Function and purpose

In 1972 the National Anthem and Flag Quests Committee conducted a national competition for a national flag and a national anthem. The founder and Chairman of the Committee was Mr John Lavett. This Committee was established in July 1972 and disbanded in April 1974.  This was not a government appointed committee, however, in 1975 the records were taken into Commonwealth custody for their archival and historical value. This series reflects the public’s interest in the issue.

The anthem entries fell into two categories, a quest for the “tune” and one for the “words”. Some entrants submitted musical scores and or audio tapes, some submitted only the lyrics. Others submitted entries of both words and the music. The Committee forwarded its entries to the Australian Council of Arts for judging. In 1973 the Government also sponsored a National Anthem competition. The Government also nominated the Australian Council of Arts as judges for this competition. Some entrants therefore submitted entries to both, the Quests Committee’s competition and the Government sponsored competition. Records relating to the anthem quest are in C1969.

Records relating to the flag quest are in this series. There are two types of records in this series, namely, artwork submitted by members of the public, and Committee correspondence. Entries were received from professional companies and members of the public including school children. In most instances the artwork was accompanied by explanations of the symbolism of the motifs and colours used in the designs. Some entries however, consisted of a statement for a design concept, instead of artwork.

The National Anthem and Flags Quest Committee shortlisted ten designs. These were manufactured into full size flags by the flag making company E H Brett and Sons Pty Ltd. These flags were then displayed in shopping centres and other venues in towns and cities throughout the country. Members of the public were encouraged to cast votes to select a flag from this selection. 

Physical characteristics

 The artworks vary in size, from postcard to map size. The artworks were submitted in various mediums and with varying degrees of detail. They include rough sketches, painted ensigns, pen and ink drawings and appliqué work on textile. Some entries were presented on textile or photo board but the majority were attached to cardboard or paper with sticky tape or glue. These entries are fragile and likely to require conservation attention for long-term preservation.

System of arrangement and control

 The Archives has imposed single numbers on this series.  The item title consists of the name of the entrant, the town or suburb and, the state, territory or country of the entrant.

Relationships with other records

 For records of the National Anthem Quest see for series C1969.

Finding aids

 All records have been entered on RecordSearch at item level.

Custodial history

The records were created by the National Anthem and Flag Quest Committee - Chairman’s Office. They came into Archives’ custody when the then Director suggested to the Chairman that they should be lodged with Archives because of their significance. The disposal status of these records has been deemed as Valued Discontinued Records (VDR).

Administrative information

The following data was keyed from the paper documentation:

Form number:              NAS 43

Date of transfer:         09/07/1975

Archives file number:     A1972/152

Archives accession number:AA1975/370