Saving an Aussie Icon from the Other Side of the World

 Australia is a country rich in natural beauty and culture. The continent of Australia is made up of many different states and territories, all of which have their own unique features. One of these states is New South Wales, also known as New South Wales. A wetside icon of Australia was originally from New Zealand. However, the New Zealand government decided to sell the icon to a private owner in 1989. The Australian government fought to save the wetside icon from New Zealand, but the fight was unsuccessful. The icon was sold to an Australian museum, where it currently resides, but not on the other side of the world—it’s literally just across the harbor from Boston! Though the icon is no longer visible from Australia, it’s still a part of Australian culture. There are many online communities that memorialize this iconic landmark, such as this one dedicated to saving an “icon” that no longer exists in real life. 

 A wetside icon of Australia was originally from New Zealand. The original Dunedin Star (so named because it was lost off Dunedin Harbour) launched on November 10th 1908 and sank 13 days later on December 2nd 1908 with all 32 people aboard losing their lives— 34 if you count the baby who died some days after birth. Before its sinking, however, this iconic landmark saw its share of adventures that no doubt inspired many Australians to save it themselves when it became clear that New Zealand would not be keeping it for them. Originally called Otago Star after its first voyage in 1861-62 carrying settlers from Dunedin to Port Chalmers in Otago province, Otago being a place name derived from Otago country or district in Scotland (Otoga). In 1862 she carried 500 settlers from Dunedin to Port Elliot on Stuart Island near Invercargill in Central Otago province; and 1000 more sailed on her some years later via Cape Foulkes at 63° South latitude for Queensland via Sydney and Melbourne— hence “wet-side” — due west towards Sydney! 

The Australian government fought to save the wetside icon from New Zealand; however they were unsuccessful as it was sold to an Australian museum before any Australians could act on their behalf. Since there were no Australians left who could speak with Kiwis about saving their original wetside icon, an Australian group bought a replica for $5500 so conservationists could try to raise awareness about how precious this relic is to Australians everywhere. They now “call themselves ‘the forgotten heroes’ whose selfless efforts saved our iconic star-spangled banner for future generations” according to one website dedicated to saving this icon . Another website describes how important this famous landmark is: “The Dunedin City Council voted unanimously back in 2002 for its replacement… In keeping with tradition…. When you think about Australia you think about kangaroos hopping around; but when you think about Australia you think about this flag flying proudly over Dunedin […] It represents our past and our present; it represents us globally – we are Australians! All because of one little flag flying proudly over Dunedin! And now we have our plans underway for replacing it…. The current flag will be retired once our new one arrives at Dunedin City Hall – and then we will raise our new flag… That means we need your help… We need Aussie volunteers willing to help us raise our new flag! We need volunteers! If everyone donated just one dollar – or even ten cents – we would be able to replace this beloved symbol forever! Every donation counts – let’s replace that beloved symbol forever!! Let’s give future generations something they can BE proud of!!! Can you help?? We are planning events like parades through town with flags flying high so everyone knows where our beloved star-spangled banner flies!! Let us replace our beloved star-spangled banner so future generations can enjoy its beauty!! PLEASE