this , year of 2013, celebrates its 100 years birthday .
Century ago Lady Denman, wife of then Governor-General Lord Denman, on the Foundation Stones of this great city we enjoy now , declared that name of the new Australian capital will be Canberra. In 1913 at the sheep station by Molonglo River , aboriginal name “ Canberra “ meaning “ meeting place was bestowed upon this place , presenting 100 years later a shining example of great achievements of Australia as the modern nation. This town is true jewel of Australian architecture . Patterns of streets and avenues layout in “ star “ concept, the gardens , parks , attractive lake with Commonwealth Avenue spanning its shores , surrounding hills provides one with many great visual and also travelling surprises.
Walter Burley Griffin , who once worked for Frank Lloyd Wright and his wife Marion Mahoney laid the concepts of triangular framework , nestled in the hills and valleys , where Mount Ainslie and Black Mountain present mighty vistas of Canberra .
Griffin came to Australia in 1913 and became soon Federal Capital Director of Design and Construction while Mahoney was working on design of city where building , roads , gardens , in balanced symbiosis present city of joy for its citizens. Same year , 1913 Charles Weston , took the task of huge challenge to make this dry , windswept , largely treeless place , green , habitable and pleasing to its community .
He was the first Officer – in – Charge of Afforestation Branch later became Superintendent of Parks and Gardens as he initiated planting of wide range of exotic and also indigenous trees, which we visitors enjoy as much as the inhabitants of Canberra .
Here in this attractive town “ captains and chieftains “ of politics , science also art are based . From here they “ navigate “ Australia into success as a nation . During the rough moments of resent world economic “ lows” Australia has weathered the economic doldrums . Here is extraordinary architectural creation Australian , two houses , Parliament is seated . House of Representatives /lower house and Senate /states house present forum for Australian citizens representative to discuss , analyse and declare laws for the socio- economic machinery of Australia to function as the modern , democratic machinery of nationhood. Canberra beside being national capital of Australia is also self governed city – state of Australian Capital Territory / ACT/ , where 300000 citizens domicile in well balanced urban , economic and cultural environment .
Robert Menzies Prime Minister of Australia , when in 1958 National Capital Development Commission was established , has played very important role to assure that Canberra will be Garden City with modern transportation to many venues of major culture institutions , like National Gallery of Australia or National Portrait Gallery . Canberra Symphony Orchestra despite being housed between Sydney and Melbourne where great symphony orchestra charm the ears of visitors , presents great spectrum of musical experiences for the people of Canberra and visitors alike. Orchestra of Canberra , city so close to Australian nature , often plays music of Australian contemporary composer Ross Edwards , whose compositions reflect beauty of Australian bush , nature and over all its cosmic position .
Many interesting suburbs of Canberra treat visitors with truly pleasing atmosphere . Manuka being one of oldest suburb of the city presents great places to dine ,
enjoy Canberra district wine or just enjoy the relaxing atmosphere . Yarralumla on other hand is the district where Embassies of world nations are situated . The building designs present to the visitors bold , courageous and attractive concepts . Often expressing the culture and national spirit of the country it represents , allowing for visual feast . Manuka and Yarralumla both of these suburbs are in vicinity of Capital Hill , which is worth of visit . From here great vistas provide visitor to appreciate Canberra urban concept . While on Capital Hill one can also visit the Parliament House of Australia . After this experience pleasant stroll to Old Parliament House is very relaxing moment of visit to Canberra .
For these who do not wish to visit Canberra by their own , Capital of Australia is reachable by bus , train or plain . Overseas visitors can reach Canberra via Sydney , Melbourne where many airlines bring them from all corners of the world . Many Airlines like LOT Polish Airlines member of “ Star Alliance “ being “ off –line “ carrier in Australia , can also provides services to Canberra , while using services of its partners like Singapore Airlines, Thai International Airways , Air China , Qantas Airways .
WMIG
Canberra 10 July 2013
http://www.visitcanberra.com.au/
http://nga.gov.au/Home/Default.cfm
Mitch Godziemba Swiat
mitchgodziemba