The national anthem of Australia is called: « Advance Australia Fair ».
Continent: Oceania
In the same continent: 🇫🇯 Fiji, 🇰🇮 Kiribati, 🇲🇭 Marshall Islands, 🇫🇲 Micronesia (Federated States of), 🇳🇷 Nauru, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇵🇼 Palau, 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea, 🇼🇸 Samoa, 🇸🇧 Solomon Islands, 🇹🇴 Tonga, 🇹🇻 Tuvalu, 🇻🇺 Vanuatu
History of « Advance Australia Fair »
« Advance Australia Fair » is the national anthem of Australia. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its journey to nationhood, and the unity of its people.
Key Dates and People
- 1878: The lyrics and music for « Advance Australia Fair » were composed by Peter Dodds McCormick, a Scottish-born Australian composer.
- 1984: The anthem was officially adopted on April 19, 1984, replacing « God Save the Queen » as the national anthem of Australia.
Anecdotes
- Public Competition: Before « Advance Australia Fair » was officially adopted, a public competition was held in 1977 to choose a new national anthem. The competition included a national plebiscite where Australians voted for their preferred anthem. « Advance Australia Fair » won the majority of votes.
- First Performance: The anthem was first performed publicly in 1878 at a Highland Society function in Sydney. It quickly gained popularity and became a symbol of national pride and identity.
- Cultural Significance: « Advance Australia Fair » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Australian people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Australians.
Lyrics Excerpt
In English
Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are one and free;
We've golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in nature's gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In history's page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
We'll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands;
For those who've come across the seas
We've boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.Sources: