Song of Australia

www.freemasonrysaust.org.au/song-of-australia.html

GRAND LODGE
OF ANTIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF
SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY

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"Song of Australia"

There is a land where summer skies
are gleaming with a thousand dyes;
blending in witching harmonies, in harmonies;
and grassy knoll and forest height,
are flushing in the rosy light,
and all above is azure bright -
Australia, Australia, Australia !

To hear the musical accompaniment of the "Song of Australia" -- CLICK HERE

In 1859, on the occasion of the second anniversary celebrations of the Institute at Gawler, South Australia, a prize of ten guineas was offered for the best words of a patriotic song, to be entitled "Song of Australia". More than 90 entries were submitted. In October 1859 the judges unanimously awarded the prize to Mrs Caroline Carleton. A further prize of 10 guineas was then offered for the best musical accompaniment. From 23 entries, the prize was awarded in November 1859 to Carl Linger.

The "Song of Australia" was first heard at a public performance at the Oddfellows Hall, Gawler on 12 December 1859. Carl Linger was the conductor. This was 42 years before the federation of the six Australian colonies to form the Commonwealth of Australia

On 31 May 1869 the music was played by a brass band at the laying of the foundation stone of the Freemasons' Hall in Flinders Street, Adelaide. Three verses of the song were sung by the choir at the opening ceremonies of the new Hall 10 months later.

In South Australian and Northern Territory Lodges the first verse of the "Song of Australia" continues to be song by the brethren at the Festive Board, after the toast to Grand Lodge.

For the musical score of the "Song of Australia" ---
please see page 383 of the book "A History of Craft Masonry in South Australia 1934 - 1984".
Alternatively please see the website of the National Library of Australia at http://nla.gov.au/nla.mus-an5628716

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10.03, rev 03.04

GRAND LODGE OF ANTIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY

"Song of Australia"

GRAND LODGE
OF ANTIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF
SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY