Sorell 2021

Commemorating the 200 year anniversary of the naming of the Sorell Township.

In 1821, Governor Lachlan Macquarie toured the Colony of Van Diemen’s Land. He visited and named several towns during his journey here: Perth, Campbell Town, Ross, Oatlands and Brighton. On an excursion from Hobart on 20th June Governor Macquarie named Sorell in honour of Colonel William Sorell, Lieutenant Governor of Van Diemen’s Land at the time. The events of this visit were described in Governor Macquarie’s journal, which gives a wonderful insight into our history and what life was like at the time.

Council has been working with the community for over 12 months on how we can commemorate this chapter in our history.

Council’s regular events through 2021 will take on the 200th theme including Australia Day Awards, National Volunteers Week Reception, Seniors Week and the Sorell Regional Art Prize and Exhibition.

Our Community Grants Program has a special provision to provide funding support for local community groups who wish to contribute to the commemorations. We invite interested parties to contact Council in the first instance to discuss their projects and events.

To date Council has provided funding for the following community events and activities:

Pembroke Masonic Lodge are holding open days with a range of activities on 20 and 21 June 2021 at their clubrooms in Parsonage Place.CWA Sorell are hosting a display of local CWA history in the CWA Room at the Sorell Memorial Hall from 1 – 8 August 2021.Sorell Historical Society created a graphical display illustrating the history of Sorell. It is on display in the Council Offices for the remainder of 2021 during our offices hours of 8.00am until 4.445pm.Sorell Lions Club will be holding a Bushrangers Breakfast on 29 August from 8.00am until 11.30am at the Sorell Memorial Hall.South East Suns Women’s Football Club’s annual Truck Show held on 13 June between 10 am and 3.00pm at Pembroke Park will have displays from Hobart Vintage Machinery Society as well as a carriage from the Sorell to Bellerive Railways from Tasmanian Transport Museum.

Other activities happening in our community include:

The Sorell History Society are collating images for a 1821-2021 commemorative photo book.Sorell School will also celebrate their 200th anniversary in 2021. They will be holding a range of events and activities during 2021. If These Halls Could Talk

Council successfully nominated the Sorell Memorial Hall for If These Halls Could Talk, which is a signature project for Ten Days on the Island festival 2021.   If These Halls Could Talk was held in 10 community halls around the state over three weekends in early 2021. The Sorell Memorial Hall hosted Belvedere Ballroom by Mature Artists Dance Experience (MADE).

Keep checking our website to keep up to date with all the 2021 commemorative events and activities taking place in Sorell.