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Collection: object

Treasures from a range of local, state, national, and private collections will be part of the Centre of Democracy’s story. Some of the objects here are on display right now, others have been, or will be part of the changing exhibition in the Institute Building.

See something you like? Explore the collections using the tags below.

Do you have something historically significant you think should be on display? contact us at staff@centreofdemocracy.sa.gov.au

  • activism
  • art and illustration
  • australia
  • badge
  • belongings
  • ceramics
  • Colonial
  • document
  • elections
  • environment
  • ephemera
  • Federation
  • gay
  • indigenous
  • International relations
  • jacket
  • local government
  • monarchy
  • nuclear
  • object
  • people
  • premier
  • prime minister
  • referendum
  • republic
  • Responsible government
  • state government
  • suffrage
  • Suffrage125
  • union
  • voting
  • women

Campaigning pink

Gawler, cockatoo governor

Two green and gold beer cans standing side by side. There is a logo in the centre that reads 125 in celebration of 125 years of the United Trades and Labor Council of SA.

A council to unite all trades

Catherine Helen Spence

Signed Frank Walsh

Union democracy

Don Dunstan's pink shorts

Dazzling Don Dunstan

Sister basket

A small discolored white badge whihc the words INT. Women's Day written on it in black text. In the Centre if an outline of South America with a rose inside of it.

United Nations International Women’s Year

Remote polling

A small metal sealing stamp with the name James hurtle fisher embossed into it. In the centre is a small depiction of a lion.

The Fisher Seal

A dame’s hat

A small statue of queen Victoria in white ceramic.

Statuette of Queen Victoria

The first Lord Mayor

A small white teacup and saucer with the coat of arms for Adelaide City Council on the front.

A coat of arms

The first town council in Australia

A politician’s bag

Signed Don Dunstan

A small silver box with an open lid. The inside of the box is made from wood.

Charles Glover cigarette case

A black badge with a white square in the center. In the square is the phrase Unions are the New Black.

Unions are the new black

The Legislative Council

A black badge with red text that says LAND RIGHTS NOW.

Land Rights Now

A silver plate with pinched edges all around.

Working women

Janine Haines’ spectacles

Dame Roma’s spectacles

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The Centre of Democracy is located in the Institute Building, corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue.

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