While he had nothing but admiration for NSW Governor Marie Bashir's words on Macquarie, he felt let down by the much-anticipated portrayal of Lachlan Macquarie by well-loved Australian actor Colin Friels.

"I was disappointed he didn't dress up in Macquarie's uniform!" Mr Miller said. "He was in a suit!"

Mr Friels performed part of Alex Buzo's play about the famous fifth NSW Governor, with actor Anita Hegh playing his wife Elizabeth.

However, Riverstone MP John Aquilina who was also in the party said Mr Friels was "excellent", and that the organisers had purposefully not dressed Mr Friels in period costume.

"It gave a meaningful, modern relevance," he said of Mr Friels' appearance in a suit. "He used Macquarie's actual words, which were his farewell speech on leaving the colony."

Premier Kristina Keneally spoke as well, and a Scottish army piper and a highland dancer from the Edinburgh Military Tattoo entertained the audience, as did an aboriginal dancer and didgeridoo player.

Mr Miller said Ms Keneally was "a lovely girl". "I chatted her up afterwards!" he laughed. "And we got to parade through Government House."

Governor Bashir outlined the Macquarie 2010 Bicentenary program of events which will acknowledge the legacy of Governor Lachlan Macquarie and his wife, Elizabeth Campbell.

Governor Bashir said it was an honour to pay tribute to a most influential predecessor.

"Macquarie was a courageous and visionary man who set the direction for a prosperous and egalitarian nation," she said.

"His contribution is seen in every aspect of our modern society.

"From infrastructure development, the establishment of architectural landmarks and our extensive education system ? the origins of which can be attributed to Governor Macquarie ? the impact of his 12-year tenure will be remembered as one of the most significant of any Australian Governor."