Morpeth Bicentenary 2022 event program

COMMEMORATING 200 YEARS

The township of Morpeth, originally known by its Aboriginal name ‘Illalaung’ and the traditional land of the Wonnarua people, will commemorate the bicentenary of its founding by Lieutenant Edward Charles Close on 19 and 20 November 2022.

To commemorate the occasion there is a large program of activities planned for the weekend, including street activations, activities hosted by local businesses and the community, Morpeth Bridge open day, live music, and much more!

THE ARNOTT’S GROUP

The Arnott’s Group history in many ways encapsulates the changing fortunes of Australia. From colonial days, through World War I, the Great Depression, World War II and post war reconstruction and immigration, to modern-day Australia.

From a biscuit making business in a small town, to one of Australia’s most loved and recognised brands, gracing the shelves of supermarkets around the world. Our history began in Morpeth in the 1850s. And our future is brighter for it.

The Arnott’s Group is proud to be a community sponsor of Morpeth’s Bicentenary celebrations.

BICENTENARY PROJECTS

Maitland City Council adopted three Bicentenary infrastructure projects, which will leave legacy pieces of community infrastructure to commemorate 200 years of Morpeth. The projects include a riverside shared pathway, the Steamer Street shared pathway, and the architectural lighting of Morpeth Bridge.

Since adoption, the Steamer Street shared pathway has been completed, with seating and interpretive signage still to come. Construction will soon begin on the riverside shared pathway and Morpeth Bridge lighting is in place, operating under a regular or special occasion light program.

Alongside these projects, Council will be supporting a range of grant funded community projects and activities and more.

GREEN STREET

Slow Food Earth Market and Cooking and Planting Workshops (SUN)

CLOSEBOURNE HOUSE (SAT ONLY)

Resident Fair: Display of vintage cars, petting zoo and the ground floor of Closebourne House, Edward Close’s estate will be open to the public with a photographic display to highlight the history of the site.

SWAN STREET

Historic Sketches with Graham Davidson

Heritage walking tour

Children’s drawing classes with Graham Davidson (SUN)

Live Sketching with Graham Davidson (SAT)

Maitland Classic Motor Assoc car display (SUN)

Classic Holden car display (SAT)

Veteran Car Club display (SAT)

Hunter River Dragon Boats

Horse carriage rides

Carriage and colonial craft display

Interactive vintage games

Penny Farthing display and rides

Kids craft activities

Morpeth Public School P&C display and lemonade stand

Morpeth Fire Station open day

Face Painting

Morpeth ‘Then and Now’ interpretation boards

Antique valuations with Alex Renwick

Arnott’s blind biscuit tasting with East Maitland Lions Club

Morpeth Bridge drawing classes with Graham Davidson (SUN)

Drawing classes with Graham Davidson (SAT)

10.00am - 4.00pm

10.00am - 4.00pm

10.00am - 11.00am

10.00am - 12.00pm

10.00am - 12.00pm 10.00am - 1.00pm 10.00am - 1.00pm 10.00am - 2.00pm

10.00am - 4.00pm

11.30am - 3.30pm

1.00pm - 4.00pm

2.00pm - 4.00pm

BRIDGE OPEN DAY

The Morpeth Bridge will temporarily open to pedestrians who can get a unique vantage point of the river and township from the deck of the 1898 Timber Truss bridge. Grab take away from one of the local Morpeth Eateries and enjoy morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea from the beautiful Morpeth Bridge.

MORPETH EATERY SPECIALS

• Arriscar Cafe: Grab and go Grazing Boxes and Scone Boxes

• The Commerical Hotel: Salt and pepper squid with chilli mayo and chicken caesar wrap with chips

• Common Ground Cafe: Picnic box for $25.00, antipasto box for $25.00 or sweets box for $15.00

• Morpeth Deli: Take away sliders boxes, sandwich boxes and deli platters.

• Morpeth Woodfired Pizza: With any two gourmet size pizzas receive two free cans of soft drinks.

• Morpeth Indian Delicacies: With any two curries receive a free regular plain rice.

• Morpeth Sourdough Bakehouse: Take away sourdough bread, sourdough sweet and savoury pastries, sausage rolls, veggie rolls, sourdough hot dogs and Portuguese tarts.

• Savannah’s on Swan: Takeaway BBQ bratwurst