Page 515 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 19 February 2020
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Unfortunately, the existence of Mr Griffin’s final resting place is relatively unknown to both Canberrans and people in Lucknow. I believe that this could be a good opportunity for both Canberra and Lucknow. I would like to see an investigation into how this could become a place where people can come and pay their respects to the famous designer. I can confidently say that people from Canberra who visit would have the same touching experience that I had.
While I am trying to establish a committee and an NGO that can look after Griffin’s grave on an ongoing basis, there needs to be something more done to promote the fact that this grave exists to residents and visitors in Lucknow. Something such as a display board or a brief history of Griffin’s work and achievements could be placed in the vicinity of his grave to inform people about who Griffin is and his significance to both Canberra and Lucknow. I call on the government to investigate how we can further recognise this gravesite.
I acknowledge the efforts in the ACT that have been made to commemorate the lives of both Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin. Most obvious was the naming of Lake Burley Griffin by Sir Robert Menzies in 1964. In 2013 the Mount Ainslie viewing area was renamed the Marion Mahony Griffin view, celebrating her contribution to the design of Canberra. The Australian government’s National Capital Plan ensures “respect for the key elements of the Griffins’ formally adopted plan for Canberra”. Additionally, numerous architectural drawings and materials are held in the National Library of Australia and the National Archives of Australia.
Nevertheless, we are living in their legacies, and I think more could be done to celebrate their lives. I believe we all recognise the significant contribution both Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin have made to our wonderful city. I call on the ACT government to consider naming a future public place—for example, a street name—in commemoration of the work of the Griffins. I believe this is a necessary step to further recognise the contribution they have made to our city.
On Monday I received a letter from the Walter Burley Griffin Society in the ACT. I am pleased to see that Mr Peter Graves, the chair of the Walter Burley Griffin Society Canberra chapter, is present in the gallery. The Walter Burley Griffin Society have been working for years to preserve the memory of the Griffins and their impact on this city. I am glad to know that we will be able to continue working with them going forward, as they share my belief that both Walter and Marion deserve stronger recognition within Australia and Canberra.
The contribution of the Griffins to the nature of Canberra today is immense. Although we have outgrown the original plan, its foundation can be seen throughout central Canberra. It is safe to say that we would not live in such a beautiful city without the first step having been laid by the Griffins and their original plan. I hope the Assembly will consider my proposal for further recognition to be paid to the Griffins and their legacy. I commend this motion to the Assembly.
MS LAWDER (Brindabella) (3.56): I thank Mr Gupta for bringing on this motion today. I note and share his interest in, enthusiasm for and admiration of the
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