A Rally in Centennial Park

11.00 - 12.30

Sunday 20 February 2005

Join us in Centennial Park for a rally to celebrate the life and work of Patrick White, Australia’s only Nobel Laureate for Literature. The National Trust is rallying support for keeping the Patrick White house in public ownership. It is launching an appeal to raise funds to buy 20 Martin Road and to create the Patrick White Centre under a separate foundation.

Time is of the essence as the property is due to be sold shortly after the stay of execution, achieved by the National Trust in late 2004, expires.

Bring your own picnic and listen to readings from the works of Patrick White and to descriptions of his life and contribution to Sydney, Australia and the International scene.

Patrick White:

A Celebration

Master of Ceremonies: Stephen Crittenden, Radio Presenter

Speakers include:
The Hon. Barry O'Keefe Am, QC, National Trust President
Thomas Keneally, AO, author
Jack Mundey, AO, activist
Kate Fitzpatrick, actor

The National Trust of Australia (NSW) is lobbying and raising funds to buy 20 Martin Road, Centennial Park to house The Patrick White Centre to interpret his work and life and honour his contribution to Australian literature, cultural life and community causes. It is intended that the centre will be managed by an independent foundation to provide opportunities for writers and artists to develop new work or reflect on Patrick White’s legacy.

To help:
contact the National Trust on +61 292580123, add your comments on the Trust’s web page
www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au and write to Sydney City Council, the Premier Bob Carr and the Prime Minister, John Howard urging them to ensure that the house stays in public ownership.
Donations can also be made to the National Trust.

Location:
The celebration will be held in Centennial Park, south of the Rangers House, in the area sloping down from Martin Road and directly in front of Patrick White’s house.

Bring your own picnic and enjoy the day!