South Hedland celebrates
Still in South Hedland and the joy we are experiencing from this community continued with two days spent at South Hedland Primary School. The kids amazed us with their confidence, abilities, happiness and spirit.
Housed in one of Australia’s most-loved buildings, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House brings the journey of Australian democracy to life—presenting its past, present and possible futures.
Enjoy a range of innovative exhibitions, tours and public programs that challenge and inspire. There are also special activities and spaces for children to explore.
Admission and opening hours
Open daily 9am–5pm (closed Christmas Day)
$2 adults, $1 children and concessions, $5 family
18 King Edward Terrace, Parkes, Canberra
For more information see Visiting
Now openPolitical Porcelain
Permanent exhibition
Prime Ministers of Australia exhibition
Permanent exhibition
Opposition Party Room and the Leader of the Opposition’s Office
Permanent exhibition
Designing DemocracyStanley Bruce bust
‘Shyness and reserve … obscures the warmth, sensitiveness, and acute perceptions’ of rulers, said sculptor Kathleen Scott. Her fine bust of Stanley Bruce makes the point.
Tea, sugar and glad wrap
Here we are in Port Hedland, a town that would appear a stereotypical mining town full of high vis people in high vis cars, with high vis flags that always seem to be in reverse because the beeping never stops. A town where even the shopping trolley handles are stained the colour of iron ore.
Canberra travel posters
As Old Parliament House celebrates its 85th birthday museum curators have taken the opportunity to shine a spotlight on one of its collections, which features attractive images of the building. This collection of Canberra travel posters, generously donated by Canberra resident Peter Graves, presents the Provisional Parliament House (later Old Parliament House) as the central Canberra feature.
From the Oral History collection: Fred Johnson
In the mid-1920s, construction of the Provisional Parliament House meant that Canberra provided job opportunities for hundreds of workers and tradesmen from around the nation. Indeed, some say it was the largest construction site in Australia at that time.
Online resources
From the Collection
Dining Room Chair
Maple dining chair with red leather padded back and drop-in seat of horseshoe shape; on tapering square section legs with brass capped feet; reupholstered in red vinyl.