Royal Australian Navy pamphlet

In the first decade of the 20th century, Australians realised that they could no longer rely on the British Navy to protect them from the perceived threat of invasion. The creation of a navy was deemed necessary for defence and became a symbol of national cohesion, identity and pride. The government wanted the upcoming generation of Australians to appreciate the significance of the new Royal Australian Navy and invited two children from every state school in country New South Wales to Sydney to watch the arrival of the fleet on 4 October 1913. The children were given this pamphlet to remember their visit. The pamphlet is ripe with Australian symbolism: wattle, the Australian coat of arms and the flag are all present. The young woman heralding the fleet's arrival into Sydney harbour symbolises the young, recently federated nation of Australia.