ProvenanceBadge made for Australia Day in Burra,10 August 1918.
This badge was made for the Australia Day celebrations in 1918. The celebrations were used as a way to fundraise for the war effort. The streets were decorated with the flags of Allied countries while many stalls were set up in the main street under the verandas in front of stores that were closed for most of the day. There were several performances by local bands and school groups. The Burra Mayor and guests gave speeches in which they expressed their respect and thanks to the people of Burra for their support of the war effort and to the 600 volunteers from the town who were registered for war service. The celebrations concluded in the evening with pictures in the Institute and the announcement of the winners of the queen competition.
The Old Burra Mine was built after the discovery of copper ore in the region. By 1850 Burra was the largest metal mine in Australia with around 1000 workers, both men and boys. The mine site is now a tourist attraction.SignificanceIllustrative of souvenirs produced for early celebrations of Australia Day.
Adelaide celebrated Australia Day in July during the First World War, but Burra held their celebrations in August. This was only the third time Australia Day was celebrated in Burra.DescriptionCircular badge, brown rim marked ' "Old Burra Mine" ' 'Australia Day, Burra, Aug. 10-1918'. Centrepiece: sepia toned picture of Burra Mine, possibly Morphett's Pumphouse. Printed paper between tin base & celluloid cover.Creator (person)Creator (organisation)AcknowledgementKeywordsbadgesAustralia DayfundraisingfundraisingCheer Up SocietyDate of Creation1918Date of Usage1918Materialtin
|paper
|celluloid DimensionType: Total
Unit (Lengths): mm Accession NumberHT 1985.1996