Historical information

This medallion was produced at the Royal Australia Mint in Canberra in 1988 to commemorate the Bicentenary of European settlement in Australia. The obverse design was by Michael Meszaros and the Bicentenary logo was designed by Michael Tracy. This medallion was given to Elizabeth Douglas in 1988 in recognition of her work as Secretary of the Shire of Hampden Bicentennial Community Committee. At the time Miss Douglas was Principal of Derrinallum High School, a position she held from 1984 to 1991. In retirement Elizabeth O'Callaghan (nee Douglas) spent many years as an active member of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society

Significance

This item is of historic interest as an example of a Bicentennial medal awarded to a local individual

Physical description

This is a medallion of circular shape and bronze colouring (gold-plated). On the obverse side it has a raised gold pattern representing masses of people with a flag and gold lettering. On the reverse side it has a stylised map of Australia with gold lettering and sprays of flowers. The medal rests on a round plastic container inserted into a rectangular green box with felt trimming. The box is contained in another green cardboard box

Inscriptions & markings

Australian Bicentenary 1788-1988
Celebration of a Nation
Australia 1788-1988
The Official Bicentenary Commemorative Medallion