Mother’s Day is celebrated in Australia on the second Sunday in May. It is a special opportunity, and perhaps a reminder, to connect with, to remember, and to honour one’s mother. The occasion has been publicly celebrated in the Land Down Under since 1909 (with it becoming … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day [including a list of articles]
IAC list
Thomas Kennedy
Thomas Kennedy (1817-1859) was a miner, who had a minor role in the events of the Eureka Rebellion of 1854. Kennedy was born in Ayreshire, Scotland, in approximately 1817 (his exact date of birth is unknown).[1] Along with many others, who were seeking a fortune in gold, he … [Read more...] about Thomas Kennedy
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. There have been various fictional stories written regarding the defence of Australia and the possible … [Read more...] about Invasion and takeover stories
Valentine’s Day [list of articles]
Valentine’s Day is celebrated each year on the 14th of February. The day is also known as Saint Valentine’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Valentine; it was originally a Christian feast day to honor Saint Valentine, who was a 3rd Century Christian priest who was imprisoned, tortured, … [Read more...] about Valentine’s Day [list of articles]
Kangaroo and Map stamps [list of articles]
The “Kangaroo and Map” stamps were the first postage stamps to be produced by the Commonwealth of Australia. They were released on the 2nd of January 1913. The Australian colonies federated as the Commonwealth of Australia on the 1st of January 1901; however, it took twelve … [Read more...] about Kangaroo and Map stamps [list of articles]
New Year’s Day [list of articles]
This list includes various articles, poems, stories, and other items (such as ephemera, especially postcards) about or relating to New Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve, or to a New Year in a wider context. Items regarding a New Year: (Arranged in chronological … [Read more...] about New Year’s Day [list of articles]
The dog on the tucker box [list of articles]
The story of the Dog on the Tucker Box, on the road outside of Gundagai, has been the subject of poetry and amusement since at least 1901. Jack Moses claimed that his version of the poem was written in 1888, although there is no hard proof of its existence until 1919 (although … [Read more...] about The dog on the tucker box [list of articles]
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day, commemorated each year on the 11th of November, was established as a way of paying homage to those who fought and died during the First World War (1914-1918), with the date being taken from the cessation of hostilities when the Armistice came into effect on 11 … [Read more...] about Remembrance Day
English-Speaking Union funding for IAC heritage project
The English-Speaking Union (Victoria Branch) has very kindly and generously supported the work of the Institute of Australian Culture, by providing funds for the purchase of various items regarding Australian heritage and culture, for scanning and uploading to the website of the … [Read more...] about English-Speaking Union funding for IAC heritage project
The Battle of Beersheba [list of articles]
The Battle of Beersheba 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). In … [Read more...] about The Battle of Beersheba [list of articles]
Wattle Day
Articles, letters, and poems regarding Wattle Day, the Wattle Day League, and wattle trees. The Wattle Tree [poem, 1 January 1876] Wattle bloom [by F.M., 31 August 1889] A lengthy article regarding wattle trees, and more. The last paragraph foreshadows a Wattle Day: “Shall … [Read more...] about Wattle Day
Aussie: The Cheerful Monthly
Aussie was originally an Australian Army periodical published in France, as Aussie: The Australian Soldiers’ Magazine. When its editor, Phillip L. Harris, returned home, he recreated it as a civilian publication, entitled Aussie: The Cheerful Monthly. The Army version of … [Read more...] about Aussie: The Cheerful Monthly
The Burke and Wills expedition [list of articles]
The Burke and Wills expedition was created with the aim of exploring the Australian interior and finding a suitable path for the Australian Overland Telegraph Line. The expedition of nineteen men departed from Royal Park, Melbourne, on 20 August 1860, led by Robert O’Hara Burke. … [Read more...] about The Burke and Wills expedition [list of articles]
Australia Day
Australia Day, the 26th of January, is the anniversary of the foundation of the British colony at Sydney, New South Wales, in 1788. 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 … [Read more...] about Australia Day
Poetry and songs, 1901-1954
Links to all of the poetry and songs included on the Institute of Australian Culture site, up to 31 November 2015. See also: Poetry and songs, 1786-1900. These poems and songs are either written in Australia, by Australians, or regarding Australia. The list includes two works … [Read more...] about Poetry and songs, 1901-1954
Poetry and songs, 1786-1900
Links to all of the poetry and songs included on the Institute of Australian Culture site, up to 31 November 2015. See also: Poetry and songs, 1901-1954. These poems and songs are either written in Australia, by Australians, or regarding Australia. The list includes two works … [Read more...] about Poetry and songs, 1786-1900
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. These are dates which are celebrated or commemorated Australia-wide (or have been in the past), or which are significant to Australia’s historical … [Read more...] about Significant events and commemorative dates
Topics
Lists of topics regarding Australian history, heritage, and culture. (Each list includes links to various sources of information held on this site.) Anzac Day Articles, letters, and poems regarding Anzac Day, the Anzacs, the Gallipoli landings, and the Dardanelles campaign. … [Read more...] about Topics
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 expression of words in an Australian accent is known as “Strine” (which is how … [Read more...] about Australian slang
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. For a chronological listing of events in Australia, see the Timeline of Australian history and culture. This list is not … [Read more...] about Calendar of Australian history and culture
Australian explorers
A list of explorers who searched for Australia Incognita, mapped the coastline, or explored the inland country of Australia. Articles are listed under the name of the relevant explorer. (Names are arranged chronologically by year of birth). Pedro Fernandes de Quiros … [Read more...] about Australian explorers
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 … [Read more...] about Timeline of Australian history and culture
Significant Australiana
This list includes: Animals; Architecture; Art; Artists; Authors; Books; Bushrangers; Clothes; Entertainment; Explorers; Fictional characters; Flora; Food; Icons; Landmarks; Military; Music: Folk songs and early songs; Music: Singers; Music: Songs; Poetry; Rebels and rebellions; … [Read more...] about Significant Australiana
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. This is not a … [Read more...] about Recommended poetry
Early music [videos]
Music from the early years of Australia. Arranged chronologically by years of prominent activity. These are “music videos”, but not necessarily video footage of the original artists. For music after this period, see the entry for “Rock music and pop music”. song: The Song of … [Read more...] about Early music [videos]