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The Story of Australia

The Great Seal of Australia: Its History and What It Means Today

June 22, 2026|Mark Cordingley

Discover the history of the Great Seal of Australia, from Federation and the first seal in 1903 to the 1973 redesign, the 2024 update and what it means for modern...

The Australian Constitution: Its History and What It Means Today

June 22, 2026|Mark Cordingley

Discover the history of the Australian Constitution, from Federation and the 1901 birth of the Commonwealth to how it shapes Parliament, the states, the High Court and Australian democracy today.

The Birth of Canberra: How Australia Chose Its Capital

June 21, 2026|Mark Cordingley

Discover the birth of Canberra, from Federation and the Sydney–Melbourne rivalry to the selection of the Yass-Canberra district, Walter Burley Griffin’s winning design and the 1913 naming ceremony.

The Story of the Australian Flag: A Symbol of Nationhood, Service and Debate

June 21, 2026|Mark Cordingley

Discover the story of the Australian flag, from the 1901 design competition and Federation to the Union Jack, Commonwealth Star, Southern Cross and the continuing debate over national identity.

The Federation of Australia: When Six Colonies Became One Nation

June 21, 2026|Mark Cordingley

Discover the story of the Federation of Australia, when six British colonies united on 1 January 1901 to form the Commonwealth of Australia and create a new national Parliament.

The Eureka Stockade: The Fight for a Fair Go

June 21, 2026|Mark Cordingley

Discover the story of the Eureka Stockade, the 1854 Ballarat rebellion, where miners stood under the Southern Cross to fight for rights, representation and a fair go.

The Rum Rebellion: Australia’s Only Military Coup

June 21, 2026|Mark Cordingley

Discover the story of the Rum Rebellion, Australia’s only military coup, when Governor William Bligh was overthrown by the New South Wales Corps in colonial Sydney in 1808.

The Darker Story of Australian History: What We Must Also Remember

June 21, 2026|Mark Cordingley

Australia’s history is a story of courage and achievement, but also dispossession, frontier violence, convict hardship, the Stolen Generations and exclusion under the White Australia policy. To understand Australia properly,...

Governor Macquarie: The Man Who Shaped Colonial Sydney

June 21, 2026|Mark Cordingley

Discover the story of Governor Lachlan Macquarie, the colonial leader who transformed Sydney through public works, reform and expansion, while leaving a complex legacy for Aboriginal people and Australia’s history.

The Founding of Sydney: From Warrane to a New Colonial Capital

June 21, 2026|Mark Cordingley

Discover the founding of Sydney in 1788, from Warrane and the Gadigal people to Arthur Phillip, the First Fleet and the beginning of British settlement at Sydney Cove.