AN IDOL BY THE RIVER - FOREVER 1972

My wife and I recently had occasion to visit the University of Western Sydney campus at Rydalmere on the banks of the Parramatta River. I would recommend such a visit to anyone . It is a truly beautiful historic site full of interest , and it has been very tastefully restored to accommodate the University.

THE CROWN EVEN ON THE WALL VENTILATION
IN THIS BUILDING OF 1813

The occasion of the visit was the open day for the historic  Female Orphan School. Why precisely the "Female" title is chosen I am not sure because  at the entry it is clear that it was "Female " on one side and "Male" on the opposite side. I guess males are not PC .

THE RUINOUS PRIME MINISTER GOUGH WHITLAM
MINDLESSLY LIONISED STILL BY THE LEFT

But the occasion proved to be more revealing in regard to more recent history. As we entered the foyer to begin the tour, I noted a collection of political memorabilia for sale. All of it related to the Australian Labor Party and the 1972 Federal Election. We all thought this was more than a little bizarre ( "Its Time!" Buttons and all). However as the tour of the buildings continued, the character of things degenerated until we reached the Board of Trustees of the University of Western Sydney Board Room. Here, there hung on the wall a framed portrait of Gough Whitlam the victor in that 1972 Election and thus Prime Minister until he was dismissed from office in 1975,  and his Government was tumbled out of office at the Federal Election of that year in a MASSIVE LANDSLIDE.

The portrait, as you will see, is titled  " BIG DADDY" and overarched by a neon sign proclaiming "SALVATION"!!!

Just how the Board of Trustees of a Federally -funded University can justify this demented adulation for a defeated Prime Minister is beyond me.  Perhaps in North Korea, Haiti or the former German "Democratic" Republic it might be predictable - but here???

It turns out that the University houses the "Whitlam Institute"this exists to keep the flame alive it seems, for those dwindling few Lefties who remember when they thought "Its Time". It was founded in 2000 as " an incorporated entity within the University". It claims to be guided " by the three great aims that drove the Whitlam Program of 1972. They are : 

to promote equality

to involve the people of Australia in the decision-making           processes of our land, and

to liberate the talents and uplift the horizons of the Australian people"

All lovely Leftie feel good stuff. Unfortunately for Mr.Whitlam and Co. the people of Australia got very much involved "in the decision-making   processes of our land" at the 1975 Federal Election and catapulted him and his Party into oblivion. Enough was enough.

The first "shrine".

But here at Rydalmere on Parramatta it is forever 1972. 

The Male and Female Orphanage of 1813 lads on one side, lasses on the other.

The story of the Orphanage as told by the guides is however quite interesting. It was commenced in 1813 and opened in 1818. The penal Colony of Botany Bay - later moved to Port Jackson (now Sydney Harbour) -  was a wild and woolly place, awash with rum, and not really a place to be bringing up children. The "Orphanage" certainly had its share of orphans, but for parents concerned about the health and welfare of their children , the institution "in the country" on the banks of the Parramatta River  was a Godsend. Many secured a place for their children at the Orphanage. Indeed there is even record of people in India seeking a place for their children there . In that connection it should be remembered that Governor Macquarie who built the Orphanage had come from a posting in India.

Only 25 years after the arrival of the First Fleet and the foundation of the Colony, it was an impressive achievement to erect this important three storey building. Governor Macquarie had arrived in the Colony on 1st January, 1810 . His building projects were many, but this only three years into his term of office which was to last until 1821, showed remarkable vision. Mention the word "orphanage" and the year 1813, and one would naturally conjure up some horrible images. But here we are surprised to find on walls stripped back to their original state, extensive stencilled decoration and friezes which reveal the intention to create a very civilised environment. 

The original wall decoration including friezes can be seen on these purposefully exposed sections

The workmanship was not of the highest order in every area.There is evidence of early repair work on a subsiding wall . But overall the impression created is quite pleasing . Detail elements imported from the "home country" include the decorative ventilation covers (the Crown of course) and the metal window awnings.

Winston was familiar with the Whitlam type.

The grounds are now well laid out and we found the Jacaranda trees in glorious flower - I envy the students of the University the surroundings they enjoy, which are complemented by many modern facilities. If only they can avoid the myth making of the Whitlam Institute.