Lachlan Macquarie: The Father of Australia (ATOM Study Guide)

In 1810, Lachlan Macquarie arrived in New South Wales to rule over 10,000 criminals and colonists.

He was ordered to normalise the situation after the political and social unrest caused by the arrest of Governor Bligh by the New South Wales Corps and its wealthy supporters such as John Macarthur.

But what was normal. Was New South Wales a jail or a colony?

Over the next twelve years Macquarie's policies profoundly shaped the nation – not least by nurturing Australia's egalitarian spirit and national belief in the right to 'a fair go'. He was even the first person to use, in an official document, the colony's future name – Australia.

And it was not only Lachlan Macquarie's vision – behind every great man is a great woman, and this film is her story too. We also see Elizabeth Campbell Macquarie's untold contribution to the Australian nation.

In 1821 the Macquaries left the colony – to the acclaim and praise of many of the inhabitants, but to the criticism of the British government and its representative, Commissioner J.T. Bigge.

»» Why was Macquarie praised by some but criticized by others? How is his legacy seen today? What does a study of his period of governorship tell us about the role of the individual in history, and about the nature of the developing colony at the time?

Lachlan Macquarie: The Father of Australia (Les Wilson, 2010) is a 60-minute documentary that explores the life and governorship of Governor Macquarie. Using expert interviews, diaries and letters written by the characters themselves and contemporary narrative, this film tells the dramatic story of the father of Australia.

This film is an appropriate resource for use in History/Society and Environment at Years 8–10.