On Saturday, 16 November 2024, Burgmann College alumni, staff, volunteers, residents and friends of the College celebrated the official opening of the newly renovated Undergraduate Courtyard.
The event opened with Billy Fuller, a 2025 Burgmann Residents Association (BRA) Vice President, and Jessica Peacock, our 2024 Burgmann Price Scholar, introducing dear friends of the College Aunty Dr Matilda House Williams and her son, Paul Girrawah House, to lead a Welcome to Country ceremony, acknowledging these new additions to College on Ngambri/Ngunnawal land.
Funded by generous donations from the Burgmann community, these renovations offer a new BBQ, modern seating, improved shade, a new direct entry from the Common Room, and thoughtful features in the loving memory of some of Burgmann College’s cherished supporters and friends.
One of the most significant renovation updates was relocating The Charles and Elizabeth Price Gardens from the Village to the Courtyard area and installing a new water feature in Charles and Elizabeth’s honour.
‘We are delighted to see this vision brought so well to fruition as a wonderful new garden and social space for students and staff of Burgmann College, and a special way to honour the unique contribution our father and mother made to the foundation of Burgmann College,’ said Henry Price, son of Charles and Elizabeth Price in his speech during the ceremony. ‘Charles and Elizabeth loved gardens and nature and particularly native vegetation. They also loved having company around them, and this makes this garden a way of remembering them and their contribution to education here through Burgmann at ANU very special. I hope these gardens are greatly enjoyed for many years to come.’
All four children of Charles and Elizabeth Price—Deborah Price, Dr Susanna Price Harvey (1971–1972), Henry Price, and Richard Price attended with their families, celebrating the vision and legacy of their parents.
John Dauth AO LVO OBE, alumnus (1972–1974), former Acting Principal, and former Burgmann Council member, also offered his appreciation for Charles and Elizabeth Price.
‘People have all sorts of things named after them—rivers, cities... I knew Charles and Elizabeth when I came here in 1972, and I know that he is very much happier having something named after him at this marvellous place […] My contribution at this College, although I have done my best for many years to be helpful, is minuscule by comparison to that of Charles and Elizabeth, of course. Charles is a remarkable human being who gave a great deal.’
The event also recognised and celebrated the rededication of the Courtyard terrace to The First College Handyman, Bob Falconer, who served as handyman and gardener for Burgmann College from 1971–1979.
Related reading: Bob Falconer's influence and legacy at Burgmann College
As the donor of the original Burgmann barbecue back in the early ’80s, John Dauth AO LVO OBE was invited to speak about the experience of installing the first barbecue at Burgmann, and inaugurated the new grill with marinated prawns.
Guests were served an elaborate buffet catered by the talented Chartwells team, headed by Site Operations Manager Tanya Austen and Head Chef Gerrad Mazuran. Featuring dishes included Egyptian dukkah lamb rack, dauphinoise potatoes, spinach, pumpkin and ricotta lasagne, pepperjack chicken mignon, and an array of cheese and fruit boards, and Canberra-based musician Emma Jones provided a beautiful performance.
The Courtyard Redevelopment Project has been years in the making and was made possible through the generosity of many donors to our annual fundraising appeal during the College’s 50th Anniversary year. We thank everyone for their contribution to making this much-needed improvement to ‘Burgmann’s Backyard’ a reality.
