Summary

Medal - Bendigo Juvenile & Industrial Exhibition Commemorative 1886 (AD)
Australian Natives' Association 1871
Mint: Stokes & Martin

Other Details: This medal was produced as a memento of the Bendigo Juvenile & Industrial Exhibition. The reverse commemorates the foundation of the Australian Natives' Association in 1871. Juvenile industrial exhibitions were held to to encourage young people to compete in 'works of industry and usefulness', to impress the dignity and honour of labour, to nurture those in the trades, to show handiwork, to share ideas, to develop the idea of 'useful employment' in leisure hours and to create a 'taste for the fine arts and ornamental works, so as to make the home attractive' (Official Record, Australian Juvenile Industrial Exhibition, Ballarat, 1890).

The Australian Natives' Association was established in Melbourne in 1871 as a non-partisan and non-sectarian friendly society for Australian-born, white men seeking to shape Australia's nationhood and identity. The ANA was a strong advocate for Federation and became an advocate for White Australia. It was a staunch supporter of trade protection and immigration restriction, and Prime Minister Alfred Deakin was a member.

Physical Description

A gilt bronze medal (22 mm diameter) featuring a gear-wheel and an Australian Coat of Arms.

Obverse Description

At centre a gear-wheel; around, BENDIGO JUVENILE & INDUSTRIAL within wheel, EXHIBITION 1886

Reverse Description

Australian Coat of Arms with kangaroo and emu supporters, below, 1871, around, AUSTRALIAN NATIVES ASSOCIATION

Edge Description

Plain

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