Penrith City Council will host a bicentenary of the 1813 Blue Mountains crossing in 2013 with veteran Australian actor, Jack Thompson representing the events.

The bicentenary will be celebrated in 2013, with Mr Thompson representing a program of community events, supported by local business, JK Williams.

These events will include a re-enactment trek, a family camp out and an historical festival to be held in May 2013.

Mr Thompson said he is “delighted” to be participating in the Bicentenary of the First Crossing of the Blue Mountains celebrations.

“It is such a significant event in Australia’s history, it opened up horizons for us in every respect,” Mr Thompson said.

He said he is particularly interested in the “wonderful Australian writing that is now one of the other great legacies of the first crossing”.

According to the council, Mr Thompson is an ‘obvious’ choice to be the ‘face’ of the event due to his ‘[well known] love of the Australian bush and Australian history’.

Mr Thompson is ‘keen to bring attention and recognition to these early explorers’, according to the council.

“I encourage all Australians to get to know this remarkable part of our story,” Mr Thompson said.

Penrith City Council mayor, Greg Davies said the Council is committed to “honouring the people, places and events that have helped shaped our city”.

“The path forged by Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth through the Blue Mountains began at Blaxland’s farm at St Marys.

“Hopefully these events will create a lasting memory for our residents and inspire the younger generations to learn more about our city’s history,” Mr Davies said.

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