Community spirit to blossom on National Wattle Day

Australians are encouraged to join with their local communities to celebrate National Wattle Day on 1 September.

Held fittingly on the first day of spring, National Wattle Day recognises Australia’s national floral emblem — Acacia pycnantha (golden wattle).

Although golden wattle was only officially named the national floral emblem in 1988, more than 1000 species of wattle have evolved across the diverse Australian landscape over 35 million years.

The green and gold of the wattle is in the colours of our sporting teams, and these colours are there every time we pull out our Medicare card to visit the doctor.

From festivals and walking tours to seed giveaways, events and activities will be held around the country to celebrate a symbol that represents all Australians.

Australian Parliament House and landmarks around Australia will be illuminated in green and gold for National Wattle Day.

More information on National Wattle Day events and activities can be found on the Wattle Day Association website, www.wattleday.asn.au. 


Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Patrick Gorman:

“In times of both celebration and commemoration, at home and abroad, we choose the golden wattle to represent us as a nation.

“Resilient and diverse, wattles symbolise the very best of what it means to be Australian.

“I encourage all Australians to join me on 1 September in celebrating National Wattle Day.”

“You can wear a sprig of wattle, snap a photo of wattle and share it, or even plant some wattle of your own.”

“Happy National Wattle Day, Australia.”