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!
March 9, 2008
Tomorrow is THE BIG DAY
Tomorrow, March 10, 2008 is the 80th birthday of Our Albert Hall. Refreshments will be available ALL DAY from 8 am. Providers include the CWA (for a donation), Rotary with a sausage sizzle (usual prices) and Ginger Catering with coffee and nibbles too.
PARKING is a bit limited near the Hyatt, so patrons are requested to park in the Langton St Treasury Dept office carpark on the other side of Commonwealth Ave....use the underpass (with ramps) to get over the road; it will only take you a few minutes.
Official guests to the birthday party are asked to be seated by 10.15. Seating will be opened up to the general public after that time.
Entertainment and activities all day, ending with the Monaro Folk Society Dance starting at 7.30, tickets at the door. We hope to see you there. Here is the full programme.
March 4, 2008
Join us for a fun day
The latest program update features Jumptown Swing, a community dance club who will lead us on a conga-line around the hall, just like the one that celebrated the end of WW II.
Have a look at the program on our birthday page and you will see lots of activities that demonstrate the versatility and appeal of the hall, Our Albert Hall. Why not come along and join us on March 10?
December 10, 2007
Friends of the Albert Hall - President
Greg Cornwell, our Founding President has resigned as a member of the Executive Committee and thus as President. Greg indicated his reason was that, as a senior Liberal, and in the wake of the election result on 24 November, he would be pursing significant political activity on behalf of the Liberal Party in the period ahead. In such circumstances, he considered it would not be appropriate for him to head up the Friends which is, of course, a non-partisan organization. Greg indicated that his decision “in no way alters (my) commitment to help save our Albert Hall for the community and, hopefully, see a better outcome for the DA53 proposal”. The Committee warmly thanked Greg Cornwell for his singular service as the Founding President and, in particular, for his judicious advice to the Committee. The Committee is very pleased that Greg will remain an active member of the Friends.
Under FAH Rules the Committee can appoint to fill a vacancy, to take us forward to the AGM. We have now done this. We will shortly post advice about our new President.
October 25, 2007
Great opportunity to take an expert guided heritage tour of Albert Hall and Precinct
As a highlight of Heritage Festival 2007, the ACT National Trust and Friends of Albert Hall will jointly host a free sunset tour (5.30pm-7.00pm) of Albert Hall and surrounds, followed by tea/coffee in Albert Hall. It will be a unique opportunity to hear from Canberra's foremost expert on the history and heritage significance of Albert Hall. Dr Coltheart is a well-known local historian, Convenor of the initial Friends support group, Vice-President of Friends of the Albert Hall Inc, a member of the ACT Heritage Council and historical consultant for the Albert Hall Conservation Management and Landscape Plan 2007. Dr Coltheart also has a popular local history program on ABC radio and is a regular commentator on history and heritage issues.
The long term future of Albert Hall and its precinct remains unclear. From 1 December, the ACT government will resume interim public management of Albert Hall and begin much needed renovations. The ACT government has committed to consult the community about Albert Hall's long term management but no details are yet available. NCA workshops on a revisited DA53 are still to be held, and Albert Hall's nomination for the National Heritage List is not yet approved.
Bookings are essential. Call National Trust on 6230-0533. More details are in the media release at www.act.nationaltrust.org.au/
October 4, 2007
Albert Hall and National Heritage Listing - an update
Following an article in the Canberra Times on 2 October about sites on the priority assessment list for 2007-8 for National Heritage Listing, which did not mention Albert Hall, Dr Deb Foskey, Leader, ACT Greens helpfully sought information from the ACT government about the National Heritage Listing of Albert Hall. The ACT Greens questions and the government’s responses are below.
1. Has a nomination been prepared and submitted?
Nominations for the National Heritage List (NHL) for 2007 closed prior to the Chief Minister writing to the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, requesting that the Albert Hall be considered for nomination on the NHL. (Nominations closed in April and the Chief Minister wrote to the Commonwealth in June). However, in the meantime, officers from the Heritage Unit in TAMS have been in contact with their counterparts in the Department of Environment and Water Resources to discuss the nomination process and are now in receipt of the nomination application forms and other relevant documentation. A draft of the nomination is currently being prepared by the Heritage Unit.
2. If not, what is the time line for submission?
Nominations for the NHL for consideration by the National Heritage Council open in November 2007 and close in February 2008.
3. Which primary values are cited as the reason for the nomination?
The Albert Hall Conservation Management and Landscape Plan (CMLP), endorsed by the ACT Heritage Council in April 2007, assesses the heritage values of the Hall against both the ACT and the National heritage criteria. The analysis and statements of claims contained in the CMLP will be used as the basis of the argument for NHL listing. The CMLP can be found on the Heritage website.
The Assessment of significance can be found in Chapter 4 which is contained on Part 2 of the CMLP at the above address.
4. Could the document please be made a public document, as there is so much public interest in this issue?
The CMLP is a public document and available on the website at the above address. (The govt) would not expect the nomination form to be made public as its more of an administrative document and will not contain any material of public interest other than that contained in the CMLP.
As it will be of interest to the Friends and supporters, the Friends will seek to obtain and would plan to post on our website a copy of the nomination.
October 3, 2007
Chief Minister responds to question on long term management of Albert Hall and deteriorating condition of Albert Hall
On 26 September 2007, ACT Liberals MLA and Shadow Minister for Heritage, Mr Richard Mulcahy, asked a question of the Chief Minister in the Legislative Assembly about the ACT govt plans for the long-term management of Albert Hall, negotiations that might be going on with the NCA and about renovations to bring Albert Hall up to an acceptable standard.
In his reply the Chief Minister indicated that the tender process “continues to run”, the govt was considering “alternative positions and submissions” to govt about “appropriate management structure and an appropriate future for the Albert Hall”, and that “no outcomes have been finalized”. He mentioned that he met the previous week with the Chairman of the NCA and the full board about DA53 issues.
The Chief Minister indicated that the govt was looking at issues relating to what constituted an “acceptable standard” for the renovation of Albert Hall, and what upgrades might be required. He mentioned a figure of about $2m.
The full account of the question is attached. (Hansard)
The Friends of the Albert Hall continues to remind the ACT government of the views expressed in the petition on DA53 signed by 3364 people and the Resolutions of the 24 May public meeting. The Friends have argued that, as a municipal facility and our Town Hall, the govt should resume public management of Albert Hall and that it should be managed primarily for affordable community, cultural and civic uses.
Albert Hall is currently in a disgraceful state of repair and this is of growing concern to user groups and the public using Albert Hall. Friends have also urged the ACT govt to undertake prioirity maintainence and repairs as a matter of urgency.
September 12, 2007
Celebrate Albert Hall's 80th birthday
On 10 March 2008 Albert Hall turns 80 – the day will be the Canberra Day public holiday, the perfect opportunity to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the grand official opening on 10 March 1928 by Prime Minister Stanley Melbourne Bruce.
Friends of the Albert Hall and the ACT government are looking at ways to celebrate that will highlight the heritage and fascinating history of Albert Hall. We are looking for ideas, for sponsors, for volunteers – there are lots of ways to participate in this celebration of Albert Hall, the civic and cultural hearth of our city.
If you’d like to be part of this very special occasion please let us know with a comment.
September 11, 2007
The Friends meet with the NCA on the NCA's Heritage Assessment
On 27 July 2007 an NCA official and the NCA’s heritage consultant met with representatives of Friends of the Albert Hall at the NCA’s request to discuss the NCA’s heritage assessment of the Albert Hall Precinct. This heritage assessment will form the basis of the heritage workshops on the Precinct and is a staring point for the revisited DA53.
Members and supporters of the Friends will be interested in the attached account of this discussion record. The account has been cleared with the NCA so that it accurately reflects the NCA’s position. We hope to do more of this in future, so you can see what is being said to the Friends by governments and government agencies, and so you can read about issues we are raising on behalf of the community.
This report will be live on 12.9.07
September 10, 2007
Join Friends of the Albert Hall Inc - NOW!!!
Friends of the Albert Hall Inc is very pleased to announce that our supporters can now become full financial members of the Friends. The membership application form is attached. Membership form [pdf 71KB]
We warmly encourage our supporters to become a financial member of Friends of the Albert Hall Inc. As a financial member you will directly support a community organization committed to
- Raising awareness of the national, historical, heritage, social, community, cultural and civic significance of Albert Hall and its Heritage Precinct
- Advocating for community interest in the maintenance, conservation, accessibility and management of Albert Hall and its Heritage Precinct
- Advocating for affordable community, cultural and civic use of Albert Hall and its Heritage Precinct
- Encouraging creative and effective planning and management for a sustainable future for Albert Hall and its Heritage Precinct
- Providing a representative organization for individuals and incorporated assocations that support these objectives
You will have the opportunity to
- Be informed of major developments affecting the future of Albert Hall and its Heritage Precinct through messages, a website and newsletters
- Contribute to shaping the future of the Albert Hall and its Heritage Precinct by participating as a Friend of the Albert Hall in meetings affecting its future
- Inform and contribute to the development of Friends' positions, in particular through the Friends' website
- Be involved in community action and other events in support of Friends of the Albert Hall objectives
Also attached are the Rules of Friends of the Albert Hall Inc. Rules [pdf 90KB]
If you have a problem accessing the membership application form or Rules, please leave a message in the comment section of the website, or contact us at
August 15, 2007
Register for NCA workshops and tell the NCA what the community wants for the Albert Hall Precinct
In a meeting with representatives of the Friends on 27 July 2007, an NCA official advised that the NCA is revisiting DA53 with a “clean slate”. We are taking the NCA at its word.
The NCA has also advised it will conduct community and professional workshops on heritage, traffic and urban design. The NCA has not published a schedule for these workshops.
Anyone interested to attend should register with the NCA by 7 September 2007. The relevant official is Ms Amanda Pugh on telephone (02) 6271 2893 or email Amanda.Pugh@natcap.gov.au
Friends of the Albert Hall strongly urge all Friends and anyone else interested in the future of the Albert Hall and its Precinct to register now for all these workshops. You can then decide which to attend when timings become known and it is clear how the revisited DA53 seems to be developing. We are especially keen to encourage attendance by community and cultural groups who use or may want to use Albert Hall, relevant residents’ associations and individuals/groups interested in the history and heritage of the Albert Hall and Precinct, the environment and vistas, the impact of proposed commercial development and traffic issues.
Come to these workshops and tell the NCA what the community wants for our Albert Hall and the Albert Hall Precinct!
August 14, 2007
Incorporation of Friends of the Albert Hall
Exciting News!!
On 13 August 2007, Friends of the Albert Hall was registered as an incorporated organisation.
The following are the members of the Friends of the Albert Hall Inc inaugural Committee
Greg Cornwell - President
Dr Lenore Coltheart - Vice President
Di Johnstone - Secretary
Philippa Muller - Treasurer
Alison Reece - Member
Brett Odgers - Member
Luke Wensing - Member
Graham O'Loghlin - Member
The Commitee is making arrangements for individuals and incorporated associations to join Friends of the Albert Hall Inc as financial members. Details will be placed on the website shortly.
The comments forms filled out by participants in the public meeting on 24 May were delivered to the NCA and to Chief Minister’s Office as directed by the meeting.
June 10, 2007
After the Albert Hall Public Meeting
The public meeting on 24 May was a great success - more than 300 people attended and as well as brief speeches from invited panelists, a lively question time made this a valuable forum on the key issues.
The success of the meeting has meant a busy few weeks - especially for the NCA and the ACT Government. We await the outcome of their current meetings and discussions with interest.
As resolved at the public meeting on 24 May, a committee has been formed to work towards the implementation of the Resolutions [word document] passed then. The Convener of the Committee is Di Johnstone. Updates will be posted on the website.
The record [pdf] of the Public Meeting is attached.
May 16, 2007
Public Meeting Albert Hall 24 May 2007
Concerned about the NCA's plans set out in DA53 or the ACT Government's policies on conservation of the Albert Hall and adequate access by community groups?
This historic public meeting on the future of the Albert Hall is hosted by the National Trust of Australia (ACT) in conjunction with Friends of the Albert Hall and a range of community partners - Canberra City Rotary Club, Walter Burley Griffin Society, Yarralumla Residents’ Association, Manning Clark House, Canberra International Film Festival Inc, Artists Society of Canberra, The Embroiderers Guild (ACT) Inc, Monaro Folk Society, Earthly Delights Dance Academy and in association with Canberra Youth Music.
This will be a forum for discussion, ideas, and information from community groups, experts, federal parliamentarians and ACT officials about the Albert Hall precinct.
Refreshments will be provided and the Bush Dancers Display Group and the Bordonian Heritage Dancers will perform.
April 29, 2007
How the Draft Amendment process works
The NCA has advised that as DA53 has not yet been submitted to the Minister, it is the NCA and not Minister Jim Lloyd who would withdraw it at this stage.
Important information for those requesting withdrawal of DA53 in their submissions:
The NCA advises that as DA53 has not yet been submitted to the Minister, it is the NCA and not Minister Jim Lloyd who would withdraw it.
The following explanation of the process, kindly provided by the NCA, will help Friends wondering how the process works:
Under the terms of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 the NCA has the function to propose amendments to the National Capital Plan; the power to prepare draft amendments; the responsibility to engage in consultations and to submit draft amendment to the Minister for consideration and approval.
If the Minister approves the draft amendment it is subject to the requirements of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 and must be registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments (which replaces the original gazettal requirement and is maintained by the Attorney Generals Department). It is laid before each House of Parliament within 15 sitting days of the instrument being made. It is at this stage it is subject to disallowance by either House within the 15 sitting days.
April 26, 2007
Deadline for submissions to NCA: Friday 4 May 2007
Make sure you have your submission on the development proposal for the Albert Hall precinct in before the deadline.
If you want Draft Amendment 53 to the National Capital Plan withdrawn, just state that and give your reasons.
You can download a guide to making a submission – see above.
The National Capital Authority advises they will hold workshops for people who have made submissions – make sure you send in your views so you can continue to participate.
April 26, 2007
Tenders for management of Albert Hall
The ACT Government has called for tenders for the management of the Albert Hall (Canberra Times 21 April 2007). The tender period closes on 24 May 2007.
The tender document apparently requires the successful tenderer not only to manage and maintain the site and manage bookings and clients, but also to undertake the works program of conservation and refurbishment and to demonstrate financial capacity for this.
A tall order after 15 years of ACT Government neglect of this significant precinct!
April 26, 2007
DA56, the Senate and 10 May 2007
Draft Amendment 56 will change the National Capital Plan by including the NCA’s ‘Griffin Legacy’ principles. With three other controversial amendments (DA59, DA60 & DA61), it is the subject of a notice of motion for disallowance raised by Senator Bob Brown. This will be put in the Senate on 10 May 2007 in an attempt to have them reconsidered as requested by the Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee, a recommendation rejected by Minister Jim Lloyd on 22 March 2007.
Friends will be aware that four other Draft Amendments to the National Capital Plan are at the final stage of the ‘disallowable instrument’ process. These DAs were the subject of the report by the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital that was rejected by Minister Jim Lloyd on 22 March 2007.
Senate Greens candidate Kerrie Tucker shared the view of many other Friends that this was hardly the open consultative process the NCA promises and as a result, Greens Senator Bob Brown moved a notice of motion to disallow the four DAs.
Our ACT senators, Kate Lundy and Gary Humphries, have both spoken on this issue, but unless they are willing to support disallowance when the Senate debates the motion at its sitting on 10 May, all four amendments to the National Capital Plan will simply be rubber-stamped instead of really debated.
Whatever our views on these DAs, one of them, DA56, could be crucial to the Albert Hall campaign as it would implement the NCA’s ‘Griffin Legacy’ changes to the National Capital Plan. As the NCA claims DA53 is based on the principles of the ‘Griffin Legacy’, disallowance of DA56 could in effect cause DA53 to be withdrawn.
There are other problems with DA56, as outlined in the Griffin Society’s submission to the Joint Standing Committee, but for the Friends, it is the implications for the Albert Hall precinct that concern us.
So make your views clear to our ACT senators – and ask them to talk to their colleagues in the Senate and in their parliamentary parties about the implications of DA56.
For more on this important issue see www.griffinsociety.org
April 5, 2007
The campaign against DA53 steps up
Despite the NCA's assurances this week that we live in the best of all possible worlds (see for instance Chairman Michael Ball's article in the Canberra Times 5 April 2007) the Friends of the Albert Hall are not convinced.
The campaign for Minister Jim Lloyd to withdraw Draft Amendment 53 to the National Capital Plan will not be over until that announcement is made.
But on the bright side, DA53's planning proposals for the Albert Hall area have focussed attention on one of the national capital's most sensitive cultural heritage precincts, on the NCA's planning processes, and on the ACT Government's responsibility for managing the Albert Hall.
April 3, 2007
The ACT Government's Albert Hall Conservation Management Plan
The ACT Heritage Council announced today that it had considered the draft CMP commissioned by the ACT Government and the document would now be finalised for endorsement by the Heritage Council so it can be released by the ACT Government as soon as possible.
It should be noted that this long-awaited report is for the building and its immediate surrounds and does not cover the wider area subject to DA53.
It will nevertheless be of great interest to the Friends in terms of our interest in both the NCA's planning role for the area and the ACT Government's management of the long term future of our Albert Hall.
March 24, 2007
NCA 'Open Day' on DA53
The initial report on the meeting in the Canberra Times 23/3 was obviously based on an NCA press release - it sounded like a different event without the public voices.
But the real significance of the swelling protest against the NCA proposals - and the ACT Government's neglect of the Albert Hall, which it is responsible for managing - is now being recognised, with good coverage of the NCA ' Open Day' on the Albert Hall proposals (Sunday Times 25/3) and of the issues (Canberra Times headlines 26/3)
March 22, 2007
NCA public consultation meeting at Regatta Point Thursday
For those who were at the NCA's first try on Monday 5 March in the Albert Hall, the contrast with that gesture towards public participation was welcome.
This public meeting was styled a 'Consultation Workshop' and had the benefit of a team of professional facilitators - the audience however insisted on remaining in plenary session for most of the time rather than splitting into groups.
It was of great value to hear the range of views expressed, and the meeting's united voice on our Albert Hall.
This was a vigorous meeting with about 70 people attending. The NCA's Lincoln Hawkins chaired firmly and mostly cheerfully, and three senior NCA staffers gave the presentations - Todd Ruhl (the development proposals), Lyndsay Evans (Traffic) and Stuart Mackenzie (Griffin Legacy).
March 22, 2007
Minister's rejection of the JSC recommendations on DA56 etc
Morning release:
On Thursday 22 March the recommendations of the federal Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital Plan on four other Draft Amendments the NCA proposed were made public. The JSC response to DA 56 The Griffin Legacy - Principles and Policies is relevant to the Albert Hall as it addresses the NCA's 'Griffin Legacy' principles used to justify the Albert Hall proposal. The JSC asked the NCA to reconsider on the basis of the submissions it had received and concerns about 'excessive building height, traffic and transport implications, loss of vistas of national significance and loss of green space. In addition, there were concerns about the scale of the proposed developments and the lack of a rigorous planning rationale.'
Afternoon rejection:
But the same day, shortly before the NCA's public meeting, the Minister Jim Lloyd, announced his rejection of all the recommendations of the JSC's report.
The Committee's report is online.
