MoAD's efforts recognised at National Trust Heritage Awards

The Hawke-era recreation of the Prime Minister’s suite and the work to restore damage caused by a severe hailstorm were both awarded.

The Prime Minister's Suite

The popular Prime Minister’s suite was refreshed last year and includes details that make it look as if former prime minister Bob Hawke stepped away for a meeting.

Complete with its '80s era wood-laminated box TV, the National Trust judges said the PM’s suite ‘shows careful attention to detail so that visitors can enjoy the ‘point in time’ aesthetic.’

‘This accolade from the National Trust (ACT) spurs us on to continue our work in bringing the history of Old Parliament House to life,’ said our Manager of Interpretation and Content Development, Kate Armstrong.

If you haven’t seen the PM’s suite since its refresh, why not plan a visit now?

Old version of the Prime Minister's suit, with bright white windows, and a red rope around the PM's desk.

The PM's Suite before it was refurbished.

The Prime Minister's Office at Old Parliament House, with a large dark wooden desk, a white sofa sitting area, and a vase in a cabinet in the corner.

The PM's Suite after it was refurbished.

Hail damage restoration

Also recognised was the careful work undertaken to repair damage wrought by Canberra’s 2020 hailstorm, which smashed several skylights on the roof.

In their report, the judges called out the hail repair work as being an ‘excellent example of the restoration and reconstruction of vulnerable heritage fabric,’ and that ‘great care has been taken to ensure a high-quality finish to the remediation works’.

‘It is rewarding to know that our work along with the work of the roofers, carpenters, and glaziers on even a seemingly small feature of the building has been recognised,’ said Heritage and Collections Officer, Noel Lane.

‘Work is not necessarily seen by the general visitor but allows them to experience a Murdoch design element of natural light illuminating room interiors.’

Also recognised was the careful work undertaken to repair damage wrought by Canberra’s 2020 hailstorm, which smashed several skylights on the roof.

In their report, the judges called out the hail repair work as being an ‘excellent example of the restoration and reconstruction of vulnerable heritage fabric,’ and that ‘great care has been taken to ensure a high-quality finish to the remediation works’.

‘It is rewarding to know that our work along with the work of the roofers, carpenters, and glaziers on even a seemingly small feature of the building has been recognised,’ said Heritage and Collections Officer, Noel Lane.

‘Work is not necessarily seen by the general visitor but allows them to experience a Murdoch design element of natural light illuminating room interiors.’

National Trust (ACT) Heritage Awards winners:

Old Parliament House Hail Damage Restoration: Heritage & Collections Team, and Facilities, Capital Projects & Security Team, Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Eric Martin and Associates Architects, Manteena Group Principal Contractor.

Old Parliament House Interpretation of the Prime Minister’s Suite: Interpretation and Content Development Team, Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.