Of course you guessed right … it is the Royal Exhibition Building where the grand opening of the first Australian Parliament took place in 1901. It is indeed where the Commonwealth of Australia’s first Parliament was sworn in on 9th May, 1901.
The entire site of the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens encompasses the values of the place …deservedly World Heritage, and entrusted to our governments as its custodians.The Museum administers and manages the Royal Exhibition Building (REB) and the City of Melbourne, the Carlton Gardens.
Which is why we are so unhappy about the use of these gardens by the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, when they could easily make use of another site. The Showgrounds has been suggested, and increasingly the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre (MCEC) -South Wharf /”Jeff’s Shed”.
And …are we Melburnians getting “value for money” with this event? Over to you, our readers, what do you think?
The abuse of our World Heritage Carlton Gardens is appalling. It’s all about money and the push of the promoters of the MIFGS – the International Management Group of America. The Council and the State Government think it is good for Melbourne and Victoria – NO, it is a breach of our duty to Melbourne, Victoria and Australia! Historically these Gardens have NEVER before been fenced, nor a charge made for entering them.
We have been told that the Showgrounds are too expensive for the organisers! So we, the community, are paying up to destroy our history and integrity.
Shame on our State Government, our City Council and the nursery industry!
Well said, Peter! We suggest you look at this week’s “The Leader” – they are running a story on this and would love to have your comments, just as we, the residents of the CBD appreciate your support. Thank you and keep it up!