Land of the Aborigines for roughly 50,000 years, Australia is an island continent that fascinates and attracts the world. With 22 million inhabitants, these vast arid and desert lands bring together many natural riches: in the centre, in the red desert, the most famous monolith in the world, Uluru, and in the North, the no less famous great barrier reef.

Australia is also the home of thousands of kangaroos, marsupials, koalas, and dingoes. The cities, located on the outskirts, have any significant buildings such as the Sydney Opera House or, more unusually, numerous convicts and prisons, symbols of European colonization expansion.

The various honouring awards, the Australian Army, great scientists, athletes, entertainers, and etc. are truly eye-catching and inspirational that gives pride to the country.

Australian Army / Military

The Australian Army is Aussies’ military land force that formed in 1901 through the merger of Australian colonial forces. As an outcome of the federation, it is a part of the Australian Defense Force (ADF), together with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

★    The Victoria Cross Award

There are so many prestigious awards in the Australian Military for their brave fighters or soldiers. Among them, “The Victoria Cross”  medal is one of the highest decorations for Australia.  

It was created in 1856 by Queen Victoria to reward acts of military bravery but does not represent a title of order.

It is a contemporary decoration with the Military. The bronze cross is made up of the royal coat of arms, information on the recipient (his name, rank, unit), and the date of the award.

As in the past, Australia was a part of the British Countries Group; even after being apart from them, the award is still in continuation in the Australian Military distinction. It is awarded individually for “exemplary courage in the face of the enemy.”

★    Royal Australian Navy Hero – Edward “Teddy” Sheean

During World War II, Edward “Teddy” Sheean (from 28 December 1923 to 1 December 1942) was just 18 years old an Australian Navy sailor, how can we forget him as an unforgettable true hero of Australia?

He was on the HMAS Armidale when the Japanese attacked him. After the ship was torpedoed and started to fill with water, Teddy began to help his companions to escape.

While releasing a life raft, he was hit by shrapnel. Instead of jumping into the lifeboat that he just made available, Teddy was furious. Dragging his injured body to a nearby anti-aircraft gun, he began firing at the attack planes, shooting down several of them in the process.

Teddy’s sheer persistence is the most notable of his exploits. Sailors who escaped from Armidale remember seeing bullets emerging from the water as they fled. Teddy was still firing as he was dragged underwater, and he was probably again pulling the trigger when he drowned.

He saved untold lives, and many of the survivors-soldiers credited their lives to Sheean for his gallant act of bravery.

• Watch this video that signifies Edward “Teddy” Sheean and his brave story.

Australian Inventors

Australia is less known for its notable inventions, and yet many objects of daily life are the fruit of research carried out by the Aussie scientists and inventors.

★    Alfred Hermann Traeger: The story of the Flying Doctor Radio

Alfred Traeger (1895-1980) was born in Glenlee, Dimboola, in the Australian state of Victoria, to the farmer Johann Hermann Traeger and his wife Louisa, both of whom came from South Australia. His grandparents were Germans who emigrated to South Australia. Traeger played a significant role in building the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, the Flying Doctors, an institution founded by John Flynn.

During the 1920s, He tried to develop opportunities in the outback living scattered families access to medical care. Since there was no electricity there, Traeger developed a pedal-driven generator with which it was possible to transmit calls for help with Morse code. Due to this great invention, he was awarded an OBE in 1944.

★    Walter Reginald Hume (1873-1943)

Walter’s vital innovation changed not only his career but the whole process of pipe manufacturing technology around the earth.

Hume was at just 12 when his father died, and under the changed family circumstances, Walter had to leave his school to find work. He tried his luck in many trades, including plastering.

Between the Depression of 1890, Hume and his elder brother joined the army and gave their own in the country of Victoria in the fields of construction, repair, and agriculture. From where he developed a business workshop in Malmesbury.

In 1910, he founded Humus’ patented Iron Cement Syndicate Ltd., for the development of concrete pipes invented by Hume, and increased the centrifugal process. This technology has had a tremendous global influence in the development of modern sewer and drain systems. In 1940, a notable agreement worth roughly around £ 50000 was signed with the South Australian government for the formation of the Morgan Whatla Pipeline.

He drove 400 km of reinforced cement pipes for the LoveDirection Project. The locomotive used to transport all materials has been restored and serves as an attraction in the Cobdogla Irrigation Museum.

Born in Australia

There are so many celebrities and personalities are born in Australia. Some of the Aussie stars are listed here:

• Rupert Murdoch, March 11, 1931 – Australian Businessman;
• Elle Macpherson, March 29, 1964 – Australian Model;
• Heath Ledger, April 4, 1979, January 22, 2008  – Australian Actor;
• Kylie Minogue, May 28, 1968 – Australian Singer And Actress;
• Margot Robbie, July 2, 1990 – Australian Actress;
• Julian Assange, July 3, 1971 –  Australian Computer Scientist And Journalist;
• Geoffrey Rush, July 6, 1951 – Australian Actor;
• Eric Bana, August 9, 1968 – Australian Actor;
• George Lazenby, September 5, 1939 –  Australian Actor;
• Baz Luhrmann, September 17, 1962 – Australian Film Director;
• Ian Thorpe, October 13, 1982 – Australian Athlete, Swimmer;
• Casey Stoner, October 16, 1985 – Champion Of Motorcycling Australia;
• Robert Menzies, December 20, 1894, May 14, 1978 – Australian Political Leader;
• Chris Hemsworth, August 11, 1983 – Australian Actor.

Australian Honours, Recognitions, And Awards

There are historical as well as modern prestigious and highly respectful recognitions steps taken by the Australian government and various non-profit organizations to highlight and reward the talents, efforts and activities of the Aussie people have the effect of motivating them. And instill in them a desire for excellence, build their self-esteem and encourage them to exceed expectations.

More likely to treat outstanding Aussies with courtesy, honor, respect, and understanding.

★   Australian National Living Treasure List

Australian Living Treasure is an honour established by the National Trust of Australia, New South Wales branch and they update this list occasionally.

The list is prepared for around 100 awarded living-people. The recipients were picked by popular vote for having made exceptional contributions to Australian culture in any arena of humanistic or social endeavour.

The top-ten (among 100) list of still-living people updated in 2014 by the National Trust of Australia (NSW);

• Phillip Adams: Humanist, Social Commentator;
• Dame Marie Bashir: Governor Of New South Wales, Professor;
• John Bell: Actor;
• Geoffrey Blainey: Professor, Historian;
• Raelene Boyle: Olympic Runner, Sports Commentator;
• Frank Brennan: Social Commentator;
• Bob Brown: Politician, Australian Greens Activist;
• Julian Burnside: Barrister, Refugee Rights Advocate, Author;
• Don Burrows: Jazz Musician;
• Tim Costello: Social Activist, Commentator.

★   The Australian of the Year Award

“The Australian of the Year” is an honour given to an Aussie citizen by the Australia Day National Council. It is Aussies’ NGO owned social activity. This award inspires people and reminds them to follow their dreams, passion, and work hard and believe in what they are doing.

the Australian of the Year Award is being given since 1960 as part of the recognition surrounding “Australia Day” which is January 26, during which it has grown regularly in the aim of enhancing one of the nation’s dominant awards

The ceremony encourages active citizenship and endeavours to glorify remarkable people as “Role Models”.

Three companion prizes have been included, acknowledging both young and old Aussie people, and announcing the efforts of those hard working people on a ground level within the “Australia Local Hero prize”.

Below is a list of recent years recipients of the Australian award year from 2011 to 2018:

• 2011 – Simon McKeon (1955), Philanthropist Businessman;
• 2012 – Geoffrey Rush (1951), Australian actor and film producer;
• 2013 – Ita Buttrose (1942), Australian journalist and entrepreneur, founder & editor of Cleo;
• 2014 – Adam Goodes (1980), Australian footballer and leader of the indigenous community;
• 2015 – Rosie Batty (1962), Domestic violence campaigner;
• 2016 – LT GEN David Morrison (1956), Commitment to gender equality, diversity & inclusion;
• 2017 – Alan Mackay-Sim (1951), Biomedical researcher treatment of spinal cord injury;
• 2018 – Michelle Simmons (1967), Scientia Professor of Quantum Physics in the Faculty of Science at the University of NSW.

Australian Music And Its Biggest Stars

What do the Bee Gees, Slim Dusty, Joan Sutherland, AC / DC, INXS, Midnight All, Kylie Minogue, Wolfmother, and Expatriate have in common?

They are all musicians, famous and Australian—Discovery of Australian music.

Australian music is more than the hard rock from AC / DC and sexy pop from Kylie Minogue. The first Australian musicians were the Aborigines, followed by the immigrants who brought country music and opera with them. Nowadays, Australia has become famous thanks to artists like the Bee Gees, INXS, Midnight Oil or more recently Wolfmother and Expatriate.

★   Slim Dusty and Australian Country Music

Producer of 100 albums (a world record), Slim Dusty is the most famous representative of Australian country music. He was particularly popular with the Australian native populations, where he organized numerous concerts.

★    Joan Sutherland And The Grandeur Of The Opera

This Sydney-born singer marked the second half of the 20th century with her unique tone of voice and her exceptional technique. Joan Sutherland has mostly contributed to the reputation of Australian music through the national opera company, Opera Australia.

★    AC / DC Or The World Benchmark For Hard Rock

Indeed the essential hard rock band on the planet. With 200 million albums sold (including the famous Back In Black, the world’s most significant rock success to date), AC / DC has nothing to prove. Just listen to Highway To Hell to be convinced.

★    Inxs And Pop-rock Music From Sydney

Very popular in the 80s, INXS became known in Europe with the hit Need You Tonight, number 1 in the charts of many radio stations.

★    Kylie Minogue Or Sexy Pop Music

The beautiful and busty Kylie is known for her talents as a singer and actress. After several hits at the end of the 90s. Kylie became in 20 years the “Madonna” of Australian music, chaining the albums sold for several million copies. An authoritative reference on the dance floor.

Steve Irwin: The Australian wildlife Documentary Superstar

A host of animal television programs and archetype of the intrepid crocodile hunter, he had gained fame on the international scene where he campaigned for the defence of the environment.

He started his career as a crocodile hunter in Queensland where his parents owned a small reptile park. As a youngster, Irwin offered his services to his neighbours to trap the saurians who found refuge in residential areas.

The popularity of his TV show broadcast throughout the Anglo-Saxon world had also allowed him to make a brief appearance in “Dr. Dolittle 2” alongside Eddie Murphy. The popularity that he was able to raise in 2004 when in front of TV cameras, he offers dead chickens to crocodiles, his newborn in his arms. He justified this gesture by the need to educate people about the dangers of nature.

An audacity that finally ends up costing his life. When filming one of his shows near the Great Barrier Reef at the age of 44, he was stung by a stingray.

Looking back at the Aussie icon, people remember him as Steve Irwin Day by celebrating each year on 15 November;  it is a yearly worldwide event acknowledging the life and legacy of the one and only Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin!

Australian Football League

Australian Football League is the Aussie national game and athletic activities far more practised and followed in Australia. The enthusiastic supporters of the teams always flock to the big stadiums where the darlings of the fans perform by playing the games of this decidedly addicting and spectacular game.

In 1877 the victorian football association was organized with 12 teams and in 1897, also in the state of Victoria, the victorian football league was formed with eight teams; after joining groups from other countries, the Australian football league was founded in 1989.

★    Australian Football Hall of Fame

The Australian Football Hall of Fame was founded in 1996 to help recognize contributions to the sport of AFL by players, referees, media personalities, The legends are being remembered by keeping the jerseys and photos of the legends and champions in the sports museum of Australia.

★    Australian Football Hall of Fame Legends List

The Hall of Fame has a particular class of inductees known as Legends of AFL:

1996: Bob Skilton, Dick Reynolds, Graham Farmer, Haydn Bunton sr, Jack Dyer, John Coleman, John Nicholls, Leigh Matthews, Ron Barassi, Roy Cazaly, Ted Whitten;

• 1997: Ian Stewart;
• 1998: Gordon Coventry;
• 1999: Peter Hudson;
• 2000: Kevin Bartlett;
• 2001: Barrie Robran;
• 2003:Bill Hutchison;
• 2005: James ‘Jock’ McHale;
• 2006: Darrel Baldock;
• 2007: Norm Smith;
• 2008: Alex Jesaulenko;
• 2010: Kevin Murray;
• 2012: Barry Cable;
• 2013: Royce Hart;
• 2015: Tony Lockett;
• 2017: Malcolm Blight;
• 2018: Kevin Sheedy.

★   The Brownlow medal

In Australia, the most prestigious The Chas trophy Brownlow famously recognised as the Brownlow medal is awarded the best faires football player championship in Australian Football League during the season regular.

It was awarded for the first time in 1924 by the Australian football league of Victoria (VFL) which is called after Charles Brownlow, who was the first player then secretary of Geelong in between 1885-1923.  and then president of the VFL 1918-1919, and died in January 1924 due to a long illness.

The prize is usually described the best on the pitch and the most correct, the voting standard, as defined by the election, is more accurate and better on the play, thus emphasizing sportiness and right sport.

★   Brownlow Medal Winners In The Recent Era

• 2011 Dane Swan;
• 2012 Sam Mitchell & Trent Cotchin;
• 2013 Gary Ablett Junior;
• 2014 Matt Priddis;
• 2015 Nat Fyfe;
• 2016 Patrick Dangerfield;
• 2017 Dustin Martin;
• 2018 Tom Mitchell;
• 2019 Nat Fyfe.

★   The Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame

Rugby Australia previously known as the Australian Rugby Union or ARU is the organization which manages the rugby union in Australia,  it was founded in 1949, which  belongs to World Rugby and notably leads the national team called the “Wallabies.”

The Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame recognizes the athletes who have performed outstanding talents at rugby league matches, the renowned coaches and referees, and other notable contributors to the sport, especially who are Aussie.

It was initially organized with 6 inductees in 2002 with more added each year. To date, the latest members were initiated in 2007.

Exceptional Australian Scientists

★   Professor Hollow Frederick Cossom

Frederick Cossom Hollow was born on 9 April 1929 in Dunedin, New Zealand, and studied medicine at Otago Medical School. In 1961. He was an ophthalmologist (an eye doctor) who helped restore vision to more than one million people in Australia and many other countries worldwide.

He never minded any disunity between his patients, whether they are wealthy or poor. Fred got everything done. He served needy children and families in underdeveloped nations.

He always fought for change and set in movement a legacy for stopping the avoidable blindness. He ended his journey on 10 February 1993. But he will be forever memorialized to the people’s hearts. The Fred Hollows Foundation renders an example of his notable devotion in the eye care field.

★   Dr Victor Peter Chang – A Great Aussie Heart Surgeon Still Existing In People’s Hearts.

Dr Victor Peter Chang (Chang Yam Him) was born on 21 November 1936 in Shanghai, grew up in Hong Kong before moving to Australia as he was a child of Australian born Chinese parents. He studied and trained at the University of Sydney, the UK, and then after the USA.

He was a great Australian heart surgeon in world medical history—a pioneer of modern heart transplantation. He served at St Vincent’s Hospital with his best team, who had tremendous success in heart transplants. And he assisted in forming the National Cardiac Transplant Unit in Australia.

Dr Chang was elected a Companion of the Order of Australia. His contribution to developing an artificial heart valve was a remarkable achievement. Dr Chang was murdered on 4 July 1991 in Sydney, NSW.

★   Australian Nobel Prize Winners

• Brian P. Schmidt, 2011 – Physics;
• Elizabeth Blackburn, 2009 – Physiology or Medicine;
• Barry Marshall, 2005 – Physiology or Medicine;
• J. Robin Warren, 2005 – Physiology or Medicine;
• Peter C. Doherty, 1996 – Physiology or Medicine;
• John Harsanyi, 1994 – Economy;
• John Cornforth, 1975 – Chemistry
• Patrick White, 1973 – Literature
• John Carew Eccles, 1973 – Physiology or Medicine
• Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet, 1960 – Physiology or Medicine, 1960
• Howard Florey, 1945 – Physiology or Medicine
• William Lawrence Bragg, 1915 – Physics