Symbols of Australia: Richard White

Historian Richard White joins us to talk about the new edition of Symbols of Australia (2021) which he edited with Melissa Harper. 

We often think of nations and their symbols as transcending history, as permanent fixtures dating back to time immemorial. But both nations and the symbols through which we imagine them are constantly changing, despite the desire to think of them as immovable.

Just ten years ago, the southern cross was the most popular tattoo design in Australia. Today it is the tattoo most commonly being removed. National symbols never stand still.

In this talk, White will survey a range of Australia’s national symbols, from the formal to the popular, the commercial and the humorous, examining their origins and how they have been changing in the 21st century.

From Holden cars, to Uluru and the Akubra hat this talk will have you questioning how the symbols of Australia have changed over time.