SBS50: Fast Facts

Did you know that, in 1995, the ANZAC Bridge in Sydney was opened to traffic? It was given its name to honour the memory of the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who together served in World War One – and features two bronze statues of an Australian and a New Zealand soldier standing side by side at the bridge’s western end.

Did you know that, in 1996, 35 people died and 23 were wounded in a killing-spree at Port Arthur, a popular tourist site in south-eastern Tasmania? Following the incident, then Prime Minister John Howard introduced strict gun laws, restricting the private ownership of semiautomatic rifles in Australia.

Did you know that, in 1997, the Australian telecommunications market was deregulated, allowing the entry of new competitors besides Optus and government-owned Telstra, which was partly privatised at the same time.

Did you know that, in 1998, Australia observed its first National Sorry Day to commemorate the mistreatment of the continent's Indigenous population? A decade later, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd publicly apologised on behalf of the federal government for the wrongs of the past.

Did you know that, in 1999, a powerful earthquake hit western Turkey, devastating many towns, and killing almost 20-thousand people — many in their sleep?

Did you know that in 2000, more than 250,000 people walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in support of Reconciliation, with Australia’s Aboriginal people? Thousands joined similar events in other cities across the nation, with the Yothu Yindi song "Treaty" sung widely by people in the crowds.

Did you know, 2001 was the centenary of federation, when, 100 years earlier, the six British colonies of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia united to form the Commonwealth of Australia?

Did you know that, in 2002, Australia suffered its worst drought in 100 years, with water restrictions put in place in Sydney, Melbourne and many other areas, and farmers devastated by crop failures.

Did you know that, in 2003, two mates from Melbourne talked their friends into growing a moustache in support of a campaign about men's health? The innovative “Movember” movement has won millions of followers around the world who all grow a mo once a year to raise funds for medical research.

Did you know that, in 2004, Australia won a record 17 gold medals at the Summer Olympics in Athens, the capital of Greece? This haul surpassed the previous medal tally of 16 gold from the Summer Games in Sydney four years earlier.