Sir John McEwen / National Party of Australia Centenary Commemoration

The National Capital Authority is managing the construction of a commemorative statue of Sir John McEwen and commemorative pavement to mark the centenary of the founding of the National Party of Australia (formerly the Australian Country Party), on 22 January 1920. The site for the works is located at Queen Victoria Terrace (East) in Canberra’s Parliamentary Zone.

The works include a full life size sculpture commemorating Australia’s 18^th Prime Minister, Sir John McEwen. Associated works include a purpose-designed landscape setting featuring a terrazzo pavement representing the various services and industries of regional Australia.

Sir John will be portrayed standing over two bags of wheat, representative of his longstanding contribution to Australia’s trade effort. Adjacent to the works will be a metal sign with interpretive material describing the purpose of the works. A seat, lighting, connecting pavement and low height hedge are designed to complement the commemorative aspects.

McEwen served in the nation’s parliament between 1934 and 1971, leading the Country Party from 1958 to 1971. For further reading about Sir John McEwen, please go to the Museum of Australian Democracy site about Australian Prime Ministers here.

The works are currently on track for completion in December 2020.

Sir John McEwen National Party of Australia Centenary Commemoration access ramp under construction

Sir John McEwen National Party of Australia Centenary Commemoration terrazzo finishing in progress