Stevenson Gawen
Well-Known Member
Yesterday was Australia Day here, one of our national holidays.
I decided it would be a good day to visit the seat of our national government in Canberra as I hadn't been inside since... um... high school age I think!
And I only live 2 hours drive away...
I did wonder if there'd be any disturbance as there's a fair bit of controversy over Australia Day at present, as the date commemorates the arrival of Europeans to the continent.
As one can imagine given our history, Australia's indigenous population doesn't view that particular date as a cause for celebration - while other groups are firmly attached to it. It's a bit of a tricky subject at present. I can kind of understand and respect both sides... so I'm not much help.
Anyway, turned out to be very peaceful when I was there, which I was glad of.*
Had a good time exploring pretty much all the areas open to the public.
I really like this building actually. Perhaps some submerged patriotism plays a role too.
It's quite impressive without being showy if that makes sense. There's lovely wood and stone sourced from different parts of the country making up a lot of the interior.
Outside the main entrance forecourt
In the forecourt
Play of light and shadow on one of the two marble staircases in the Marble Foyer
Looking across the Marble Foyer - one of the staircases just visible at left.
Chairs
Visitors in the Great Hall
Time exposure in the Great Hall
The Big Picture by Tom Roberts in the Committee Room Foyer
In the House of Representatives
Light and shadow on the Roof, looking South-West
*I found out afterwards that an Invasion Day protest had indeed taken place earlier in the day.
www.abc.net.au
Not sure if I'm glad or sorry that I missed it! I don't like crowds but there could have been some interesting moments to capture too.
I decided it would be a good day to visit the seat of our national government in Canberra as I hadn't been inside since... um... high school age I think!
And I only live 2 hours drive away...
I did wonder if there'd be any disturbance as there's a fair bit of controversy over Australia Day at present, as the date commemorates the arrival of Europeans to the continent.
As one can imagine given our history, Australia's indigenous population doesn't view that particular date as a cause for celebration - while other groups are firmly attached to it. It's a bit of a tricky subject at present. I can kind of understand and respect both sides... so I'm not much help.
Anyway, turned out to be very peaceful when I was there, which I was glad of.*
Had a good time exploring pretty much all the areas open to the public.
I really like this building actually. Perhaps some submerged patriotism plays a role too.
It's quite impressive without being showy if that makes sense. There's lovely wood and stone sourced from different parts of the country making up a lot of the interior.Outside the main entrance forecourt
In the forecourt
Play of light and shadow on one of the two marble staircases in the Marble Foyer
Looking across the Marble Foyer - one of the staircases just visible at left.
Chairs
Visitors in the Great Hall
Time exposure in the Great Hall
The Big Picture by Tom Roberts in the Committee Room Foyer
In the House of Representatives
Light and shadow on the Roof, looking South-West
*I found out afterwards that an Invasion Day protest had indeed taken place earlier in the day.
Thousands gather at Invasion Day rallies, calling for rethink of Australia Day
Thousands of people gather at Invasion Day rallies across the country, backing Indigenous calls for a change or abolishment of Australia Day.
www.abc.net.au
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