Annandale - Sydney

Sir Henry Parkes - 1815-1896 ’The Father of Federation' • Born in England on 27th May 1815 • Arrived in Australia in 1839 • Elected to New South Wales Parliament in 1854 • Premier of New South Wales 5 times • In 1889, he made a famous speech (Tenterfield address) in which he called for a convention of leading men to meet to discuss how a national government could be formed for Australia • Presided over first Federal Convention in 1891 • Established political directions for the new country • Poet and writer • Died 27th April 1896, four years before his dream of a federated Australia came true