Provisional Parliament House in Canberra was officially opened on May 9, 1927.
His Royal Highness the Duke of York (later King George VI), accompanied by the Duchess of York, unlocked the front doors using a large gold key. Prime Minister Stanley Melbourne Bruce delivered the inaugural address. A formal message was read aloud from His Majesty the King declaring the parliament open.
Renowned Australian soprano Dame Nellie Melba sang the national anthem (God Save the King) on the front steps, followed by the crowd and the Canberra Philharmonic Society. Thousands of spectators cheered, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) planes flew overhead, and attendees enjoyed festivities including turtle soup and Canberra pudding inside, with meat pies and scones served to the crowds outside.
Video footage of the event exists:
https://www.moadoph.gov.au/about/old-parliament-house/history
Frederick Bridge was the bass drummer in the band.
