Prior to Federation, the six colonies were truly separate entities, each with borders maintained by their own small militia. But small permanent forces supported by volunteers and British naval patrols were not going to cut it long-term. The fallibility of these forces was broadly understood and so the formation of the Commonwealth of Australia in […]
Proposed as affordable estates, Closer Settlement Farms were a way for the government to increase the profitability of the ânewâ nation by promoting rural settlement and agricultural expansion. Immediately following Federation, the passing of the Closer Settlement Act in 1904 set in motion the re-acquisition of âCrown Landâ for subdivision and sale. This 1911 Tibereenah […]
This 1902 booklet shows that the Central West town of Orange was once in contention to become the site of the nationâs capital. This honour eventually went to Canberra. The cover proclaims âCanobolasâ as the âIdeal Site for the Federal Capitalâ. An English / Anglicised version of a Wiradjuri word Gnoo Blas and meaning âtwo […]
Museums & Galleries of NSW acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands that comprise the state now known as NSW.
We pay respect to them as First Nations people with a continuing connection to land, place, waters and community
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this site contains stories, images, voices, and video of people who have died.
Some material may contain terms that reflect common usage of the period in which it was written or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. Such terms do not reflect the views of Museums and Galleries of NSW and are provided only to reflect historical context.