The History of Government House
Government House Foundation of the Northern Territory was incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act of the Northern Territory of Australia on 11 December 1998. The Foundation was formed in order to preserve and promote the heritage of the oldest European building in the Northern Territory.
Captain William Bloomfield Douglas, 2nd Government Resident in the Northern Territory, chose the site for his Government Residence in 1870. The style was to follow the standard pattern for tropical areas, being a bungalow with a total of ten rooms and a verandah all round. The new House was first occupied in May 1871 and since that time it has been the home of successive Government Residents and Administrators. It has endured destructive infestations of termites, rowdy demonstrations, major cyclones, earthquakes and enemy bombing raids, to remain one of the most attractive buildings in Darwin.
Government House Darwin was registered with the National Trust in November 1984, recorded on the Australian Heritage Register in May 1991, and declared a Heritage Place under Section 33 of the Northern Territory Heritage Conservation Act in March 1996.
The Foundation, which is made up of some two hundred members, has Objectives which include the support of the conservation (including preservation, restoration, reconstruction, adaptation and maintenance) and enhancement of Government House, its furnishing and surrounds. It also aims to promote public education and awareness of the history of the House and the role of The Administrator.
The Territory community cherishes the old building and gardens and the history Government House represents. However, the scope of what the Foundation can achieve is limited by the support of its volunteer members and the funds it is able to raise.
We hope you will consider joining Government House Foundation and helping us to enhance one of the Territory's most important and beautiful heritage sites.
