Launch of 'Playing their part: Vice-Regal Consorts of NSW 1788-2019', Government House Sydney [Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley]

[E&OE]

I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, and pay my respects to their elders, past and present, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders gathered here today.

Good morning, everyone.

It is lovely to be back at Government House Sydney. This residence holds many fond memories for David and me and our family.

I was delighted to receive an invitation from Government House Sydney to speak at today’s launch of Playing their part: Vice-Regal Consorts of NSW, 1788 to 2019.

As many of you know, the need for what would become ‘Playing their part’ came up soon after David and I moved into Government House Sydney in October 2014.

I was interested in finding out what previous vice-regal consorts had done, particularly as each Governor has had a consort to accompany them.

Each consort had played an important role but their contribution, passion and service was not recorded in history. 

There was a small paperback book called ‘The Governor’s lady’ about Anna King, wife of the third Governor of NSW; another book called ‘Growing up at Government House’ written by Rosemary Harmar, the daughter of Governor Game; and a book written by Lady Wakehurst, with chapters about her time at Government House.

But that was it! Moreover, there was nothing in the House to show that a wife or consort had ever lived here.

It was time to do some research of my own.

With the help of Rae McLintock, one of the volunteer guides, a folder was put together with information about each wife or consort.

Writing a book is a big task, so it was decided to ask the Royal Australian Historical Society to take on the project. Government House Sydney offered to help fund the production of the book.

As evident in ‘Playing their part’, the early vice-regal consorts were trail-blazers. I felt that their contributions should be documented and available for all to read as part of Australia’s history.

I have great admiration for the women and men who have taken on this important role. They are volunteers and have all ‘played their part’ in the building of the community of New South Wales.

I hope you all enjoy the book. 

I would like to thank the Royal Australian Historical Society for taking on the project and for publishing the book, and the authors and editors for their passion and commitment in capturing this important part of this State’s history.

[Ends]