Victoria led the world in the struggle for better working conditions. The Eight-hour Day was first won in 1856. The aim was to divide the day into 8 hours work, 8 hours rest and 8 hours recreation.

Membership of Eight-hour Day committees was a prized honour and the members were given medals to mark their efforts in organising commemorative celebrations.

To view the coins and medals from this period, click on the links to the left. To return to the front (home) page, click on the coins and medals banner at the top of the page.

'Eight Hours Demonstration' in Australian News for Home Readers 19 May 1866.
Source – State Library of Victoria.