This day, 3rd September in 1901, 114 years ago, the Australian Flag was flown for the first time.
Following the proclamation of the Commonwealth of Australia on 1 January 1901, the Commonwealth government held a design competition for a new national flag. There were 32,000 entries in the competition, and most featured the Union Jack, the Southern Cross, or native animals.
Annie Dorrington
Five almost identical entries were selected to share the 200 pound prize. The entries belonged to Ivor Evans, a fourteen-year-old schoolboy from Melbourne; Leslie John Hawkins, a teenager apprenticed to an optician from Sydney; Egbert John Nuttall, an architect from Melbourne; Annie Dorrington, an artist from Perth; and William Stevens, a ship’s officer from Auckland, New Zealand. On 3 September 1901, the new Australian flag flew for the first time from the top of the Exhibition Building in Melbourne. The flag was simplified, and approved by King Edward VII in 1902.
Annie Dorrington – Karrakatta Cemetery
The only female design winner and the only person living in Western Australian is buried in the Karrakatta Cemetery and on a recent visit there I took these photos. You will see that her design for the flag is etched into the ledger stone by the Australian Flag Association.
Moya Sharp
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Hi Moya
My name is Tracey Gregory
I read your article on the Hotel Australia in Laverton. During the 70’s my family lived at Windarra, i still remember the old buildings around Laverton.
Recently we discovered my Great Grandfather Gregory was buried in the old cemetery in Laverton, he died in 1915 after walking into a conveyor belt (i gather horse drawn wooden). While we lived there, we never knew this.
My mums maiden name is Lawn. My grandparents were well respected in Boulder. My nana Gregory ran the Old Australian Hotel in the 50-60’s. It would be great if you could discover any information on my nana running the old pub.
Thanks Tracey Gregory
Hi Tracey, Have you done a search on my main site @ http://www.outbackfamilyhistory.com.au as yet. Also Im sure such a tragic accident would be reported in the newspapers. If you haven’t been on the site I can highly recommend TROVE. Do let me know how you go.
Kind regards
Moya