Hyde Park Barracks Museum
Fair Go
An electrified timeline of Governor Macquarie’s achievements scrolls on the walls of Hyde Park Barracks Museum reflecting hundreds of projects and achievements in a stunning tribute to a man regarded by many as the originator of the Australian value of the ‘Fair-Go’.
The Governor and his wife Elizabeth instilled a feeling of hope in the inhabitants of the new colony and along with it, the belief that an opportunity existed for a second chance at life.
It has been My Invariable Opinion…that, Once a Convict has become Free Man, either by Servitude, Free Pardon, or Emancipation, he should in All Respects be Considered on a footing with every other Man in the Colony, according to his Rank in Life and Character. In Short, that no Retrospect Should in any Case be had to his having been a Convict.
- Lachlan Macquarie to Lord Bathurst, 28 June 1813
Macquarie was a committed and courageous emancipator. His predecessor Bligh provided 2 pardons in his term as Governor. Macquarie delivered 366 pardons, 1,365 conditional pardons and 2,319 tickets of leave.
Macquarie initiated programs that once completed, offered convicts freedom and a chance to start over.
Francis Greenway, transported for forgery 1814, appointed Government Architect 1816 – the chief architect of Macquarie Street
Michael Massey Robinson, transported for blackmail 1798, appointed first Poet Laureate 1810.
Australia! whilst met on this festive occasion,
To yield thee our tribute of commemoration,
We see with fond pride thy advancement to fame,
And the pages of history honor thy name.
- Australian, Sydney, 3 February 1825
Margaret Catchpole, transported for horse stealing 1801, became store keeper, nurse and diarist of the colony.
George Howe, transported for Shoplifting1800 and became known as the “Father of Australian Literature” and publisher of Sydney Gazette and first books of the Colony.
These were some of the many former convicts who made invaluable contributions to the growth of NSW under Macquarie.
The Macquaries’ together championed merit and established the rule of law, whilst their program of some 265 public works in just 11 years, created the foundations of civil society and prosperity for the colony.
They also advanced the lives of those in need, establishing and supporting charitable institutions such as The Benevolent Society, The Female and Male Orphan School, The Castle Hill Asylum and the Native Farm at Port Jackson.
Macquarie attempted in his words to improve the position of the Aboriginal people in the settlement, and acknowledged their disadvantage and dispossession:
‘With this Anxiety to make one Experiment so interesting to the Feelings of Humanity, and to endeavour to ascertain how far the Condition of the Natives may be improved by the Application of such Means as are within his Power, His Excellency feels that he is making an Acknowledgement to which they are in some Degree entitled, when it is considered that the British Settlement in this Country, though necessarily excluding the Natives from many of the natural Advantages they had previously derived from the animal and other Productions of this Part of the Territory, has never met with any serious or determined Hostility from them, but rather a Disposition to submit peaceably to such Establishments as were necessarily made on the Part of the British Government on the Formation of this Settlement.’
- Public Notice, December 1814
During Macquarie Visions Hyde Park Barracks Museum will be awash with a fusion of historical photographs and modern images revealing that the notion of a ‘Fair-Go’ existing today, documenting themes of recognition, emancipation, achievement, humanity, hope, a helping hand and a vision for the future.
Venue information
Hyde Park Barracks Museum tells the story of its many occupants, from its beginnings as a convict barracks from 1819 to 1848 to its phases as a female immigration depot, an asylum for the aged, infirm and destitute women and later as courts, judges chambers and government offices. The Museum will charge half-price admission between 6pm and 9pm. For more information on the Hyde Park Barracks Museum visit www.hht.net.au.
Redcoats and Convicts
The Hyde Park Barracks yard and dormitories will ring again with the sound of convicts’ boots and redcoats’ muskets. On Sunday 30 May experience a day in the life of a transported convict, re-created by experts in living history. With kids’ activities and special tours, it will be fun for the whole family. Sunday 30 May 9.30am – 4.30pm, bookings at the gate More info.
Hyde Park Barracks café – will be open for dinner during Macquarie Visions offering winter warming specials, from an expanded lunch, dessert and children’s menus. Details – Ph. 02 9222 1815. Queen Square Hyde Park Barracks. Macquarie St Sydney. Open 8AM – 9PM each night. Licensed.
