Australia– the Great South Land(session 1) Lecturer: Zhang, Yong

A quick glimpse of Australia1                              

A quick glimpse of Australia2

A quick glimpse of Australia2

A quick glimpse of Australia3                                                              

A quick glimpse of Australia4                               

A quicrk glimpse of Australia5                               

A quick glimpse of Australia6                               

A quick glimpse of Australia7

A quick glimpse of Australia8

A quick glimpse of Australia9

All about Australia History, Land and People Political and Economical Life in Australia Cultural and social life Studying and Immigrating into Australia

Geography Geography - note: world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country; population concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts; Location: Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean Area: total: 7,692,024 sq km, comparative: slightly smaller than the US Climate: generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north Terrain: mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast Natural resources: coal, iron ore, copper, tin, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, petroleum

History Because of overcrowding in the British jails, prisoners were sent to penal settlements in Australia On January 26, 1788 (now celebrated as Australia Day)----the First Fleet under Capt. Arthur Phillip landed at Sydney, Beginning in 1793, free settlers began arriving. New South Wales, 1788; Tasmania, 1825; Western Australia, 1830; South Australia, 1836; Victoria, 1851; and Queensland, 1859. in May 1901--First federal Parliament opened at Melbourne In May 1927, the seat of government transferred to Canberra on October 9, 1942 Australia passed the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act, which officially established Australia's complete autonomy

People in Australia Population 19,546,792 (July 2002 est.) Ethnic groups Caucasian 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 1%                                                    

Aboriginals in 1788, the Aboriginal population of Australia was between 150,000 and 300,000. Today, less than one-third of the native population lives as nomads. Many non-tribal Aborigines live on supervised reservations, and large numbers live among the white Australians or are employed as stockmen on cattle ranches.

Australian National Anthem Advance Australia Fair Australians all let us rejoice, For we are young and free; We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil; Our home is girt by sea; Our land abounds in nature’s gifts Of beauty rich and rare; In history’s page, let every stage Advance Australia Fair. In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair. Beneath our radiant Southern Cross We’ll toil with hearts and hands; To make this Commonwealth of ours Renowned of all the lands; For those who’ve come across the seas We’ve boundless plains to share; With courage let us all combine To Advance Australia Fair. In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair.

National Flag(1953) Flag description: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large seven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side quadrant; the remaining half is a representation of the Southern Cross constellation(the emblem of the Great South land) in white with one small five-pointed star and four, larger, seven-pointed stars

Discussion: Should the Union flag(Union Jack) be taken out of the National flag of Australia?

Alternative Designs

1993 Ausflag Competition Ausflag ran its second major public design competition for a new Australian flag in conjunction with The Australian newspaper in September 1993 shortly after Sydney won the rights to host the 2000 Olympics. The winning design (above) was announced on 17 December 1993. The winner was Mark Tucker, a graphic designer . The red arc at the bottom represents the endless horizon of the great South Land. It could also be taken as a representation of Uluru, the famous monolith and symbol of central Australia. The blue above represents our clear, wide skies. The white band is an heraldic device, but capable of interpretation as the white beaches surrounding the Great Island Continent. Finally, the Southern Cross appears in the primary position, towards the pole, as the badge with which Australians identify.

Ausflag Professional Design Competition 2000 It is an evolution of the current flag design, retaining the features which Australians love, but making the flag truly Australian. It even appeals to the traditionalists by restoring Australia's heraldic colours of blue and gold, as appear in the torse of our Coat of Arms, to our national flag. Mr. Gentil produced a striking yet simple flag design.

ANZAC 'Can You Hear Australia's Heroes Marching?' is a national memorial song and a tribute to the ANZAC spirit of mateship, courage and sacrifice. The song is timeless and honours all Australians who have died in the service and defence of their country in war. The marching theme of the song is especially powerful and supports the spirit of ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps)Day (April 25th). This is a very moving and compelling song, as the song allows us to hear Australia's war dead marching once again. This stirring song does not glorify war - the song honours the incredible sacrifice of other Australians.

Assignments: What suggestions would you give to the Australian government to help them solve the problem of the aboriginals? If you were to join the Ausflag Professional Design Competition, how would you design the flag? Explain to the class your interpretation of it. 3. Explain the meaning and origin of the following words and expressions: Dole bludger / the bush / outback / the red centre/ Aussie bloke/ silvertails/ displaced person / Pitt Street farmer /