The Australian Natives Association (ANA) has played a major role in the formation of Australia since its establishment. The connotation of 'Australian Native' today implies that the association was created by Indigenous Australians, however this is not the case as the association was set up by the first generations of white Australians of European decent in 1871. Membership until the 1960s was exclusively for white men who were born in Australia and of European decent. These individuals viewed themselves as being 'native born', as opposed to those who emigrated and settled in Australia from the United Kingdom.
They had different views from the older generation of white Australians who were born in Europe, about the future of Australia and the direction the country should go in. Their overall desire was to be more independent from Britain. The influence of this Association was galvanised as it was the first time white individuals who were born in Australia outnumbered those who were born in Europe, and therefore their influence in politics and social policy began to dominate during this period.
The ANA was heavily involved in politics. They championed the idea of federation, and through these efforts also helped to form the Federal Constitution. After the Federation was formed they became vocal supporters of the White Australia Policy. Although a popular policy for many decades, this is now viewed by many Australians today as a shameful part of our political history. The details and full extent of this policy and the impact it had on Australia and Australians who come from a varying number of cultures is still often not fully acknowledged in the history books and the consciousness of the nation.
The Australian Natives Association championed other causes such as the need for national defence, railway expansion, conservation of natural resources and water. They involved themselves in social causes too, such as personal sponsorships for individuals who were financially disadvantaged as well as general welfare for the disadvantaged, maternal and infant welfare, and indigenous welfare. They even provided sickness, medical and funeral cover for its members. The ANA helped to establish the annual Australia Day celebrations, and even more importantly to many footy-mad Melbournians, they supported the development of Australian Rules Football.
In more recent decades they became heavily involved in supporting Australian manufactures by creating the 'Buy Australian Made' campaign. This included television adverts and a logo which was featured on products manufactured in Australia.
Most importantly to this blog, the Australian Natives Association had a beautiful building built for their Melbourne office. Facade details feature native animals including a kangaroo, emu and koalas. The rising sun, the Victorian coat of arms and rams heads are also features. These images send an unambiguous message that the Australian Natives Association is proudly and unapologetically 'Australian'. Despite the definition of what is is to be Australian has changed throughout the years, the message projected by the designs featured on the facade remains constant. This is what I would call timeless design.
My favourite features are the blue and green accents which in my mind are colours reflected in many native Australian plants, the two koalas in profile, and the elongating effects of the continuous vertical lines and columnades which give the whole building a strength and towering presence without being stout and heavy.
Love
Mosey x
PS. If you're interested this is a link to the Museum Victoria website which includes pictures of a number of Australian Natives Association artefacts within their collection.
