Centennial Parklands Dining has announced its autumn trading hours for the Easter weekend and the rest of the season. 
See the fantastic 52 weekly winners from our 2011 Park Visitor photo competition! 
If you love Centennial Parklands, have questions or concerns, you can have your say through the Parklands' Community Consultative Committee 
Gate times have changed as of Sunday 1 April due to the end of daylight savings in NSW. 
Our new blog is live, so why not check out the latest blog post now. A great read for all who love these Parklands. 
Charles Dickens celebrates his 200th birthday in Centennial Park
Posted: 7 February 2012
Today marked the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens birthday and it was celebrated in style at the foot of one of the only two-life sized statues of him in the world - right here in Centennial Park.
“In partnership with the NSW Dickens Society, we today celebrated the life and work of a man who is still recognised as one of the world’s most profound novelists and social commentators of his time,” said Kim Ellis, Director and Chief Executive of the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust.
“We were honoured to be joined by the British Consul-General, Richard Morris, and the wonderful Miriam Margolyes – who is not only a world-renowned stage and screen actor, but is the Patron of the NSW Dickens Society.”
The restored 120 year old Dickens statue in Centennial Park was unveiled on 7 February 2011 following a fascinating and mysterious history, which included a public campaign to locate the then ‘lost’ statue, and highly complex restoration process which was beset by what some described as the ‘curse of Dickens’.
Around 75 local dignitaries, special guests and park visitors attended today’s event and were mesmerised with an oration by Miriam Margolyes, as well as speeches and readings by British Consul General Richard Morris, British Council Director, Nick Marchand, Chester Porter QC and Susannah Fullerton. Riverside Lyric Ensemble also performed a scene from ‘A Christmas Carol’ and songs from ‘Oliver Twist’.
While the guest speakers could agree on the significance of Dickens’ work, an amusing byplay was had by speakers on which of the Dickens novels was “the best”.
Celebrations concluded with a special lunch at Centennial Parklands Dining, followed by birthday cake and champagne toast to commemorate the anniversary of the great master of humour and pathos.
Further information
To mark this occasion the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust is hosting a special Charles Dickens display in Centennial Parklands Dining until the end of March. The display features two first editions of Charles Dickens books, kindly loaned by Dr Catherine Runcie, a plaster bust of the Dickens statue from its restoration process, and an interpretive display of Dickens life and work.
The Charles Dickens statue is located at the corner of Dickens Drive and Loch Avenue in Centennial Park (grid ref: E4 on Centennial Parklands Map).
Read more about the restoration of the Dickens statue.
Contact: Amy Jozing
Phone: (02) 9339 6699
