about 500 people in the hall, standing room only, eagerly awaiting the presentations. The historic tableau by Girls Grammar School reminded us of the past, the Chief Minister, Mr Stanhope asked for guidance in future management of the hall. With the cutting of a structured cake, and singing 'happy birthday' the party began outside with cake and tea, and Roaring Twenties dance demonstrations, all to the smell of sizzleing sausages! (Click here to read the President's speech)
The hall refilled and the Royal Military College All Stars Big Band had them dancing in the aisles! Musical presentations by a trio from Canberra Youth Music and Canberra Philharmonic society rounded out a great concert.
The very formal citizenship ceremony, opened by a spectacular fanfare from the Campbell Trumpeters (RMC Band members) in full uniform was a great event for 80 new citizens and their families. A very large Sing Australia choir entertained another full hall followed by the Bush Dancers Display Group demonstration, and more tea and cake on the terrace. (Click here to read the Citizenship speech by Mr Enrico Taglietti)
After the sun went down, the hall filled again with dancers attending the Monaro Folk Society dance; wow, was it HOT in there!(The Bush Dancers will hold a Gala Ball in the Albert Hall on May 10, click on the name above for details)
It's been a long time since the hall saw that much activity. The Friends of the Albert Hall are committed to keeping the hall in the forefront of the minds of urban decision makers when it comes to restoration, management and accessibility for all Canberrans.
We had a great day!
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