Late last month, the new National Archives Advisory Council met in Brisbane with a full complement of members. We welcomed to the Advisory Council Senator Kate Lundy; Mr David Irvine AO, Director-General of ASIS; Dr Dianne Snowden, genealogical researcher and historian; and Professor John Williams from the University of Adelaide. Previous members – the Hon Alex Somlyay MP and Dr Helen Irving – were welcomed back, while long-standing Council member, Dr Jane Wilson, was farewelled after six years of service. Dr Wilson's final role as a Council member sees her emceeing Constitution Day events in Brisbane with the Governor of Queensland, her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AM. It’s exciting times for the Council with many new initiatives to consider.

In other news, the National Archives of Australia has accepted into its collection the first Australian map of the whole Antarctic continent. The map was created using details from pioneering expeditions and early flights over the southern continent, and published in 1939. It is an important part of Australia’s contribution to understanding the geography of the Antarctic, and a valuable resource for historians, scientists and researchers.

Presented to the National Archives by the Australian Antarctic division, the map was originally produced by the Department of the Interior. The hand-over of the map coincided with the 75th anniversary of the transfer of the Australian Antarctic Territory from Great Britain to Australia in 1933. The map is currently on display at the National Archives in Hobart.

And finally, this week is the anniversary of 9 July 1900, the day that Queen Victoria signed the Royal Commission of Assent enacting the Bill passed by the British Parliament to provide for the creation of the Commonwealth of Australia. To celebrate this historically significant day, the National Archives is celebrating 9 July – the day the Australian Constitution became law – with activities to highlight the importance of the Constitution to all citizens, new and old.

A program of events is being held around the country including special citizenship ceremonies in Canberra and Brisbane and the launch of Making Australia Home – a project by the National Archives to digitise immigration records. There are talks and resources to encourage discussion about the meaning and continuing importance of the Constitution and we look forward to an ongoing and lively discussion!

Ross Gibbs
Director-General
National Archives of Australia

8 July 2008