Australia Day Ceremony for NSW 1996 – 1998

The Australia Day Ceremony for NSW was produced and directed by Mary Lopez from 1996 to 1998.

The official ceremony for the Governor of NSW, the Premier of NSW, the Lord Mayor of Sydney and the NSW Australia Day Council was staged in Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour.

The Australia Day Ceremony, created by Mary with the Australia Day Council, was a dignified presentation, featuring Government speakers alongside eminent Australian performing artists in a celebration of excellence and national spirit.

The Ceremonies featured Tommy Tycho as musical director, a symphony orchestra and a choir. Performers included Marina Prior, Roger Woodward, Don Burrows, David Helfgott, Yothu Yindi, Peter Cousens, Miriam Gormley, Maree Johnson and Christine Anu.

Mary Lopez’ prototype has remained till the present day.

  • Dawn Fraser AO

    "Mary's given more young Australian performers a chance to shine than any other Australian I know"

  • Paula Duncan

    “I consider Mary Lopez one of the true talent discoverers. She has found and established some of the great talents of Australia, including Human Nature"

  • ALAN JONES AO

    "Mary Lopez is a wonderful Australian and a generous giver"

  • John Williamson, Country Singer

    "Mary loves Australia and this love shines through in everything she does"

  • Father Chris Riley

    "In the words of Batchelor Girl – Mary encourages and gives our kids ‘permission to shine’"

  • Human Nature

    “Mary believed in us … she nurtured us, developed our talent. She’s always there for us and we’ll always be there for her.”

  • Contact Details

    Mary Lopez AM

    Entertainment and Talent Director
    TDP Artistic Director and CEO
    Emeritus Director Schools Spectacular

    p: +61 (0)2 9954 5540

  • 2010 TDP GRADUATES

  • TDP GRADUATE & MUSICAL DIRECTOR, JOHN FOREMAN

    "Mary Lopez is one of the most professional, dynamic, dedicated and enthusiastic people I have ever met"

  • Bound For Broadway Documentary

  • 2011 TDP Graduation Screening on Aurora TV

    2011 Talent Development Project Graduation Spectacular

    Premiere Screening 6pm on September 24th

    Aurora TV, Channel 183 on Foxtel and Austar

    Aurora TV is the proud Broadcast Partner of the TDP