Nationhood
New national anthem
19 April 1984
Advance Australia Fair becomes Australia’s national anthem.
At the Federation ceremony on 1 January 1901 Australia’s national anthem, God Save the King, was played. A popular patriotic Australian song, Advance Australia Fair, was also sung. In 1984 this song, originally composed in 1878, became Australia’s official national anthem.
During the 20th century interest grew in replacing God Save the King/Queen with an anthem celebrating Australian achievement. A 1974 national poll chose Advance Australia Fair as the best option, and this was made the national anthem for all non-royal occasions.
In 1976 God Save the Queen returned as the national anthem. Australians were asked to have their say on the national anthem in a national poll in 1977. Advance Australia Fair was clearly the favoured option and returned as the national anthem 7 years later.
God Save the King continues to be the royal anthem and is played with Advance Australia Fair at events attended by members of the royal family.
From 1 January 2021, the second line of the national anthem was changed from ‘For we are young and free’ to ‘For we are one and free’.
For we are one and free;
We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea.
Advance Australia Fair, P.D. McCormick, 1879
National Library of Australia, MUS N mb 782.542199 M131
Advance Australia Fair, P.D. McCormick, 1879
National Library of Australia, MUS N mb 782.542199 M131
Description
The front cover of the sheet music of the song 'Advance Australia Fair' which was composed in 1878. It did not became the Australian National Anthem until 1984.
This 2nd edition copy of is 'respectfully dedicated to the sons and daughters of Australia'. The cover says 'Advance Australia Fair. Patriotic song. Written and composed by Amicus. Sung with great success by Mr. Andrew Fairfax. Arranged as a solo, with pianoforte accompaniment and as a four part song.'
You may save or print this image for research and study. If you wish to use it for any other purposes, you must declare your Intention to Publish.