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Canberra Gold celebrates 50 year residents in 2013


The Chief Minister’s Canberra Gold Award recognizes the unique contribution made by individuals and groups who have chosen to make a long-term commitment to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the city of Canberra. Through the Gold Awards, the ACT government celebrates four residents who have lived in Canberra for 50 years or more. Four residents and two organizations are celebrated in the Canberra Gold: 50 Years in the ACT  exhibition at the Canberra Museum and Gallery from February 2 to May 19, 2013. The exhibition is part of the Centenary of Canberra activities to mark the capital’s 100th birthday.

Eddie Carnall, Janette James, Dick Redman and Petronella Wensing, the Canberra City Band and the Canberra Mothercraft Society have all contributed to Canberra life for 50 years—and their memorabilia appear in the museum’s exhibit.

Edwin Carnall, called Eddie, (1924-present) worked in the Manuka swimming pool in Canberra for his first job. At 18 he enlisted in the Australian army and served in the Pacific and in Borneo during World War II. He also worked as a bus conductor before retiring in 1984.

Walter (Dick) Redman (1928-present) moved to Canberra at 19 to work as a baker’s apprentice. In 1950, like Eddie, Dick also worked as a bus conductor. His wife June worked for Prime Ministers Ben Chifley and Robert Menzies before marrying Dick in 1952.

Petronella Goderie (1924-present) was born in Holland and migrated to Australia with her husband, Michael Wensing. Their third son was born the day they arrived. They moved to Canberra in 1953.

Janette James (1942-present) arrived in Canberra in 1962 to undertake a teaching job. She met her husband Garry and moved into their new home in 1967 where they still live. On display is her black and white dress that she wore to a ball at the Hotel Canberra in 1963.

The Canberra Mothercraft Society was established in 1926 under the name of Women’s and Infants’ Health Society, changing its name in February 1927. Gabrielle Hegyes was a community artist engaged by Mothercraft to express history through art. Hegyes, in her work Bonnets to Beanies (2012) shows the changing style of headwear worn by babies in Canberra from the 1920s (far left in the photograph) to the present day (far right).

The Canberra City Band was established as a brass band in 1925, comprising local workers. Woodwind instruments were added in 1949. It is the official band of the ACT, and in 2013 it celebrates its 88th anniversary.

Each year the ACT government presents the Gold Awards, but during the centenary year a special medallion will be awarded to everyone turning 100 years old in 2013 (as well as all those who are already 100 years or more). All babies born on March 12, 2013 (the 100th birthday of the naming of Canberra) will also receive a Centenary Medallion.

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