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On display

This item is on display at Melbourne Museum

Summary:: Alternative Name(s): Button

Yellow and blue (faded) 'Wattle Day' badge featuring a seated girl holding a bouquet of wattle. Manufactured by A.W. Patrick, North Fitzroy, Melbourne, circa 1914 and 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:: This circular badge, pictures a young girl (dressed in white with blond hair) kneeling, holding a large (yellow) wattle sprig in her hand. There is black text on the left hand side of the badge. The design is on a pale blue background and is encircled by a yellow boarder. A number has been stamped near the bottom edge.
Acquisition Information:: Donation from Mrs Bronwyn Mitchell, 1994

Discipline:	History
Dimensions:	2.30 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
On Display at:	Melbourne Museum
Primary Classification:	CELEBRATIONS & TRADITIONS
Secondary Classification:	Wattle Day
Tertiary Classification:	badges
Inscriptions:	In black text: WATTLE / DAY; 16413
Manufacturer:	A.W. Patrick, North Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia, 1914-1919
Organiser of Event:	Australian Native Association, Australia, post 1871 Wattle Day was an initiative of the Australian Natives Association (ANA) and the Wattle Blossom League.
Organiser of Event:	Wattle Blossom League, Australia, post 1889 Wattle Day was an initiative of the Australian Natives Association (ANA) and the Wattle Blossom League.
Place & Date Used:	Australia, 1914-1919