Spark your ‘curiosity’ at the Heritage Festival

2022-03-24

The Canberra and Region Heritage Festival is back for its 39th year, celebrating the historic, natural, diverse cultural heritage of all peoples of the ACT and region.

“The beauty of living within the Canberra community is that you do not need to venture far to explore the history that is spread across our region,” Minister for Heritage, Rebecca Vassarotti said.

“With this year’s theme of ‘curiosity’, the varied and diverse program of more than 150 events on offer helps us do just that, with something for everyone from all walks of life.

“For the first time ever, we have introduced Kids Week to pique the curiosity of all ages. Running through the school holidays, Kids Week focuses on family friendly, fun events that will entertain the kids during the holidays and give them an opportunity to learn about Canberra’s unique heritage.

“This year, we have also tripled our First Nation heritage events, with 21 opportunities for Canberrans to explore the rich Ngunnawal history in the territory. Join the Winanggaay Ngunnawal Language Aboriginal Corporation to learn Ngunnawal greetings and children’s songs, learn how to make and throw spears and boomerangs with our Aboriginal rangers, or visit the oldest heritage site in the ACT, the Birrigai Rock Shelter.

“The launch of the Heritage Festival provides the opportunity for event holders and guests to celebrate heritage in all its forms, so I would like to extend my thanks to new and returning event holders for contributing to the festival and continuing to shine a bright spotlight on heritage in Canberra.”

Tickets to the 2022 Canberra and Region Heritage Festival events are available now. View the full program of events and register online now so you don’t miss out.

Quotes attributable to Mardie Troth, Hall School Museum and Heritage Centre:

“We are celebrating this year’s theme of ‘curiosity’ with an exhibition on the Brooklands Story, which traces almost 150 years of continuous farming by the Southwell family. We are also hosting a cryptic clue treasure hunt during Kids Week requiring good snooping skills to find several unusual artefacts in our heritage collection. The festival offers us an opportunity to share our enthusiasm with the general public and offer an insight into the absorbing history of the Hall-Ginninderra District.”