SBS50: Fast Facts

Did you know that in 2005 Sydney-born journalist, writer and social critique Donald Horne died at the age of 84. He is best known for his critical evaluation of Australian society in his book "The Lucky Country". The famous title has become a popular catchphrase to describe Australia as a nation.

Did you know that, in 2006, Sydney recorded the hottest New Year's Day ever? Temperatures reached a top of almost 45 degrees Celsius, causing power blackouts and widespread train cancellations. While crowds flocked to city beaches and swimming pools, a total of 44 fires were burning across NSW.

Did you know that in 2007 world leaders including US President George W. Bush gathered in Sydney for the annual summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation. Facing thousands of protesters and under the strictest security Australia has ever experienced, the politicians discussed ways and means to create a free trade area in the Asia Pacific region.

Did you know that, in 2008, more than half a million young people from 200 countries gathered in Sydney to celebrate World Youth Day? They were joined by Pope Benedict the 16th, who took full advantage of new developments in telecommunications by sending text messages to many participants at the festival.

Did you know that, in 2009, researchers at Melbourne's Swinburne University announced the development of an optical disc technology capable of holding 10-thousand times more data than a regular DVD? The breakthrough was made possible through the use of minute nano particles, which allow the storage of extremely large files without increasing the size of the DVD.

Did you know that, in 2010, Melbourne-born nun Mary MacKillop, who dedicated herself to educating the children of the poor, was made Australia’s first saint of the Catholic Church?

Did you know that, in 2011, American Australian astrophysicist Brian Schmidt was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics? Working at the Mount Stromlo Observatory, just outside of Canberra, Schmidt discovered that our universe is getting bigger, faster, not slowing down as most other scientists believed.

Did you know that, in 2012, violence broke out during a Sydney protest against the YouTube film “Innocence of Muslims” leaving six police officers and 19 demonstrators injured? The short video was perceived by some Muslims as denigrating the Prophet Muhammad.

Did you know that, in 2013, a fleet of ships from 17 nations anchored along the Sydney foreshore to mark 100 years since the Royal Australian Navy fleet first entered the Harbour? Watched by tens of thousands of people, the armada included warships from Japan, India, China and the US.

Did you know that, in 2014, former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam died at age 98. A key figure in the shaping of modern Australia, it was his government that launched, in 1975, the ethnic radio stations 2EA in Sydney and 3EA in Melbourne, which later became the Special Broadcasting Service, SBS.