Flags and Emblems - National and State
In 1973 a competition was held for a distinctively Australian national anthem.
The Australian National Anthem Quest was run in two stages by the Australia Council for the Arts. The first stage for lyrics attracted more than 1400 entries. The second stage for music received 1200 entries. The judges decided the entries did not meet the high standards of Australia’s traditional songs ‘Advance Australia Fair’, ‘Waltzing Matilda’ and ‘Song of Australia’. The Australia Council for the Arts recommended the final choice for the national anthem should be made from these three songs. The Bureau of Statistics ran a national poll of 60 000 people. ‘Advance Australia Fair’ was favoured by 51.4 per cent of the people followed by ‘Waltzing Matilda’ (19.6 per cent). The original composition of 'Advance Australia Fair' was written by Peter Dodds McCormick in 1878 and consisted of four verses. In 1974 ‘Advance Australia Fair’ was adopted as the Australian National Anthem; however in 1976 ‘God Save The Queen’ was reinstated. In 1977 the Australian Electoral Office conducted a poll for the national anthem tune in conjunction with a referendum. The tune ‘Advance Australia Fair’ was the preferred option receiving 43.6 per cent of first preference followed by ‘Waltzing Matilda (28.45 percent). In 1981 the National Australia Day Council recommended that the Australian National Anthem consist of verses one and two of ‘Advance Australia Fair ‘with some modification. |
The Australian National Flag is Australia’s foremost national symbol. It was first flown in 1901 and has become an expression of Australian identity and pride. The flag flies over the federal and state parliaments. The flag is paraded by our defence forces and displayed around the country at sporting events and by service organisations, schools, community groups and private citizens. The Australian National Flag has three elements on a blue background: the Union Jack, the Commonwealth Star and the Southern Cross. The Union Jack in the upper left corner (or canton) acknowledges the history of British settlement. Below the Union Jack is a white Commonwealth or Federation star. It has seven points representing the unity of the six states and the territories of the Commonwealth of Australia. The star is also featured on the Commonwealth Coat of Arms. The Southern Cross is shown on the fly of the flag in white. This constellation of five stars can be seen only from the southern hemisphere and is a reminder of Australia’s geography.
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The Commonwealth Coat of Arms symbolises the ownership and authority of the Australian Government. It was granted in a Royal Warrant in 1912. About the Commonwealth Coat of Arms The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is an emblem signifying the national unity of Australia. Symbols of Australia’s six states appear together on the shield, which is the central feature of a coat of arms. The border of the shield symbolises federation. The national floral emblem, the golden wattle, frames the Commonwealth Coat of Arms. The kangaroo and emu are the native animals that hold the shield with pride. Some say the kangaroo and emu were chosen to symbolise a nation moving forward. This is based on the common belief that neither animal can move backwards easily. A coat of arms is granted by the Sovereign and is a sign of identity and authority.
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NSW Flag and EmblemsAnimal:
Floral: Waratah Marine: Blue Groper Known as the First State NT Flag and EmblemAnimal: Red Kangaroo
Floral: Sturt's Desert Rose Marine: No Official Emblem Known as Outback Australia SA Flag and EmblemsAnimal: Hairy-Nosed Wombat
Floral: Sturt's Desert Pea Faunal: Piping Shrike (unofficial) Marine: Leafy Sea-dragon Christmas Island Flag |
ACT Flag and EmblemsFloral: Royal Bluebell
Faunal: Gang-Gang Cockatoo Marine: No Official Emblem Known as the Nation's Capital QLD Flag and EmblemAnimal: Koala
Floral: Cooktown Orchid Faunal: Brolga Marine: No Official Emblem Known as the Sunshine State TAS Flag and Emblems
Cocos (Keeling) Islands Flag |
VIC Flag and EmblemsAnimal: Leadbeater's Possum
Floral: Common Heath Bird: Helmeted Honeyeater Marine: Weedy Seadragon Known as the Garden State WA Flag and EmblemAnimal: Numbat
Floral: Red and Green Kangaroo Paw Faunal: Black Swan Marine: No Official Emblem Known as the Excitement Norfolk Island FlagLord Howe Island Flag |