All posts in History

Australia’s Capital Canberra Celebrating Centenary in 2013

by admin on November 14, 2012 in Aussiephilia, Canberra, History, Travel with No comments

In 2013 Australia marks 100 years since the naming of Canberra, the nation’s capital, with a year-long program of events and celebrations. The Centenary of Canberra offers an opportunity for visitors and Australians alike to delve into the stories and spirit of the country.

Australia will celebrate the Centenary with a program of events that includes new and exciting projects as well as a showcase of the very best of what goes on in Canberra each year.

Canberra Day Long Weekend

A highlight of the Canberra Centenary celebrations are five days of festivities planned for the Canberra Day long weekend from 8 to12 March, 2013. Key events include:

Lights! Canberra! Action! on Friday 8 March at the Spiegeltent, a fun film event showcasing the work of 12 finalists given 10 days to create a seven minute short film.
Balloon Spectacular on Saturday 9 March, one of the top four hot air ballooning events in the world. Watch hot air balloons fill the skies, listen to live music and indulge in a range of hot breakfast options.
Black Opal Stakes Day on Sunday 10 March – Canberra’s premier horse racing day.
On Canberra Day on Monday 11 March don’t miss the Longest Bubbly Bars in the World, stretching along Lake Burley Griffin from Commonwealth Place. The bars will offer Centenary Bubbly specially created by local winemakers and tapas made from regional seasonal produce. Make sure to book in advance to secure a place amongst 800 people being served in 20 minute sittings.
After your fill of local bubbly, settle in at the Symphony Stage on the North Lawn for the world premiere of Andrew Schultz’s Symphony No. 3. Performed by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and the Centenary Choir, Symphony No. 3 is inspired by Canberra’s chief architect, Walter Burley-Griffin and his visions for the city 100 years ago.

Arts and culture

Coinciding with the Centenary of Canberra is the 25th anniversary of the opening of Australia’s new Parliament House. To celebrate, Canberra’s most prominent monument is being translated into dance by the Australian Ballet from 23 to 25 May at The Playhouse. Choreographed by Garry Stewart, who is known for his intellectual approach to dance, Monument will be presented in a double bill with classical showcase Etudes.
From 9 March to 11 October the National Museum of Australia will host Glorious Days: Australia 1913, an exhibition that transports visitors back in time to explore the fashion, cars, design and ideas that expressed the nation’s dreams.
The Centenary Pop-up is a central point for the festivities, hosting exhibitions and talks, serving coffee and more. It will first appear on 11 March and move through different parts of Canberra. An exhibition, Little Moments of Canberra, will run in parallel with the pop-up stand, inviting visitors to contribute to the Postcards from Canberra project by drawing, writing or making their response to the city. Selected postcards will be exhibited at the next location, culminating in a final exhibition of 100 postcards.

Nature

Walter Burley Griffin’s vision for a ‘Continental Arboretum’ will come true when the National Arboretum is unveiled to the public on 2 February. The design of the Arboretum, ‘100 Forests 100 Gardens’, models its walkways and plantings on his vision, running parallel to the water and allowing long views to the lake and distant landscapes. The Arboretum also marks 10 years since the devastating bushfires of January 2003, a positive legacy of the tragedy.
Opening in mid-2013, Canberra’s Centenary Trail will showcase the true ‘Bush Capital.’ The 140 kilometre self-guided trail takes walkers and cyclists on a journey through urban and nearby rural environments. A smart phone application, hard-copy maps and trail signage are available to guide visitors past well-known locations and hidden treasures.

Sport

The centenary year brings the Australian cricket team to Canberra’s Manuka Oval for the first time ever. On 6 February Australia will clash with arch-rival West Indies, in a day-night one-day International under the new lights at historic Manuka Oval.
The 2013 ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open will bring the world’s best golfers and the global LPGA golf tour to Canberra. A week of exhilarating golf is in store, with the finest players from all over the world travelling to Canberra to compete at the Royal Canberra Golf Club, Yarralumla.
Fans will be hoping for a home ground advantage on 18 June as one of the world’s most iconic rugby teams, the British and Irish Lions, take on the ACT Brumbies at Canberra Stadium. Made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, the Lions tour a different country every four years and haven’t visited Australia since 2001.
Canberra Stadium will also host the 2013 Rugby League Test between Four Nations champions, Australia, and the World Champions, New Zealand, in April. It will be the biggest Rugby League match ever staged in the national capital as the countdown continues to the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, to be staged in the United Kingdom, Ireland and France at the end of the year.

What Sydney Opera House Could Have Looked Like

by admin on September 28, 2012 in History, Pictures, Sydney with No comments

This is the second place winner of the design contest that was held to decide what design the new Sydney Opera House should have been. Quite a stark difference to what they actually chose!

Source.

Video: Great Barrier Reef from the 1960′s

by admin on September 10, 2012 in History, Videos with No comments

To mark the sad news that legendary underwater cinematographer Ron Taylor has passed away we present this film featuring his wonderful camera work. Ron had worked with The Commonwealth Film Unit on a number of films and his work was well regarded here and overseas. Perhaps best known for his work on filming sharks, including for Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, this film shows that his interest was in the whole marine environment, especially the Great Barrier Reef. Made by The Commonwealth Film Unit 1968. Directed by Kit Guyatt and featuring music composed by Don Burrows.

Video: A Guide to 1950′s Canberra

by admin on July 6, 2012 in Canberra, History, Videos with No comments

In its graceful setting, Canberra uniquely sums up the character of Australia and Australians as the nation’s capital. This program was originally intended to provide information to public servants transferring to Canberra. The intended use changed several times and some reshooting/reediting occurred before its release in 1958.

History: This Is The ABC – History of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation

by admin on July 2, 2012 in History, Videos with No comments

As The Australian Broadcasting Corporation turns 80 this week we wish Happy Birthday to Aunty with this look back in time to 1955, when she was only 23, and discover a behind-the-scenes story revealing the kind of organisation that went into making a daily radio program. Reflecting on the fact that at this time the ABC was an audio only broadcaster this film has an unusual introduction. Instead of having written credits, the film opens with shots of the key National Film Board crew members at work on the program. The presenter, Rupert Chance, introduces each crew member as we see them on the screen. There are no written credits. The film has excerpts from radio programs at the time including Blue Hills, sports commentator Bruce Weber, newsreader Paul McLeay and Eugene Goossens conducting at the Sydney Town Hall. Made by The National Film Board. 1955. Directed by Shan Benson.

Guest Post: A Historic Tour of Western Australia

by admin on June 28, 2012 in History, Western Australia with No comments

When you think about traveling to Australia, chances are you think of a visit to Sydney, with its famed bridge and Opera House. Perhaps the tropical northern coast and the Great Barrier Reef spring into mind. Maybe you think of the rugged outback and trying your hand at managing one of the country’s vast cattle ranches.

Those are all wonderful trips, but for a glimpse at Australia’s fascinating history, a jaunt to the western edge of the country is in order. Western Australia is the place to learn about Australia’s storied history as a destination for convicts and prisoners from the British Empire, as well as to experience some of the most diverse art and culture of the Land Down Under.

Overview of Western Australia History

The history of Western Australia, specifically the city of Perth, goes back centuries and centuries. European explorers first encountered the western edge of Australia in the 1700s, mostly by accident on their way to other destinations in Indonesia; but Europeans didn’t begin truly settling in the area until the early 1800s. Up until then, many of the European visitors found the swampy and hot land inhospitable, but in 1829 a group of explorers created a settlement that later became Perth.

The area is perhaps most notable for serving as a penal colony in the mid-1800s. The settlers of the area were having difficulties with survival and the British offered assistance in exchange for their acceptance of criminals. From 1850 to 1868, nearly 9,000 prisoners were transported to Perth via ship; these prisoners were put to work, building many of the structures that now constitute historic Perth.

Fremantle Prison

One of the most notable structures built by the convicts in the penal colony is Fremantle Prison (in Fremantle itself, which is just outside of Perth). The jail actually housed prisoners up until 1991, when it was decommissioned and then became a World Heritage Site. Today, visitors to Perth can tour the facility as part of a guided tour, viewing the cells and service areas that date back more than some 150 years. The tour also includes a visit to the prison art gallery, which exhibits work from former prisoners of Fremantle, including several historic pieces.

Other historic buildings in the area are a result of convict labor. The Government House, which serves as the residence for the region’s governor, is occasionally open for tours. The Perth Town Hall is also worth a visit; the convicts who built the structure included several convict motifs into the design, such as decorations shaped like hangman’s ropes.

Other Historic Sites

While Fremantle Prison is the showpiece of Western Australia’s historic heritage, there are other sites in the area that are certainly worth a visit. Perth is home to several major museums, including the Western Australia Museum, which details the history of the area going all the way back to the dinosaurs. Then there is the Shipwrecks Galleries, which details the maritime archaeology of the area and the hundreds of shipwrecks that have occurred off of Western Australia’s treacherous and daunting coast. The Western Australia Museum also operates three regional museums, in Albany, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie-Boulder, which each detail the social and natural histories of each local area.

Another must-see historic site in Fremantle is the Round House, which has the distinction of being Australia’s oldest public building. Built in 1831, the Round House served as a navigation guide to ships in the area.

Where to Stay

For an authentically historic experience in Western Australia, one option is to book a room at the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle. Originally built in 1895 and most recently refurbished in 2005, the Esplanade offers luxurious accommodations, resort-style activities and easy access to all of the historic and cultural activities of the area.

Fremantle and Perth are the tourism hubs of Western Australia and with good reason. For history buffs fascinated by a rich heritage of seafaring explorers, dastardly deeds, art and the independent Australian people, a trip to Western Australia is a “must take” and sure to be the trip of a lifetime.

This article was provided by Amy Seeger. Amy is currently attending University in Australia and when not studying, she enjoys exploring the country and writing.

History: Brisbane City In The Sun – Video

by admin on March 26, 2012 in Aussiephilia, Brisbane, Culture, History, Videos with No comments

Original 1954 synopsis: A portrait of the sub-tropical city of Brisbane, Queensland. Queensland’s capital city lies near the sub-tropical parts of Australia and its way-of-life has a more leisurely tempo. Outdoor life provides a colourful pattern and night life has its gay spots. Made by the National Film Board 1954. Directed by Hugh McInnes. Do you know anyone in this film or some of the places featured?

History: Life In Hobart Tasmania in the 1960′s – Video

by admin on March 16, 2012 in History, Tasmania, Videos with 1 Comment

NFSA presents another installment of the Life in Australia series. Life In Australia: Hobart shows scenes illustrating daily life, industry, recreation and the tourist features of Hobart, Tasmania. As it follows the postman on his daily rounds it provides a description of Hobart and surrounding districts, which are crowded with historic buildings and monuments dating back to the first settlers and convicts. Made by The Commonwealth Film Unit 1966. Directed by Donald Anderson.

Guest Post: Australia’s Contribution to the Motoring Industry

by admin on March 12, 2012 in Culture, Guest Posts, History, News with No comments

You don’t immediately associate Australia with cars, but it could be time to have a second think. Not only does Australia have their own manufacturers, but they have also factories that put together the vehicles for other brands before they get flown off to their destination countries for sale.

Although a few years out of date for a statistic; Australia made 171,000 cars for domestic sale in 2008. Since then there has been a slight downturn as the majority of vehicles they make are of a larger variety and demand for these has dropped slightly. It was in 1896 where Australia produced their first steam powered car and in 1901 where the first petrol powered car was put together in Melbourne.

There are currently 3 major brands who manufacture cars in Australia and a wealth of other smaller companies who also have a slice of the pie:

Ford Australia
Holden
Toyota

Ford Australia is a subsidiary of the Ford Motor Company and was setup in 1925. This division also tune up cars under the Ford Performance Vehicles guise. As for Holden, they are the most well-known Australian manufacturer, making many cars that have influenced other parts of the world. It is now a subsidiary of General Motors but they still continue to make exciting pick-up trucks, saloons and ‘utes’, which are a blend of a performance saloon coupe and pick-up truck merged into one. Apart from these brands; others to have a presence in Australia include Mitsubishi, Nissan and Chrysler.

There are over 60 small vehicle manufacturers who also operate out of Australia contributing to the overall industry. They are a range of specialist manufacturers run by people with a passion for the automotive industry. Manufacturers such as Alpha Sports, Bolwell, Daytona, Finch, Joss, PRB and Southern Cross are carrying the flag for the country, showing they are able to make cars as good as anyone.

The Australian brand to really look at though is Holden. They’ve been around since the 1940s making exciting cars for the masses. The Monaro has been their recent success and as Holden are now a part of GM, it has been shipped around the world with other badges on it. For example the Vauxhall Monaro is just a rebranded Holden for the UK market. The secret to success for this model was the power and practicality coupled with a price that other German brands could not compete with. The Monaro often gets compared to rivals such as the BMW M5 and Audi RS6, which both cost nearly twice as much.

Steve is a motoring fanatic and travel lover. He leases a car from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts that doesn’t get used much whilst away!

History: Darwin – Doorway To Australia – Video

by admin on February 9, 2012 in History, Queensland, Videos with No comments

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Japanese bombing of Darwin in February 1942 the NFSA will be holding a series of film screenings in Darwin of archival and contemporary films. One of which will be Darwin Doorway To Australia. Made by The National Film Board 1949. Directed by Lee Robinson.

Original archival synopsis: The Japanese bombed Darwin many times during World War II because it was strategically important target number one in their attack on the Australian mainland. Before the war, Darwin was little known except to the crews of pearling luggers and cattlemen. During the war it become an important air base which contributed much to the success of General MacArthur’s island-hopping campaign against Japan. Today Darwin is an aerial port of call for all planes travelling either from Europe or the Far East to Australia. The Darwin touchdown is, in fact, for many travellers the first sight of the Australian continent. The film shows Darwin as it is today (1949), much ravaged by Japanese attack during World War II, but already showing signs of building activity and general recovery. The film indicates the general life of the town and also explains the plan which will make Darwin a model city of which Australia will be very proud.