The Proclamation of Federation, 1 January 1901, Centennial Park

Celebration of the new Commonwealth of Australia took place on 1 January 1901. On this day the Australian Constitution came into force.

This photograph depicts the moment at which Australia officially became a nation, the ceremony for which was attended by nearly 8000 guests, 10,000 schoolchildren, a 1000-voice choir and more than 100,000 spectators.