Inside the new auditorium.

New auditorium officially opened

By Kerri Carr

Federation's 402-seat auditorium at 39-41 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills was officially opened following Council on Saturday May 6.

The Council meeting was the first event to be held in the new facilities.

General Secretary Barry Johnson said Federation Council had "come home" and was "worth the wait".

"Teachers Federation's auditorium is the great heart of this democratic organisation," he said.

"The debates held in this auditorium, past, present and future, are the lungs of this organisation," he added.

Federation last held a Council meeting in its own auditorium in November 1998, when the union's headquarters were in Sussex Street, Sydney.

Construction of the auditorium began in 2004. The auditorium is located adjacent to Teachers Federation House, at 23-33 Mary Street Surry Hills, with associated facilities, such as lounge areas and TCs Club located within Federation headquarters.

The new auditorium is available for hire, along with other Federation facilities such as breakout rooms with moveable walls.

"Teachers Federation Conference Centre will be a great asset to the members of Federation," Mr Johnson said.

When Mr Johnson declared the auditorium officially open there was a standing ovation.

Jeannie Lewis, daughter of former Federation President Sam Lewis, and Executive member Maurie Mulheron entertained guests during the official opening.

Music entertainment in the lounge area was provided by the Conservatorium High School.

During the celebration Federation President Maree O'Halloran raised toasts to Federation and public education.

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