Media Release – Monday 6 May 2013
Saturday 18 May 2013 will be an exciting day, not only for the residents of Griffith and Narrabundah but all of Canberra, when Shane Rattenbury, the Minister for Territories and Municipal Services, announces the launch of Blaxland Park, Canberra’s newest urban park.
Formerly known as Block 51, the new park on Blaxland Crescent in Griffith ACT will be named ‘Blaxland Park’ in honor of renowned explorer, Gregory Blaxland who, together with Wentworth and Lawson, first crossed the Blue Mountains 200 years ago in May 1813.
The announcement will be made during the Centenary Street Party being organised by the Griffith Narrabundah Community Association and M16 Artspace at the Blaxland Centre.
“While Canberra’s planners move headlong to increasing the population density throughout our older suburbs, it becomes even more important that urban open space is maintained. We are therefore very pleased to have Minister Rattenbury open the new park” said Dr David Denham, President of the Griffith Narrabundah Community Association.
“We are also privileged to have Dr John Blaxland, a great, great, great grandson of Gregory Blaxland join the celebrations. Dr Blaxland lives in Inner South Canberra and is a Senior Fellow in Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the ANU.” said David Denham.
“At our street party along with the new Blaxland Park announcement, party goers will enjoy M16 Artspace open artist studios and gallery (including Barbara van der Linden’s Faces of Canberra), live music from the Telopea Park School Band, Jumptown! Swing dancers, coffee and cakes, a sausage sizzle, booths from the local Griffith Shop keepers and residents. There is also a ‘Design a Park’ opportunity for attendees and the Great Canberra Centenary Cake Competition. The winners will be announced and awarded prizes; the cakes will then be shared with those enjoying the coffee.”
“We have a very engaged and active group of residents in our Association and a lot of work has gone into our Centenary Party, which – we hope everyone enjoys on the day. The whole event marks an important moment for our little corner of Canberra” David said.
PHOTO/FILMING OPPORTUNITY
WHAT: The announcement of Blaxland Park, GNCA and M16 Centenary Street party and art exhibitions launch.
WHERE: M16 Artspace, Blaxland Crescent, Griffith ACT
WHEN: From 1pm to 4pm, Saturday 18 May 2013
WHY: Celebrate Canberra’s Centenary and the naming of Blaxland Park Griffith marking the bi-centenary of Gregory Blaxland’s journey to cross the Blue Mountains
For images, interviews or further information, contact David Denham President of the Griffith Narrabundah Community Association on 02 6295 3014, 0412 281 022 or email denham@webone.com.au / More information at www.gnca.org.au
Additional background:
- May 2013 is the bicentenary of Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson finding the crossing through the Blue Mountains west of Sydney in 1813 which led to the opening up of new settlements and the agricultural potential of the western plains.
- There is a bicentenary crossing re-enactment happening in May 2013. More on http://visitbluemountains.com.au/bicentenary.php OR http://bmbw.org.au/index.html.
- The Royal Australian Mint is issuing a commemorative $10 uncirculated coin marking the bicentenary of the crossing of the Blue Mountains. More on https://eshop.ramint.gov.au/2013-Blue-Mountains-Coin/210189.aspx.