Hobart’s hidden histories revealed for Children’s Week

Published on 28 October 2021

Hobart Town Hall will throw open its doors for a journey through time, providing an insight into the history of the building, Council, and the City of Hobart.

As part of National Children’s Week, the open day will include folk stories, a variety of hands-on activities, folk dancing performances, workshops, and Aboriginal cultural activities provided by NITA Education.

Expanding on the current tour that is given to student groups at Town Hall, the open day will include historical re-enactments and access to rarely-seen rooms, including the Lord Mayor’s courtroom and tours to the old court room cells.

“Up until 1912, the Mayor of the day also acted as a magistrate,” Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds explained. Back then, petty crimes like selling underweight bread and allowing goats to roam were dealt with in the Town Hall courtroom.”

The Hobart Town Hall’s story started with a competition in 1861 to determine who would design the building. Construction started in 1864 and a Grand Opening Ball marked its completion in 1866, and the spectacular pipe organ was installed three years later.

Cr Reynolds said this week’s open day was an opportunity to both explore the past and celebrate the future through Hobart’s youngest generation.

“We really want to celebrate the role of children in our city, and invite them to explore this special building to learn more about Hobart’s history and how local government impacts us every day,” Cr Reynolds said.

The Lord Mayor will be accompanied on the day by the newly inaugurated ‘Children’s Mayor’ Alexander Johnstone, and ‘Deputy Children’s Mayor’ Edie Tracey.

The day will feature stories and insights from the earliest days, when the land was inhabited by the muwinina people, right through to the present.

International performer of folk tales, Tamas Oszvald of Roaming Trees Storytelling, will be sharing a range of folk tales in various locations throughout Town Hall.

The open day will be held on Saturday 30 October from 2pm to 5pm, with refreshments provided by Variety Tasmania. Admission is free.

The focus for National Children’s Week 2021 is “Children have the right to choose their own friends and safely connect with others,” based on Article 15 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. More information can be found on the Children’s Week Council of Australia website childrensweek.org.au.