Australia - This Unique Country

Introduction

History: How do icons, symbols and landmarks represent Australia and its people?

Icons,symbols and places represent our land, governments, people and stories. Most importantly, icons and symbols reflect our shared experiences as Australians.

Why do we have icons and symbols?

Symbols can take many forms such as objects, places and events. Some symbols, such as flags and commemorative days and the national anthem are official. Others are unofficial such as foods, clothing and objects.

Australian icons and symbols have special meanings. They inspire a sense of pride and belonging in Australians. They identify us as uniquely Australian.

Other symbols are items that represent our culture, natural environment and history that have become important to Australians over time.

Landmarks define the characteristics of the landscape and features of a place. In different ways, landmarks can tell stories of the Aboriginal Autralians' past (The Dreamtime). Man-make landmarks are also places that unite us all for celebrations and commemorations.

Many Australian icons represent the values of mateship, equality and fair go for everyone. Our icons reflect who we are as Australians.

Some of our icons represent the ancient and continuous history of the Indigenous Australians who have lived in this land for 60 000 years.

Task

TASK 1

Your task as an Aussie is to be the tour guide for a friend from another country (own choice) who are visiting Australia for the first time. They arrive in January and spend 2 weeks here in Australia.

You are to take them to:

An Australia Day Celelbration at a park or beach explaining why we celebrate Australia Day.

See a native animal in its natural habitat or bush
Go to an Australian sporting or music event and experience the love of sport or music.
Taste Australian foods and buy a souvenir.
Take them to your home and show them the typical Austalian lifestyle.

Write a tourist brochure as an information report for your visiting friend featuring the places and icons you see on your trip.

TASK 2: National and Heritage places and artefacts of Indigenous Australians

Indigenous beliefs and cultures have been passed down form generation to generation through art, music, dance, ceremonies and stories. Many aspects of Indigenous culture can be found in National Heritage places or landmarks and are sacred or special to Indigenous Australians.

Choose ONE of the aspects of Indigenous Australian culture to research. Write a persuasive text about WHAT the significance of this place is and WHY this place or artefact should be presereved.

Lake Mungo

Great Barrier Reef

Kakadu National Park