Life in Australia
A summary of each decade with information on history and politics, society and culture and science and technology.
A Selected History of Australia
Enjoy a look at the events surrounding the 70 years of the ABC's history - and more
80 days that changed our lives
Search by date or theme.
Use this website to find out what world news and events including sports, entertainment and science occurred in each year or click the decade link to get an overview of the major historical moments.
Jedda (1955) was the first Australian film to be shot in colour, have two indigenous lead actors and also it showd the potential of film to generate debate and stimulate social change.
History of Television in Australia
Television in Australia Australian Government website about the history of Television
Search the complete digitised cover to cover Women's Weekly magaziens from 1933 to 1982.
Find:
'Australia in Colour' is the history of Australia told via a unique collection of cinematic moments brought to life for the first time in stunning colour. It tells the story of how Australia came to be the nation it is today. Narrated by Hugo Weaving, it's a reflection on our nation's character, its attitudes, its politics, and its struggle to value its Indigenous and multicultural past. 'Australia in Colour' gives us a chance to relive history from a fresh perspective.
Australia in Colour EP1: Outpost Of Empire
Australia in Colour EP2: Shifting Allegiances
Australia In Colour EP3: Populate or Perish
Australia In Colour EP4: The Decade of Protest
Pop culture in post-war Australia
The Seekers
Johnny O'Keefe
"Johnny rock 'n' Roll. (Website that has history profile of Johnny O'Keefe
John Farnham
Below are some advertisements that aired on Australian television during the 1960s.
How were Australian men selected for conscription?
Australian
Russell Morris - Rachel (1970)
Red Gum - I was only 19 (1983)
Eric Bogle - The Band Played Waltzing Matilda
Vietnam War Australia playlist
Other
Creedence Clearwater Revival - "Fortunate Son"
Give Peace a Chance – The Plastic Ono Band 1969
Eve Of Destruction (1965) - Barry McGuire
Blowin' in The Wind (1963) - Bob Dylan
What Are You Fighting For (1963) - Phil Ochs
Website - provides links to more songs with some interesting commentary.
Australia's involvement in, and reaction to, the war in Vietnam. Australia first sent troops to Vietnam in 1962, and increased this commitment, to include Operation Vietcong and Operation Full-On. By 1968, as Australian forces rose to over 8,000, opposition to conscription led to huge public protests. Australian forces withdrew in 1972, with a ceasefire signed in 1973.
Search for more websites and books using this search:
Some singers/groups to research:
Crowded House
The Church
INXS
Men at Work
Air Supply
Rick Springfield
Little River Band
Hoodoo Gurus
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Olivia Newton-John
Countdown: Do Yourself A Favour
One of the most loved programs ever broadcast by the ABC, Countdown provided the soundtrack to an entire generation of Australians.
The best Australian reality TV shows you’d forgotten about
A look back at early reality TV in Australia.
Aussie TV shows that were so awesome, they could never survive past the ’90s
Here are 10 shows that were so awesome they could never have survived the ’90s, plus a few more that lasted a tad longer but probably shouldn’t have.
The decade started in recession and with two networks in receivership, and a third being sold back to its former owner for a fraction of what it had been bought for. Cost cutting and tight budgets became increasingly common. Despite this, regional television was expanding at a rapid rate to give country viewers the same choices as their city counterparts. Then came the countdown to the new millennium.
The best TV moments from the 90s
It was a decade that brought us boy bands by the dozens with their frosted tips and bleached hair, Discman, jean overalls and some great television dramas.
Household use of computers and the Internet
Australian social trends, 2003.
From the introduction of dial-up internet and social media, to our hunger for online gaming and entertainment. Journey through the key milestones in the progression of the internet from the early 90s, to 2020 and beyond.
Happy 25 years of the internet, Australia
In 1989, the internet arrived on our shores for the very first time. To celebrate the past 25 years, we look back on some memorable internet moments in Australia.
Contains a series of video clips from the ABC archives as well as a excellent unit on "Popular Culture Post War".