Scoreload

"Advance Australia Fair" is the national anthem of Australia. Here are some interesting facts about it:

1. Authorship: The lyrics for "Advance Australia Fair" were written by Peter Dodds McCormick, and the music was composed by the same person. McCormick was a Scottish-born composer, and he wrote the anthem in 1878.

2. Original Lyrics: The original lyrics of the anthem had four verses, but only the first and third verses are usually performed today. The full version of the anthem was proclaimed as the national anthem in 1984, but it was later shortened.

3. First Public Performance: The anthem was first performed in public on November 30, 1878, at the Highland Society's annual gathering in Sydney, Australia.

4. Adoption as National Anthem: "Advance Australia Fair" officially became Australia's national anthem on April 19, 1984. Prior to this, "God Save the Queen" was used as the national anthem.

5. Controversies: The choice of the national anthem has been a topic of some controversy in Australia. Some have advocated for a change, suggesting that the anthem does not adequately represent Indigenous Australians or that it lacks a distinctive Australian identity.

6. Indigenous Inclusion: In recent years, there have been discussions about recognizing Australia's Indigenous heritage in the anthem. In 2020, a change to the lyrics was made to be more inclusive of Australia's Indigenous history. The line "For we are young and free" was modified to "For we are one and free."

7. Common Occasions: "Advance Australia Fair" is commonly performed at various official and public events, including sporting events, citizenship ceremonies, and official government functions.

8. Instrumental Versions: In addition to vocal performances, there are also instrumental versions of the anthem. It is often played by military bands on ceremonial occasions.

"Advance Australia Fair" remains an important symbol of national identity for Australians and is a key part of the country's cultural heritage.