National Symbols and Commonwealth Coat Of Arms
Glossary Definitions Within the Context of the Fact Sheets
Anzac Day is commemorated in Australia, New
Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tonga on 25
April every year to honour members of the Australian
and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) who
fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World
War I.
Is celebrated on 26 January every year. It is a day on which Australians are encouraged to
think about what is special about our country and our people and how we can work together to make Australia an even better
place.
The Australian National Flag was first flown at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne
on 3 September 1901. Australian National Flag Day is celebrated by Australians on 3 September.
Opal is a valuable gemstone, found mainly in Australia. Black opal is a type of opal that
has coloured flecks against a dark background.
Having special meaning and importance in the ceremonies of Indigenous Australians.
An exclusive (belonging to one person or organisation) right to copy a creative
work or item, such as a flag.
A seven-pointed star symbolising the Federation
of Australia (when Australia became one nation). Six of the points represent the six original
states of Australia and the seventh point represents the territories and any future states.
A red cross on a white background. It is the national
flag of England and was originally used on the
shield of Australia’s first coat of arms. In 1912 the cross was replaced by the badges of each state.
Eddie Koiki Mabo (1936 – 21
January 1992) was a Torres
Strait Islander who became famous for his role in campaigning for Indigenous land rights. He helped the High
Court to acknowledge that Australia had not been terra nullius (empty land) before European people arrived.
A nation formed from a number of states and/or territories that give some of their power
to a central government.
A group of animals or plants with similar characteristics. For example, the dingo belongs
to the genus Canis – dogs.
The main representative of the Sovereign (currently The Queen) in Australia and
some other countries.
Relating to coats of arms and the histories of the families and countries to which they belong.
The High Court in Canberra is the highest court in the Australian justice system. It
decides cases of special legal importance relating to the constitution.
National Aboriginal and Islanders’ Day Observance Committee Week celebrates the survival
of Indigenous culture and the Indigenous contribution to modern Australia. It is held in July.
A colour matching system used in graphic design and printing to make sure that colours are
accurately matched and reproduced.
Reconciliation is about bringing people together and giving everyone equal opportunities
in life. It involves justice, recognition and healing.
A roll of paper or parchment with writing on it, often used for important official documents.
A small, but easily seen, group of stars shaped like a cross that is only visible in the Southern
Hemisphere. Can be used to locate the direction of the South (celestial) Pole.
Continents, oceans and islands situated in the half of the earth that is
located south of the equator (an imaginary line half way between the North and South Poles). Australia is in
the southern hemisphere.