Centenary of Federation Day, 1st January 2001

The Centenary of Federation Day, 1st January 2001 was signalled by a moment of national unity through the ringing of bells. Across Australia bell towers, handbells and other bells/musical instruments rang simultaneously to herald the start of celebrations. 

Who rang the bells?
At the heart of the project were professional bell ringers including members of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Bellringers (ANZAB) and the Handbell Society of Australasia (HSA). However, the participation of bell towers and carillons in town halls, schools and churches was equally significant. Individuals rang using any bells they had, for example shops, farms, railway stations, cowbells or doorbells.

What time did the bells ring?
1st January 2001, at 3.55pm (Eastern Summer Time) for five minutes or more. 

Project Milestones
Brochures are now available describing the activities of the HSA and ANZAB.

Webmaster:  Drew Sullivan - webmaster@handbells.org.au