Recently members of the Paddington Historical Society toured the Centennial Parklands archives to see some of the archival records, images, documents and other historic paraphernalia that we hold in the Parklands’ archives. One item stood out as quite a fascinating insight that we thought we would share – a copy of the original Park Regulations from 1889!
On the back of our recent Share the Park campaign, we received much interest about the current Parklands Regulations. You can find all of these on our website.
But, enough of today, let’s take a peek back in time…
The original Centennial Park Regulations
On 23 August 1889, the draft Centennial Park Regulations submitted by Sir Henry Parkes to the Colonial Secretary of New South Wales was approved (or ‘gazetted’ to use a Government term). The Regulations outlined what was (and wasn’t) acceptable in the newly created Centennial Park.
It’s a fascinating snapshot of behavioural standards of the day!
We’ve broken down the Government Gazette document into sections for ease of reading.
Regulations (segment 1)
Regulations (segment 2)
So, what do you think? Any Regulations in there you’d like to see come back (except the goat executions!)? Speaking of such, can any dedicated historian out there explain to us why goats may have been singled out as an ‘enemy of the State’?
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Do you have any anecdotes, stories, memories or images of Centennial Park of yesteryear? We’d love to hear about them. Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or on our online form. And, if you missed it previously, check out this 1979 documentary on Centennial Park!
This week we have launched an awareness campaign for park visitors – The Park is there to share. If you are one of the millions of people who visit Centennial Parklands every year, then we need your support…and you may even win an iPad Mini!
Our new campaign was launched at the East Side Ride event in Centennial Park, and we had a little bit of help from a friend who was appearing briefly…
The Dog Poo Fairy reminded all that she doesn’t exist! Her simple message: Bag it. Bin it.
The campaign looks at simple ways that park visitors can ensure they are helping to keep this place safe, accessible and enjoyable for all. Whether you’re a pedestrian, cyclist, dog walker, horse rider or motorist, you can be part of the solution.
You may see some of our signs pop up when next you visit the Parklands…
You may notice some signage pop up around the Parklands to help spread the word
Here’s Anthony from Centennial Parklands to tell you a bit more…
Right, now head to our Share the Park page to learn more – help spread the word and you may even have a chance to win a great prize for doing the right thing!
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If you love visiting Centennial Parklands, then please help support this campaign.
Last week we announced that Centennial Park had received a significant honour – being one of the inaugural Green Flag winners in Australia and New Zealand.
We further promised a flag raising. And now we’ve delivered!
Kim Ellis, CEO (right) and Stuart Dutton, Director Asset Management (left) raise the Green Flag outside the Parklands Office
On a flag-raising roll…
The Green Flag isn’t the only new flag you may have noticed in Centennial Park of late, recently we also raised a few ‘Centennial Park 125th Anniversary’ flags in Federation Valley!
Flags help us celebrate our 125th Anniversary!
An off-topic segue, but amusing nonetheless…
Apart from keeping you updated about some of the latest happenings in the Parklands, we’d also like to take the opportunity to increase your vocabulary by one word – vexillology!
Ummm, come again?
Vexillology is “scientific study of the history, symbolism, and usage of flags or, by extension, any interest in flags in general”. You’ll be further pleased to hear that not only is there an Association of Vexillology, but there is an International Federation of Vexillological Associations!
Back on-topic…
These aren’t the only flags flying over Centennial Parklands, of course. But can you recognise where these flags are located?
Let us know at online@centennialparklands.com.au by Friday 15 February 2013 and you might win a free coffee and banana bread from CP Dining. You must get both of them correct!
Flags #1. Where are these flags flying?
Flags #2. Where are these flags flying?
Good luck and we hope you have enjoyed this ‘vexollogical’ blog post!
Flags aren’t the only things flying in Centennial Park these days…people are flying too, and you could be one of them! Sydney Trapeze School is soon to close after another successful season in the Park. Find out more here and don’t miss out on your opportunity to fly above the Park!
Just over a week ago, Centennial Parklands’ CEO Kim Ellis, received a special guest at his front door – Simon Marnie from radio station ABC 702. Simon was dropping into the Ellis’ home for a Sunday Brunch – a popular segment of the Weekends program.
Kim Ellis has led Centennial Parklands since February 2011
Conversation ranged from career to books, military to movies, and even uncovered what Kim plays on his iPod as he walks Centennial Park every morning (you may be surprised what the head of the Parklands listens to!).
In Centennial Park’s 125th Anniversary year, we thought many of you may be interested to hear the interview and learn a bit more about the people behind your favourite Parklands!
(Spoiler alert – we hadn’t suspected The Princess Bride would top his favourite movies list!).
Click here to listen to the interview via streaming
Click your right mouse button here and choose “Save as…” to download the interview in mp3 format
A quick overview of Kim’s background
Kim retired from a 24-year career in the Australian Army in 1997, where he had worked in port and terminal combat support logistic roles in Australia, the United States and the Antarctic. He specialised in air and sea terminal operations in Sydney and Darwin, which culminated in command of the Army’s Port and Terminal Operating Regiment.
He was Head of the Passenger Services Group at Sydney Airport, where he was responsible for all airlines-related operational activities on Sydney Airport including Airport Security, Ground Access, International Terminal Operations and Airport Maintenance. Kim led the 120 strong Passenger Services Group team through the $600 million International Terminal upgrade, and the Sydney Olympic operations in 2000.
Kim was Chief Executive Officer of BAC Airports Pty Ltd from 2001 to 2010 where he had responsibility for the business and operational management of Bankstown, Hoxton Park and Camden Airports, including large scale property development and the establishment of new infrastructure and services.
He took over as the Centennial Parklands’ Director and Chief Executive in 2011. He has responsibility for the operation, preservation, sustainable development and financial viability of 360 hectares of Sydney’s most valuable and highly used inner city open space.
Kim doesn’t send his staff to do anything he won’t do himself! Up a tree with the arborists!
Helping to maintain the gardens at Paddington Gates with our horticultural team.
Heading underground in Reservoir No. 1, Centennial Park
That last photo was part of a fascinating blog post we previously posted on ‘Peeking inside a reservoir‘. Check out this once in a generation opportunity!
Centennial Parklands is managed by Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust
Locked Bag 15 Paddington NSW 2021 Sydney Australia
Phone: +61 2 9339 6699
After hours emergency: 0412 718 611
Fax: +61 2 9360 4215
Email: info@centennialparklands.com.au
