01/03/2025
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the Friends of Old Government House and Experiment Farm Cottage will cease operation at the end of 2025. This decision has not been made lightly, but we believe it is the right time to bid farewell.
Since our inception in 1989, the Friends have served as the fundraising committee for the National Trust’s Parramatta Properties. We have thoroughly enjoyed raising funds for these two historic sites through various events, including Sunday Teas, Opera in the Courtyard, Cavalcade of Fashion, an evening with Gilbert and Sullivan, Jazz at the Farm, Carols by Candlelight, Macquarie Feasts, Australia Day BBQs, and, of course, the Ghost Tours of Old Government House.
Ghost Tours will continue throughout this year, with our final tour scheduled for November 21, 2025. We remain hopeful that these tours will be carried on in the future under the management of the National Trust.
The Friends Committee would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the visitors who have supported our events over the past 36 years, helping to preserve the legacy of Old Government House and Experiment Farm Cottage. We also appreciate the many organisations and the Parramatta Properties Managers and staff who have assisted us throughout our journey.
Finally, we wish to thank the numerous volunteers and committee members, including those who are sadly no longer with us, who have dedicated their time and effort to make our events successful. Their commitment has ensured that all funds raised are reinvested into the properties, allowing us to keep them open to the public and share their stories.
