2009 marks 200 years since the birth of Charles Darwin (1809-1882) and Darwin City Council in partnership with the Northern Territory Government, Charles Darwin University, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) and other stakeholders, is participating in worldwide celebrations of what is being branded internationally as “Darwin 200”.

Charles Darwin (1809-1882) was an English naturalist who challenged the thinking of the day by observing and demonstrating that all species of life have evolved over time from common ancestors through a process he called natural selection. His theory of evolution placed humans firmly within the natural world.

A program of events has been planned for 2009 including the celebration of Darwin's 200th Birthday on 12 February 2009, marked by the opening of the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory's 'Supercrocodilians' exhibition running through to 28 November 2009. Other events include the construction of a major new artwork, the HMS Beagle Ship Bell Chime by Dr Anton Hasell in Civic Park in April 2009; the public launch of the artwork in July 2009, coordinated by Corrugated Iron Youth Arts in conjunction with a number of other arts organisations; and the Charles Darwin Symposium at Charles Darwin University from 22-24 September 2009. Council events throughout 2009 such as FREEPS, Fun in the Parks, Fun Bus, youth, seniors, disability, arts and sister cities events will also feature Darwin 200 themed activities.

A website has been established at www.darwin200.org.au with an up-to-date program of events for Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region, plus information on Charles Darwin himself and his achievements.

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