2010 will mark the 200th anniversary of Governor Lachlan Macquarie's 12 year tenure as the 5th Governor of the colony of New South Wales. He was sworn in as Governor on 1 January 1810.

It is fitting that this significant anniversary be commemorated. I support the proposition of a state-wide celebration program to pay tribute to Governor Macquarie and to his wife Mrs Elizabeth Macquarie.

Governor Lachlan Macquarie made an outstanding and extensive contribution to the growth of the state of New South Wales and his many legacies endure. He is widely recognised as being responsible for transforming the new colony from a penal settlement to a flourishing society. This was ultimately achieved through his visionary leadership, strength of character and principles of egalitarianism.

Macquarie is regarded by many as being the originator of the quintessential Australian value of the ‘fair-go'.

During his governorship, Macquarie instigated hundreds of public works programs leading to the introduction of churches, schools, hospitals, roads, banks, newspapers, agricultural developments, racing and sporting carnivals, architects and surveyors, festivals and celebrations and charitable institutions along with many other ventures. He truly established a solid infrastructure and foundation for an economically independent civilization.      

I have invited The Honourable John Aquilina MP, Leader of the House and Member for Riverstone, to Chair the Macquarie 2010 Bicentenary Celebration Committee. I am delighted that Mr Aquilina has accepted the position and to advise that the Committee has now been formed.

The Macquarie 2010 Bicentenary Celebration Committee will oversee the state government's involvement in the bicentenary. The Committee's role will be one of overall leadership and coordination to achieve an appropriate celebration program that is meaningful and inclusive for the wider community. A key initiative of the Committee will be the development of an endorsement program to support community and institutionally-based activities.
 
I encourage all government agencies and personnel to consider ways the bicentenary could be incorporated in their programs and event calendars. 

Nathan Rees MP
Premier