Naming the Federal Capital of Australia, 12 March 1913 (2013 digital restoration)

This silent film footage, by pioneer director Raymond Longford, documents the naming of Australia’s capital city, Canberra, in the official ceremony held on 12 March 1913.

It contains shots of officials attending the ceremony including Andrew Fisher, the then Prime Minister of Australia; King O’Malley, Minister for Home Affairs; the federal Attorney-General William (Billy) Hughes (who himself became Prime Minister in 1915); Governor-General Lord Denman and his wife Lady Denman. The foundation stones are laid at the site which is now Capital Hill, and Lady Denman proclaims the city to be named Canberra.

The original film is held by the National Film and Sound Archive.