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Badge - 'Wattle Day', Australia, circa 1914-1919 Reg. No: SH 000830

Summary:: Alternative Name(s): Button

'Wattle Day' badge, made circa 1914-1919.

The first 'national' Wattle Day was celebrated in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide on 1 September 1910. Wattle had become a symbol of Australia with the approach of Federation. It was particularly promoted by the Australian Natives' Association, established in 1871 and a strong advocate for native-born Australians and Federation. It later became an advocate for White Australia. Public support for Wattle Day peaked during World War I, when it was a potent symbol of home for military personnel serving overseas, and a means of raising money for organisations such as the Red Cross. Beautifully designed Wattle Day badges as well as wattle sprigs were sold. The influence of Wattle Day waned as the 20th century progressed, but in 1992 the Governor-General declared 1 September National Wattle Day.
Description:: Circular badge with pale green background with a dark blue boarder. Features map of Australia in cream, filled with green and yellow sprigs of wattle. Underneath the image of Australia is dark blue text.
Acquisition Information:: Donation from Mrs Bronwyn Mitchell, 1994

Discipline:	History
Dimensions:	2.20 cm (Width)

Tagged with:	fundraising, wars conflicts, wattle day, world war i 1914-1918
Themes this item is part of:	Wattle Day, Public Life & Institutions Collection
Primary Classification:	CELEBRATIONS & TRADITIONS
Secondary Classification:	Wattle Day
Tertiary Classification:	badges
Inscriptions:	Text: 'WATTLE/DAY'.
Place & Date Used:	Australia, 1914 or later