Liberal councillor pushing for jump start from Maitland Council in planning for Morpeth bicentenary.

Cr Griffin said he has submitted a notice of motion for the next council meeting to start preparations ahead of the Bicentenary of Morpeth in November 2021.

“Morpeth is a significant part of the Australian story and the bicentenary is an important milestone that would be sad to miss,” he said.

“Therefore we should start planning now to ensure the success of the event.”

The notice of motion calls for council to lead the celebrations for the bicentenary, which if approved will occur on the weekend of November 20 and 21, 2021.

Cr Griffin said the motion proposes Maitland City Council form a planning committee, consisting of the three North Ward councillors along with six residents or businesses from the town. 

“The local businesses in Morpeth often miss out on opportunities, this would be a great chance to bring people in and increase tourism to the area”.

“Morpeth locals love their town, theory love their history and they love their lifestyle. This is a great chance for them to be involved and celebrate their rich and unique history.”

Morpeth was founded by Napoleonic War veteran Lieutenant Edward Charles Close who established the township in 1821 –  which is Australia’s second oldest port.

Previous anniversaries for the town include the unveiling of the war memorial for the towns centenary in 1921 and the memorial stone in 1971 for the 150th anniversary.

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