The Corowa District Historical Society is hosting a panel of five people who will discuss referendums—the 1899 referendum in particular—and what lessons may be learned from it for today.
“Why on earth would anyone want to be talking about the 1899 referendum?” you may ask.
The Corowa District Historical Society together with the eminent Constitution experts who will be discussing the issue believe the 1899 referendum was significant in the achievement of the Federation of the Australian colonies by 1901.
Furthermore, it is particularly relevant to Corowa in that the motion put to the 1893 Corowa Conference was the reason referendums were even held.
Not only will the panel members discuss this issue, but members of the audience will also be invited to participate with questions, comments or observations on the issue.
And there’s more. Colin Milner from the Australian National University will be singing ‘Ave, Australia’.
There will also be musical items by the local Sing Australia Choir and by Matt Harvey who will be singing “This Land” and accompanying himself on the guitar.
It will be an interesting morning with speakers Dr Matt Harvey, Dr Ian Killey, Mr Colin Milner, Dr Michele Matthews and Dr Bede Harris, several musical interludes and audience participation.
It will be held (11am-1pm) in the Oddfellows Hall, Sanger St.
Everyone is invited to this free, interesting and informative event which hopes for audience participation with questions and maybe a singalong too!