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      Year in Review
   

Tony Eggleton
Chief Executive Officer of the National Council for the Centenary of Federation
November 2001

"Throughout 2001, Australia celebrated its Centenary of Federation.

It was an inclusive year of commemorations, reaching out to all people, of all ages, whether in the cities or the bush.

Tens of thousands attended the major events and celebrations. In addition, the year touched Australians far and wide by way of extensive media coverage, community level festivities, special activities in schools, and through commemorative publications and memorabilia. During the twelve-month program, few people would not have been reached in one way or another by the diversity of Centenary projects and celebrations.

The anniversary sparked new interest in Australia’s heritage and its journey as a nation. Research indicated that many people saw the Centenary as a rare opportunity to find out more about the nation’s history. Learning about Australia’s history, people and culture was seen as ‘very important’ or ‘important’ by 86 per cent of those surveyed.

In the four years between 1997 and 2001, the number of people who could speak with some accuracy about the meaning and relevance of Federation increased by nearly 60 percentage points.

Importantly, the year’s events and activities not only acknowledged the democratic evolution and successful launch of the Commonwealth in 1901, but also aimed at generating debate about contemporary and future issues facing Australia."


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