Canberra Timeline By sarahs111 Jan 1, 1908 It is decided to build a new capital at Canberra Jan 1, 1912 Architect Walter Burley Griffin wins a competition to design the new city Jan 1, 1913 The foundations stone of Canberra is laid by Prime Minister Andrew Fisher Jan 1, 1947 The Australian National University is established Jan 1, 1947 Canberra has a population of 15,000 Jan 1, 1963 Walter Burley Griffin Lake is created Jan 1, 1965 The Royal Australian Mint opens. Anzac Walk opens. Jan 1, 1967 Canberra has a population of more than 100,000 Jan 1, 1968 The National Library of Australia opens Jan 1, 1977 Canberra Stadium is built Jan 1, 1980 The High Court of Australia opens. The National Museum of Australia is founded. Testra Tower opens. Jan 1, 1981 The Australian Institute of Sport opens Jan 1, 1982 The National Gallery of Australia opens Jan 1, 1988 New Parliament House opens Jan 1, 2002 Reconciliation Place opens Jan 1, 2006 R. G. Menzies Walk opens