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Before 1950

The badges dating from pre-1950 in the museum’s collection are concerned largely with the First World War and a growing sense of Australian nationalism. The collection includes a number of badges that were used as a means of fundraising to support Australia’s war effort. Also featured are badges from the conscription referendums proposed by Prime Minister Billy Hughes in 1916 and 1917, as well as badges from Hughes’s election campaigns.

The Dardanelles, Australia Day 1915 Federated Miscellaneous Workers Union of Australia I will help until the war is won Fight on, fight ever, boycott German trade Vote yes, Oct 28 1916 Peace loan 1919 subscriber Billy Hughes election campaign Wattle Day 1926 All for Australia League