Australian Bicentennial Authority - Victoria Council

Full description

The Australian Bicentennial Authority was established in April 1979 by the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments to develop, promote and co-ordinate a national program of events to commemorate Australias Bicentenary. The Australian Bicentennial Authority Act 1980 established the Authority (ABA) as a company limited by a guarantee, jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State Governments.

The National Office of the Authority was based in Sydney and was responsible for the development of the National Program (Commonwealth funded) and the overall planning and implementation of the celebrations. A National Program of Projects and Events was announced by the Minister for Home Affairs and Environment on 23 July 1984. This program set the framework for national Bicentennial projects and events comprising activities in five general areas:

commemorative projects other than the Commonwealth/State program
education and information activities
community based activities
arts and entertainment activities
major events.

Special consideration was to be given to developing programs for disadvantaged people and special interest groups. These included Aboriginal programs, womens projects, a youth festival, multicultural events and projects involving the aged and the disabled. The official theme for the Bicentenary was Living Together.

Each State and Territory had its own Bicentennial Council responsible for planning State involvement in National events and projects, and for the development of co-ordination of State-wide and local activities.

The Victoria Council was appointed in 1986 by the Premier and was responsible to the Minister for the Arts.

The extensive program included;

Tall ship visit
Food and Beverage - Tastes of Australia
Rock Foundation
Arts & Entertainment Projects (eg. Modern Music Festival)
Education 1988 Program
Commissioning Grants Program