Playing Their Part: Official Book Launch at Government House

Playing Their Part: Official Book Launch at Government House

Playing Their Part: Vice-Regal Consorts of NSW, 1788-2019 (published 2020) was officially launched at Government House, Sydney on Wednesday 23 February 2022.

The book was launched by Mr Dennis Wilson (consort to Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of NSW) alongside Mrs Linda Hurley (consort to His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC [Retd], Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia).

In attendance were some of the 22 authors who contributed biographical profiles for the vice-regal women and one man that comprise the book, and the volunteer editors of the book, RAHS President Carol Liston AO, Joy Hughes and Christine Wright.

Amongst the luminaries in attendance were the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley, the Honourable TF Bathurst AC, Chief Justice and Lieutenant-Governor of NSW, Lady Suzanne Martin, widow of Sir David Martin, 34^th Governor of NSW, and the State Library of NSW’s Dr John Vallance.

The audience (which was restricted due to COVID protocols) were treated to two interesting speeches, followed by afternoon tea. Mr Wilson discussed his admiration for Eliza Kent (consort to Governor John Hunter) and Mrs Hurley outlined how her curiosity inspired her to approach the RAHS to find out more about past vice-regal women. She also spoke in admiration of her favourite consort, Anna Josepha King (wife of the third Governor of NSW, Philip Gidley King).

To close the proceedings, Mrs Hurley treated the audience to a musical rendition of her own making, which celebrated the lives of the past consorts.

Playing Their Part is available from the RAHS shop as a hardcopy book and digital e-book. You can find out more about the book by visiting our dedicated website which features stories about the project, published articles and recorded lectures.