Topics

This is a list of various topics regarding Australian history, heritage, and culture. Each listing includes links to various sources of information held on this site. It is intended to expand the list to cover a wide range of issues. There are thousands of different topics that can be added to the site, so there is much work to be done in adding more topics over time. If your favourite, or most-wanted, topic does not appear here, please bear with us; if you want to see a particular topic added, you can place a suggestion in the comments section. The latest posts on the site can be viewed here.

Anzac Day
Articles, letters, and poems regarding Anzac Day, the Anzacs, the Gallipoli landings, and the Dardanelles campaign. Anzac Day is commemorated each year on the 25th of April; it was established as a way of paying homage to those who served and died in the Dardanelles campaign (1915), during the First World War (1914-1918); however, the day is now used to pay tribute to those who served and died in all wars, military conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The first Anzac Day commemoration was held in 1916.

Australia Day
A list of various articles regarding Australia Day. In early years it was commemorated as the First Landing, then as Anniversary Day, then as Foundation Day. It was also known as ANA Day, due to the widespread campaigning by the Australian Natives’ Association for the day to be celebrated as a national holiday.

Australian Aborigines
A brief list of articles about the Australian Aborigines. Although the list is a small one at this stage, it is intended to expand it with entries regarding Aboriginal culture, examples of conflict between Aborigines and European settlers, instances of Aborigines being referred to as a “dying race”, the gaining of the right to vote for Aborigines, reports of inter-tribal warfare, and more.

Australianism
A collection of items promoting, or relating to, Australianism (an idea which, broadly speaking, relates to Australian patriotism, nativism, and cultural nationalism). Includes articles regarding the promotion of Australian cultural independence, Australian political independence, and overarching loyalty to Australia.

Australian literature
A brief list of articles about Australian literature. At this stage the list primarily consists of links to biographies of, and lists of works by, various Australian writers; however, it is intended that the list shall be expanded with a number of articles about Australian literature in general.

Australian slang
A collection of Australian slang words and phrases. Some are in current widespread use, whilst others are not; some may be derived or taken from overseas slang, but most are unique to Australia.

The Battle of Beersheba
A list of articles about the Battle of Beersheba. This was a military action fought between Allied forces against troops of the Ottoman Empire in the area in and around the town of Beersheba (now a city), in Palestine. The battle took place on 31 October 1917, during the First World War (1914-1918). The battle is especially known for the charge of the Australian Light Horsemen, which was one of the last great cavalry charges in military history.
* See also: The Battle of Beersheba (1917) (an IAC article about the battle).

Biographies
Links to a number of brief biographies of some famous, and not-so-famous, Australians. Most of these biographies are of authors and poets; however, it is intended to expand the collection into other fields as well.

Books and booklets
A list of various books and booklets of Australian literature. The complete text of each publication is provided. A small second list has been added, to include some lengthy leaflets, broadsheets, and pamphlets.

The Burke and Wills expedition
A list of articles about the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition, which set out in 1860 with the aim of exploring the Australian interior and finding a suitable path for the Australian Overland Telegraph Line.
* See also: The Burke and Wills expedition (1860-1861) (an IAC article about the expedition).

Calendar of Australian history and culture
This list is a calendar of various events which are considered to be significant in Australian history and in the development of Australian culture.
* See also: Timeline of Australian history and culture (a chronological listing of events in Australia).

Cartes de visite and cabinet cards
Cartes de visite (photographic visiting cards) were a phenomenon in Australia in the late 19th century. Many of them survive into modern times, thus giving us a glimpse back in time, showing us the faces and fashions of Australians of olden days
* See also: The IAC online collection of cartes de visite (there are many more which are yet to be scanned and uploaded).

The dog on the tucker box
A list of articles regarding the Dog on the Tucker Box poem and the associated famous statue (five miles from Gundagai); as well as some postcards with photos of the Dog on the Tucker Box.
* See also: The dog on the tucker box (Gundagai) (an IAC article which gives some historical information about the Dog on the Tucker Box poem and the statue).

Early music
Music from the early years of Australia (up to the 1950s), with links to music videos of those songs (most of which are audio recordings).
* See also the “Rock music and pop music” list, for pop and rock from the 1950s up to the present. Also see the “Folk music and bush music” list.

Ephemera
A collection of various ephemeral items (primarily consisting of postcards at this stage; however it is intended to widen the variety, to include badges, certificates, miner’s rights, and various other items). Includes a number of postcards from Australian soldiers from the era of the First World War.

The Eureka Rebellion
Various articles relating to the Eureka Rebellion of 1854, the Battle of the Eureka Stockade (3rd December 1854), the subsequent Eureka trials, and some of the leading people involved.

Explorers
A list of explorers who searched for Australia Incognita, mapped the Australian coastline, or explored the inland country of Australia. The list includes those who explored by sea (including the early European sailors who discovered Australia), as well as by land.

Folk music and bush music
A list of folk music and bush music, with links to music videos of those songs. The list mainly consists of traditional home-grown productions, although it also includes some early Australia-related British songs which have embedded themselves in the Australia folk music scene, e.g. “(Bound for) Botany Bay” and “(Bound for) South Australia”. Also included are some modern productions, e.g. “Give Me a Home Among the Gum Trees” and “True Blue”.

Invasion and takeover stories
A list of novels and short stories regarding an invasion, takeover, attack against, or an overwhelming threat to Australia. Also included are some reviews of such stories. The possibility of an invasion or a takeover of the nation has intrigued many Australians, and there have been novels published on those themes right up into modern times.

Kangaroo and Map stamps
A list of articles about the “Kangaroo and Map” stamps, as well as links to scans of several postcards with those stamps.
* See also: The Kangaroo and Map stamps (1913) (an IAC article about the origins of these unique and iconic stamps; the article includes images of the various denominations of the Kangaroo and Map postage stamps).

May Day
A list of early May Day events and poetry. May Day has long been observed in European cultures, as a celebration of the first day of summer, as well as being connected with notions of romance and fertility. Public celebrations have included dancing around the Maypole and the crowning of a Queen of May. In modern times, May Day has been associated with the celebrations of labour movements, although those events are distinct from the traditional May Day festivities.

The Miner’s Right
Information on the history of the Miner’s Right, which was introduced in Victoria in 1855 (with the idea subsequently copied by other states in Australia). The Miner’s Right was created as a replacement for the Gold License (which had been introduced in Victoria in 1851). The owner of a Miner’s Right was not just awarded certain rights with regards to mining, but was also entitled to voting rights as well.

Mother’s Day
Information on the history of Mother’s Day, concerning both its appearance in Australia and its American origins. Includes a list of articles regarding Mother’s Day in Australia.

New Year
A list of various items about or relating to a New Year’s Eve or to a New Year.
This list includes articles, poems, stories, and other items (such as ephemera, especially postcards).

Obituaries
It is intended to include various obituaries on this site; not only of famous artists, authors, military heroes, poets, sportspeople, and politicians, but also of ordinary people. The intention is to especially include obituaries of old colonists and settlers.
Preferably the obituaries included will be those of a sizable nature, giving some details of the person’s life.
It is also intended to add various examples of obituary poetry; not only about those who are famous, but also regarding ordinary Australians.

Poetry and songs
Lots of poetry and songs. These lists include poetry and songs which are 1) written by Australians, 2) created in Australia, and 3) written regarding Australia (or are of relevance to Australia).

Recommended poetry
This list includes some of the best poetry produced by Australian writers. Whilst choosing the best of Australian poetry is a subjective matter, it is believed that these poems represent some of the best, or most enjoyable, poetic works that our nation has to offer.

Remembrance Day
Various articles, letters, and poems regarding Remembrance Day. Remembrance Day is commemorated each year on the 11th of November; it was established as a way of paying homage to those who fought and died during the First World War (1914-1918); however, the day is now used to pay tribute to those who fought and died in all military conflicts and wars.

Rock music and pop music
Australian rock and roll music, popular music, and Top 40 hits. The list includes links to music videos of various songs, singers, musicians, and groups, concentrating on pop and rock from the 1950s up to the present.
* For music of earlier times, see the “Folk music and bush music” list, and the “Early music” list.

Significant Australiana
A list of significant Australiana, including: Animals; Architecture; Art; Artists; Authors; Books; Bushrangers; Clothes; Entertainment; Explorers; Fictional characters; Flora; Food; Icons; Landmarks; Military; Music (Folk songs and early songs; Singers; Songs); Poetry; Rebels and rebellions; Sports; Stories and yarns.

Significant events and commemorative dates
A list of commemorative dates and historical events which are significant in terms of Australia’s national identity and culture. The list includes both current and past events.

Timeline of Australian history and culture
This list is a timeline of various events which are considered to be significant in Australian history and in the development of Australian culture. The deaths of various significant people are included; although their births, which were not significant at the time, are not listed — however, births of significant people are included in the “Calendar of Australian history and culture”.

Valentine’s Day
A list of articles and poems pertaining to Valentine’s Day. The popularity of this occasion has waxed and waned over the years. It was originally a Christian feast day to commemorate Saint Valentine. In modern times, it is regarded as a special day when one should celebrate romance with one’s lover or sweetheart, and express one’s romantic feelings.

Wages in Australia
Various reported weekly wages, earned by Australian workers in the country’s early history, in a variety of occupations. The list was created to give some context to amounts of money which are mentioned in various articles; it includes wages from the 1850s to the start of the 20th century.

Wattle Day
Articles, letters, and poems regarding Wattle Day, the Wattle Day League, and wattle trees. Wattle Day is a patriotic event which celebrates the first day of spring, encourages an appreciation for Australian flora, and aims to encourage national sentiment.

Links
Various links which may be useful for those researching Australian history, culture, and associated fields.

Updated 17 November 2023