Update in process · 1352 days ago

Dear reader, sorry we haven’t updated you with news of our progress. A function was held at Government House on 14 November 2004 as well as a celebration in Mauritius. A full report will be posted soon.

We are expecting an important announcement from the Prime Minister in recognition of the importance of this chart, which will lead to it being on display in Parliament House for the people of Australia.

Please check back soon.

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Aaron McMillan - An Australian Story · 1510 days ago

A concert to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the naming of Australia

Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall
8pm, Friday October 8, 2004

Brilliant young pianist Aaron McMillan has built a huge following amongst music-lovers not only for his acclaimed performances but also for his passionate commitment to the promotion of works by Australian composers.

By regularly performing some of the most inspiring and enjoyable Australian piano works he has introduced new audiences to the excitement of this extensive repertoire.

As ABC TV “Australian Story” viewers know, this remarkable success has been achieved against the backdrop of a life-threatening brain tumour which Aaron overcame with great courage and unyielding confidence.

In an historic event to celebrate the naming of Australia by Matthew Flinders in October 1804, Aaron McMillan will perform the first all-Australian piano music recital at the Sydney Opera House. Introduced by Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC, Governor of New South Wales, the program will feature music by Ross Edwards, Peter Sculthorpe, Richard Meale, Larry Sitsky, Anne Boyd and many others. These ground-breaking compositions truly capture the spirit, passion, romance and energy to be found in the best of Australian music.

The program will include Sandy Stone’s Waltz a piece by Ross Edwards, commissioned by Barry Humphries.

Join this superb young artist as he pays tribute to those composers who have made such an outstanding contribution to our musical heritage.

The one night of the year to celebrate a magnificent young performer, a treasure trove of Australian music and the naming of our great country.

Special offer for Matthew Flinders people

1,000 seats are available for $40 adult, $30 under 16 yrs (usual price $59/$39). Please book through the Box Office. The password is “Australia 200”.

Report on progress this year to date · 1581 days ago

... since we “discovered” the contents of the 1804 map from Mauritius, i.e,

26 January: NSW Governor’s Australia Day address, announcing 200th anniversary of the naming of Australia thanks to documents at State Library of NSW.
2 April: NSW Governor’s visit to London to receive a copy of the 1804 chart that named Australia, from the great-great-great-grand-daughters of Matthew Flinders.
20 April: Lady-In-Waiting of Queen Elizabeth II advises that the Queen acknowledges that the chart indicates that the year 2004 marks the two hundredth anniversary of the naming of Australia.
9 June: Presentation by Governor of NSW to the Parliament of NSW of a copy of the 1804 chart, to be hung in the Parkes Room of the Parliament.
24 July: Queensland Governor received a copy of the chart from the Beerburrum State School, for presentation to the Parliament of Queensland.
Arrangements in hand for presentation of a copy of the chart to the Governor of Victoria on 22 September at Flinders Peak, in the You Yangs.
Arrangements underway for presentation of copies of the chart to the other State/Territory parliaments.

Future plans

The major objective is to have a copy of the chart in each parliament house before 14 November, so that all Australians have an opportunity to see the chart and reflect on its significance.

Other local and possible connected events should be achievable, involving for example, Mauritius, London, Donington, and Australian embassies overseas. The entire celebration should be compatible with and form part of the celebrations being arranged by the ‘Australia on the Map 2006’ Committee.

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