Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton welcomed the start of the Australian Heritage Festival, with more than a thousand events around the country taking place from 18 April to 21 May 2017.
“Thanks to a three-year partnership with the Australian Government, the National Trust’s annual festival has now been expanded into a month long celebration of the people and places that make Australia’s heritage so unique,” Mr Coulton said.
Mr Coulton said the nation’s unique heritage contributed to our sense of place, community and personal wellbeing.
“It tells us where we have come from and who we are, and is an important part of our national identity.
Mr Coulton said National Heritage-listed places in the Parkes Electorate include the City of Broken Hill, the Brewarrina Aboriginal Fish Traps (Baiames Ngunnhu), the Moree Baths and Swimming Pool and the Warrumbungle National Park.
“The Festival’s theme, Having a Voice, is extremely fitting as our nation’s heritage is rich with voices from many cultures.
“This exciting festival is an opportunity to celebrate and learn more about the heritage places in our own backyard, and I encourage everyone to become involved.
“For the next five weeks there are opportunities to share stories, explore traditions and bring history to life through guided walks, tours, demonstrations and hands-on history experiences for all ages.
“It is also an opportunity to learn more about the 108 places on the National Heritage List, made up of the natural, Indigenous and historic heritage places of outstanding significance to Australia.
For more information on the National Heritage List visit: http://environment.gov.au/heritage/places/national-heritage-list
Find out about festival events in the area and around the country by visiting www.australianheritagefestival.org.au, or connect via the hashtag #HavingAVoice on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.