Wattle Day and First Day of Spring

Wattle Day is a day of celebration in Australia on the first day of September each year. This is also the first day of Spring and we are also in the middle of Djilba the season of fertility in the Aboriginal calendar

We thought we would look at the history of Wattle Day.

The first Wattle Day celebrations began on September 1, 1910. Wattle Day was celebrated in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

In 1988 the Golden Wattle Acacia pycnantha was officially proclaimed Australia’s national floral emblem.

 In 1992 the first day of September was declared National Wattle Day throughout Australia by the Governor-General . Of course wattle is the gold in our national colours of green and gold used at all events especially sporting events.

 Wattle Day has been celebrated here in WA and many older residents will remember such events in their school years.

Image 1 Historical photo of children with wildflowers c1935; Image 2 Collage of local wattle Acacia Pulchella

This week in Dalwallinu a festival takes place celebrating the region’s unique and diverse collection of wattle (Acacia) species with such activities as wildflower tours, markets and community events.

Of course, here in Perth and WA many Eastern states wattles have escaped from gardens and naturalised to become a threat to local bushland. When Acacia pycnantha Golden Wattle was chosen as Australia’s floral emblem seeds were sent through the country and in WA it is now an environment a weed!

Historical poster from 1920s with lady holding a bunch of wattle

Please let us know if you have any photos of your involvement with Wattle Day Celebrations in our shire.