Government House Open Day: Keith explores his historic building in the Adelaide City region of South Australia

Government House on North Terrace is surely our most historic home it wasn’t without its controversy. When the original wing was first built in the 1830s they argued about the cost – then, when they added another wing in the 1850s the Governor of the day wanted to build a new house down by the Torrens. He clearly didn't win because to this day this is the home to the Governor of South Australia.

The eastern wing was built of stone dug from a quarry near the River Torrens and it replaced an 'extraordinary and uncouth structure' which is how they described the first official house built for Governor Hindmarsh by the sailors of the Buffalo. It's now much more respectable and is home of current South Australian Governor, Rear Admirable Kevin Scarce. And he is well aware of the early dramas surrounding Governor Gawler's original plans.

Governor Scarce: "Adelaide struggled in those first early days so he built this house and a number of other public institutions really to keep the population employed. I think he had a budget of about 1,000 pounds and he spent considerably over that and had to go back to England to get the money to pay all the creditors. Eventually the money came back and so did his recall notice so we've always been fairly careful since then. We’re not planning any extensions!”

Government House has had its share of royal guests - in 1927 a young Queen Mother checked in as a young Duchess of Yorke with her husband, the future King, George the 6th. The palms by the state entrance were already as high as the house. The new Queen Elizabeth II stayed here in 1954. The grand rooms have been home to more than 30 Governors and each has added their own personal touch.

Governor Scarce has a display outlining his distinguished 40-year naval career, which began when a young Kevin Scarce signed up as a 15-year-old in 1968. His first ship was HMAS Sydney and a voyage to Vietnam. Numerous postings followed including a stint at HMAS Cerberus - where he met a young Communications Officer, Liz, who would become Mrs. Scarse. Her influences on the house are everywhere - including collections of family photos scattered throughout the rooms. But that's not all – there’s also a collection of teddy bears.

Governor Scarce: “We're patron of about 200 organisations and when we go out to visit we like to get their mascot and bring it back to Government House to promote the organisation.”

The collection includes mascots from charities like Diabetes Australia, SIDS for Kids, Riding for the Disabled. There’s also Leo, the Governor’s own childhood bear complete with Central Districts and Port Adelaide scarf. Governor Scarce takes his love of football and Centrals to work with him every day. He admits he enjoys his 20-second commute downstairs to his study where hours are spent pouring over legislation and laws passed by the Parliament over the road.

Governor Scarce: “The study dates back to 1855. The bookcase is the original woodwork - it's been wonderfully well maintained and it's really got a sense of history. Every Governor's worked here since about the 1855 period.”

On display in the study is a tribute book put together by students and staff of the Governor’s old school, Elizabeth East Primary School. It's a delightful tribute to the down to earth, approachable nature of Governor Scarce - despite a distinguished career, which includes a Rear Admiralty, two Masters Degrees, a posting in Washington and much more. And that down to earth attitude is reflected too in the Governor's intention to keep his home accessible - last year 20-thousand people visited Government House through more than 850 separate events.

Government House, complete with the teddy bear collection will be open next Sunday as part of History Week. It's open between 10 and 4 and entry is free. Lot's more to do during History Week too - more than 300 activities right around the state. Check out the full program at www.history.sa.go.au

Government House Open Day Sunday 31 May 10.00am - 4.00pm Entry free

SA History Week 22-31 May 2009

Published 24th May 2009