Centenary of Federation Australia Day
Medallion 1901 - 2001
Concept & Detailed Description
See also Designers Biography - Medallion
Background:
In 1998, the Mackay RSL Sub Branch of NSW initially conceived the Centenary of
Australian Federation Medallion. The design was based on the Gallipoli Star medal that was
finally manufactured and given to the remaining ANZAC's of both Australia and New Zealand
in 1990.
Soon after the RSL National Congress accepted the Mackay RSL Sub Branch proposal,
the Sub Branch accepted the design by Ross Smith, OAM of Canberra. The proposal was
that the Australian Government give to all Australian school children under the age of 18
(4,500,000) on ANZAC Day 2001 a medallion representing the heritage established by the
ANZAC's who fought on Gallipoli.
However, in August 1999, although commending the proposal the Australian Government opted
not to support the project but granted approval for the designer to use the word ANZAC in
the description of the medallion.
New design:
The medallion was redesigned and then offered to the National Australia Day Council and
finally passed to the Awards and National Symbols Branch of the Department of Prime
Minister and Cabinet. The National Australia Day Council's response was to commend the
design concept and indicated support for such activities that encourage Australians to
gain a better understanding of the events that led to Australia's Federation. However,
they declined to participate in the production of this medallion. The designer continued
his endeavour to manufacture the Centenary of Australian Federation Medallion privately.
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Centenary of
Federation Australia Day Medallion 1901 - 2001
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Background New Design:
The proposal is to distribute 100,000 of these limited edition medallions to celebrate the
Centenary of Australian Federation. The design concept embraces various sources of
historic Australian symbols. In 1901 several of the colonies manufactured medallions to
celebrate the founding of the Commonwealth. Again in 1951, all Australian school children
received a medallion from the Australian Government at the time. This medallion with ring
grip was suspended on three narrow strips of ribbon of red, white and blue from a small
brass safety pin. This medallion was worn by each school child in order to celebrate the
first Fifty years of Australian Federation. The current design is a brass round medallion
(23mm) with a ribbon device suspended by a ribbon attached to a brass medal brooch.
Techcast Victoria has manufactured both the medallion and brooch; and the ribbon has been
manufactured by Toye, Kenning and Spencer Ltd of England.
Medallion Characteristics:
The medallion design is based upon the commemorative medallions mentioned above and the
Gallipoli Star medal. On the obverse is an eight pointed ANZAC star; and between each
point is the year of either colonisation or establishment of each Australian State or
Territory i.e. NSW 1788 - TAS 1803 - WA 1826 - SA 1836 - VIC 1851 - QLD 1859 - NT 1978 -
ACT 1989. Central are the stars of the SOUTHERN CROSS and surrounding are the words
AUSTRALIA 2001. On both sides of the medallion, the outer edge is etched with marks as a
reference to Australia's early coinage, the penny. On the reverse is a laurel of
eucalyptus surrounding the words UNITY IS STRENGTH and crossed boomerangs with the words
ADVANCE AS ONE. The medallion brooch has the simple words AUSTRALIA 1901 - 2001. The GREEN
and GOLD ribbon that suspends the medallion represents our national colours, and
emphasises our legacy and commitment as Australians.
Packaging/Display Envelope:
The card envelope that encapsulates the medallion is to be used for postage and also to
fold into a tent card in order to display the Medallion. Each medallion card is to be
numbered and signed by the designer.
Design Patent:
Currently the medallion is with IP Australia for design copyright.
Purchasing Your Medallion:
We can deliver this beautifully struck, limited edition medallion anywhere in the
world.
AUD $16.50 per Medallion including GST, please add $3.50 for postage.
For US customers, please send a check for USD $25 which covers postage and currency
conversion. Personal USA checks accepted.
For UK and other worldwide customers, please check the current exchange rate for AUD$30, and forward a
cheque for the amount in your local currency to 1earth media. This price includes
postage and bank fees. UK & foreign cheques accepted.
Send a cheque or money order for AUD $20.00 (or $25USD) payable to '1earth media'
PO Box 1227, Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia, 2444.
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PO Box 1227, Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia, 2444.
Telephone: 0408-697189 Email: antiques
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