Travelling Exhibition | Defining Symbols of Australia
Sat, 02 Sept
|Museum of Fire
Explore some of the symbols that define Australia and its people, inspired by the collection of the National Museum of Australia.
Time & Location
02 Sept 2023, 9:30 am – 25 Nov 2023, 4:30 pm
Museum of Fire, 1 Museum Dr, Penrith NSW 2750, Australia
About the event
Come and see the National Museum of Australia's latest travelling exhibition all about the symbols of Australia.
Australia is represented by many symbols. Some, like the flags, are official, enshrined in legislation. Others, like the kangaroo and wattle, have changed from popular to official symbols over time. In the 20th century, modern marvels like the Sydney Opera House joined natural wonders like Uluru as emblems of Australia.
National symbols are used to represent a distinctive national identity. Some symbols endure, others fade away and new ones emerge as attitudes and values change. Often a source of unity and pride, symbols can also divide and exclude.
Included with the exhibition are two objects from our own collection; a controlled breeching piece from Merewether Fire Station given to Captain Col Maslen AFSM when he retired in 2008 after 54 years of service, and a hose reel cart from the Sydney Opera House.