As we approach the centenary of Federation, the City of Greater Bendigo in Victoria has resurrected the historic Federation Flag, formally adopted as the flag of the Federation Movement in 1892.
The flag was raised over the City in March lending strong symbolism to Bendigo’s claim that it was at the forefront of moves last century to unite the Australian nation.
Cr Megan Weston, Mayor of Greater Bendigo, believes any national celebrations of Federation need to recognise the significance of the contribution Bendigo made to the achievement of nationhood. She points out that the goldfields regions, including Bendigo with its dynamic, cosmopolitan and politically aware population, were staunchly pro Federation.
The prosperous and dynamic City played host to thousands of new migrants to Australia. Not only did it produce a significant part of the material wealth in the colonies, contributing the finance for many of Victoria’s finest buildings, it also provided an early multi cultural experience which was a hotbed of new ideas and optimism for a free and democratic future.
It was Bendigo citizen, John Quick, who devised the formula for voters to elect delegates to draw up the Federal Constitution breaking an impasse which had stalemated moves to unification. He was later credited with persuading NSW premier George Reid of the value of Federation, overcoming his previous resistance.
In 1898, Bendigo hosted the State congress of the influential Australian Natives Association where Alfred Deakin addressed the congress and gained the full support of the Board of Directors. This marked a turning point in the struggle towards Federation.
At the two referenda leading up to Federation, Bendigo recorded one of the highest votes with 95 percent and 98 percent in favour.
The Flag, currently flying over Council’s Offices, came within a whisker of being adopted as Australia’s national flag. It features the Southern Cross on a white background with the Union Jack in the left hand corner.
For further information contact Cr Megan Weston, telephone (03) 5434 6000.
