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Commonwealth celebrations

Forging the Nation - Federation: the First 20 years

  • Forging the Nation: home
  • Federation
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The creation of the new nation was celebrated in pageantry, parades, dinners and speeches. The festive mood lasted for days. On 1 January 1901 the inauguration ceremony was conducted in Sydney. It consisted of a monster parade followed by the proclamation of the Commonwealth and the swearing in of the Governor-General at Centennial Park.

The Sydney parade stretched for eight kilometres along the decorated streets and was watched by huge, noisy crowds. In Melbourne parades and celebrations were held on 9 May 1901 to mark the opening of the first federal parliament.

 

Federation program

Federation program AWMPROP 01896.002

Federation invitation. Handsomely produced publications became treasured souvenirs

Federation invitation. Handsomely produced publications became treasured souvenirs of activities connected with the creation of the Commonwealth of Australia. AWMPROP2075

From The Bulletin 4 May 1901, pg 1. By permission of National Library of Australia.

From The Bulletin 4 May 1901, pg 1. By permission of National Library of Australia.

Last updated: 6 December 2019

1 The Donations and bequests

Donations & Bequests

Your generous donation will be used to ensure the memory of our Defence Forces and what they have done for us, and what they continue to do for our freedom remains – today and into the future.

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2 Visit Transcribe.awm.gov.au

Transcribe

Help preserve Australia's history by transcribing records from the National Collection. Enhance accessibility and discoverability for all Australians.

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The placesofpride

Places of Pride

Places of Pride, the National Register of War Memorials, is a new initiative designed to record the locations and photographs of every publicly accessible memorial across Australia.

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Visit the Australian War Memorial

Visit the Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial is open for visitors as we work to expand our galleries. Entry is free and tickets are not required.

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Canberra Highlands in Grayscale

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF
TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS

The Australian War Memorial acknowledges the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, sea and waters. We pay our respects to elders past and present.
Location map of The Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial building

The Australian War Memorial

Fairbairn Avenue
Campbell ACT 2612
Australia
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The Australian War Memorial

Fairbairn Avenue

Campbell ACT 2612

Australia

 

Opening Hours

10 am to 4 pm daily (except Christmas Day)

 

In preparation for the daily Last Post Ceremony,

galleries are progressively closed from 3:40 pm.

 

Public entrance via Fairbairn Avenue, Campbell ACT 2612

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