High Commission of Australia, London facts for kids
Quick facts for kids High Commission of Australia in London |
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| Location | Aldwych, London |
| Address | Strand, London |
| Coordinates | 51°30′46.4″N 0°6′56.6″W / 51.512889°N 0.115722°W |
| High Commissioner | Stephen Smith |
| Deputy High Commissioner | Elisabeth Bowes |
Australia House in London is a very important building for Australia in the United Kingdom. It's like Australia's main office or embassy in the UK. This special place is called the High Commission of Australia.
It was the very first building Australia set up to work with other countries. It has been used for this purpose longer than any other Australian office in the UK. Australia House is also a Grade II listed building, which means it's a special old building protected because of its history and design.
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A Look Back: History
Building Australia House started in 1913. It's a big landmark on the Strand, London street. The First World War caused delays because it was hard to get building materials.
The building was officially opened on August 3, 1918, by King George V. The Australian Prime Minister at the time, William Morris Hughes, was also there.
The land for Australia House was bought in 1912 for about £379,756. With all the building costs, the total amount spent was around £1 million. British architects, Alexander Marshall Mackenzie and his son, Alexander George Robertson Mackenzie, designed the building. They won a competition to do so! Australia's main architect, John Smith Murdoch, even traveled to London to help with the design.
Even though Australia had an "Official Secretary" in London since 1906, the High Commission was Australia's first official diplomatic office. It quickly became one of the most important in London.
Did you know? Australia House was built over a very old well, about 900 years old! This well gets its water from the River Fleet, a river that now flows underground in London. The water in the well is still clear and safe to drink.
Building Blocks: How it Was Made
Many of the materials used to build Australia House came all the way from Australia! The outside of the building is made of Portland stone. The base is made from a strong Australian rock called trachyte.
Inside, you can see beautiful Australian marbles. There's dove-colored marble from Buchan in Victoria. There's also light and dark marble from Caleula in New South Wales, and white marble from Angaston in South Australia.
The wood used for the floors and other parts also came from different Australian states. A very important wood used is called black bean. It's a very hard and strong wood, similar to English oak. It was used for the special panels in the Downer Room on the first floor. These panels have carvings that show different arts and sciences.
What Happens There Today?
Australia House is a busy place! Many Australian government groups work there. These include:
- Austrade: This group helps Australian businesses trade with the UK.
- Defence: This part deals with military and defense matters.
- National Library of Australia: They have a collection of Australian books and information.
- Public Affairs/Media/Cultural: This team shares news about Australia and promotes Australian culture.
The beautiful inside of Australia House has even been used in movies! It was the setting for Gringotts Wizarding Bank in the movie Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. It also appeared in the 2017 movie Wonder Woman.
Voting Down Under, in London!
When Australians vote in federal elections, Australia House is usually the biggest place for voting outside of Australia. More Australians living in London vote at Australia House than at any single voting place in Australia itself!
Gallery
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The entrance to the High Commission
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Close-up of the entrance
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View from Aldwych
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View from Strand
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The High Commission
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Phoebus Driving the Horses of the Sun by Bertram Mackennal
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