Governor Lachlan Macquarie

The exhibition featured historical artefacts from the early days of the colony, including key documents issued by Lachlan Macquarie, a holey dollar, love tokens inscribed by convicts and breastplates presented to Aboriginal people.

It also included specially produced digital features exploring early currency, land grants and Macquarie’s legacy.

Lachlan Macquarie’s legacy

Lieutenant Colonel Lachlan Macquarie (1761–1824) was sworn in as the fifth Governor of New South Wales and its dependencies on 1 January 1810. He promptly annulled all laws and appointments made in the wake of a military coup that had deposed his predecessor, Governor William Bligh, in 1808.

Re-establishing the rule of law was to be his first task in a 12-year term that would transform the colony from a dumping ground for convicts to a prosperous settlement. Macquarie steered the colony towards economic independence. He was instrumental in establishing Australia’s first bank and introducing its first currency, the holey dollar.

Despite the many improvements he instigated, Macquarie was undermined by disaffected settlers who resented his approach, and frustrated by the changing priorities of the British government. Sensitive to any criticism, Macquarie offered his resignation on three occasions, finally leaving the post in December 1821.