National Capital Authority

Earlier this year, the National Capital Authority brought the first major drone show to the National Capital.   Over the Australia Day long-weekend, more than 600 drones lit up the Canberra sky for a series of shows about the ever-evolving story of our nation.   Night markets with an array of food, crafts and entertainment helped to make this a memorable celebration for the tens-of-thousands of Canberrans and visitors gathered each night on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.   FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow and Night Markets 2024 recently took out the Major Festival and Events Award at the Canberra Region Tourism Award.   This is wonderful recognition for the hard work of staff at the National Capital Authority who dedicated themselves to delivering a celebration of Australia Day fitting for the National Capital.   The NCA thanks the National Australia Day Council, our partners, and the community for supporting this event.   We are now working with internationally-recognised event company AGB Creative, representatives of the Ngunnawal community, the National Australia Day Council and partners across government and the tourism sector to support the return of Flight in January 2025.   Information about this year’s show, and details about how to register for updates and news, is available on the NCA website at www.nca.gov.au   We hope to see you there!

The National Capital Authority is proud to recognise our wonderful volunteers nominated for the 2024 Canberra Region Volunteering Awards.    Our volunteers from the National Capital Exhibition have been recognised for their amazing work sharing the story of Canberra and the National Capital with school children and visitors from across Australia.    And Jan Blank has been nominated for Senior Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her research contributions for the NCA and management of the Blundell’s collection.    You can vote for our volunteers in the Canberra's Choice Award - click on the link to cast your vote now! https://lnkd.in/g7gRw9Rc

The public is invited to a National Capital Authority (NCA) Community Forum on Thursday 14 November to learn about the NCA’s work to shape the National Capital. The forum will provide an opportunity to be briefed on NCA strategic priorities, meet Chief Executive Karen Doran PSM, and ask questions about the NCA and its work. It will include an update on the implementation of the NCA’s Statement of Intent, which sets in action a new operating framework for the agency – including more transparent planning and approval processes. The forum is part of the Australian Government’s commitment for the NCA to engage the community in its work to plan, manage and promote Canberra as our National Capital. Click on the link to find out more and register to attend. https://lnkd.in/gnBNjjS2

The National Capital Authority (NCA) has completed essential facade restoration works on the Commonwealth Heritage-listed National Carillon. The works will ensure the structural integrity and architectural character of the national landmark for future generations. Delivered in partnership with engineering, construction and remediation specialists Duratec, the works included specialist façade cleaning, concrete repairs, renewal of external sealants, roof system upgrades, glazing works, and the installation of additional cladding support. The landscape around the carillon has been remediated and Queen Elizabeth II Island reopened to the public. Roped flagging is in place and the public are asked to stay off the grass to support its consolidation through early spring. The public may notice changes to the pattern of playing of the National Carillon – and gaps in the instrument being played – as works on the instrument are undertaken in August and September. The instrument works involve the custom design, fabrication and installation of replacement components by original carillon instrument makers, John Taylor & Co, including 57 bell ‘clappers’. They are expected to be completed by the end of September. A six-month commissioning process will follow during which the NCA will work with carillonists to test the instrument and then John Taylor Co will make any final adjustments, where considered necessary, around March 2025. The NCA is working with the National Carillon carillonists to support the return of regular recitals and performances in early 2025.

The National Capital Authority is proud to announce that our Director of Design and Construction Mr Rob Tindal has been awarded the Australian Institute of Architects (ACT Chapter) Architecture Professional Practitioner Award. The award recognises Mr Tindal’s exceptional contribution to architecture and public spaces in the National Capital over almost 25 years of work at the National Capital Authority. ‘Rob is a passionate advocate for the architecture profession, considered design that enhances the public realm and meaningful community engagement,’ said Chief Executive Ms Karen Doran PSM. ‘This award is fitting recognition of Rob’s outstanding contribution to the architecture profession within government over many years and his leadership of public projects, including national memorials and commemorations, that have enhanced Canberra’s public spaces and its standing as Australia’s national capital,’ Ms Doran said. Mr Tindal has been instrumental in several landmark projects, including the Dame Dorothy Tangney and Dame Enid Lyons Sculpture, Commonwealth Place, Bowen Place Crossing, Reconciliation Place, the refurbishment of Old Parliament House Gardens and the expanded Regatta Point restaurant and café precinct. The Australian Institute of Architects Jury recognised Mr Tindal’s exemplary design advocacy skills within government and reputation for respectful liaison with clients and stakeholders wishing to tell their story within the national capital. In noting Mr Tindal’s role in delivering the Site of Recognition for Thalidomide Survivors and their Families, which also won a Commendation in the Small Projects category at the awards, the Jury said: ‘In 2023, Rob delivered the National Site of Recognition for Thalidomide Survivors and their Families, a project initiated by the Australian Parliament for a client group who had been on a multi-decade journey seeking acknowledgement of their pain and suffering. ‘Rob created a process in which the client group were empowered and the designers able to execute their project as envisaged; one which was very well received by the stakeholders. This is a remarkable achievement for any project and a testimony to Rob’s skills,’ the Jury said. Mr Tindal’s current projects include a commemoration of Senator Neville Bonner AO, Australia’s first Indigenous member of Parliament. Mr Tindal is working closely with First Nations representatives to celebrate Senator Bonner’s work and legacy.

The National Capital Authority is delighted to have won the Festivals & Events Category at this year’s Australian Tourism Awards! Lights On The Lake saw 40,000 people come together on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin over four nights to tell Australian stories across the Australia Day holiday in 2023. This is particularly exciting given the quality of competition in our field. ⭐ Junction Arts Festival ⭐ Darwin Art Fair ⭐ Tumbafest ⭐ Caravan and Camping SA ⭐ Mount Isa Rodeo Festival ⭐ Melbourne Opera ⭐ Ord Valley Muster all produced outstanding events in 2023. The National Capital Authority is honoured to be recognised alongside them. Lights On The Lake was made possible through funding by the National Australia Day Council.

Sally Barnes today steps down as Chief Executive of the National Capital Authority. The NCA thanks Sally for her exemplary leadership and dedication over the past six years to deliver a range of significant projects to lift the prominence of the nation’s capital and benefit the community. These include a major upgrade to Regatta Point in Commonwealth Park, a range of new visitor experiences in the National Triangle and the installation of a number of commemorative works, including the Dame Dorothy Tangney and Dame Enid Lyons Sculpture, to increase representation of the contribution of women to Australian public life and remind us of the rich history of the national capital. We wish Sally every success in her future endeavours. Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP, has announced the appointment of Karen Doran as the new Chief Executive of the NCA. Ms Doran will commence on 2 April.