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As the first day of September rolls around, the Hawkesbury — like much of Australia — turns golden. The bush, paddocks and roadsides shimmer with the bright, fluffy blossoms of the wattle, a sight that has inspired poetry, painting and song for generations.
September 1 is National Wattle Day, a celebration of both the coming of spring and our nation’s floral emblem, the Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha).
The Golden Wattle was officially declared Australia’s national floral emblem in 1988, the year of the Bicentenary, but Wattle Day itself has a history going back more than a century. The first known Wattle Day was held in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide in 1910, with the aim of fostering national pride through a uniquely Australian symbol.
Why the Wattle Matters
The wattle has long been more than just a pretty flower. Its green and gold colours have become Australia’s sporting identity, its resilience in the face of drought and fire a symbol of endurance. Wattle blossoms after bushfire and thrives in tough conditions, making it an emblem of hope and renewal.
For First Nations peoples, wattle trees have had cultural and practical uses for thousands of years — from medicine and food to tools and ceremony.
Today, the wattle stands as a unifying symbol, representing togetherness, resilience and the natural beauty of our land.
Wattle in the Hawkesbury
Here in the Hawkesbury, we don’t have to look far to see the wattle in bloom. Local bushland reserves, riverbanks and ridgelines come alive with golden bursts at this time of year. For many residents, it’s a reminder of why they call the Hawkesbury home.
Families often mark the change of season with walks in our national parks, where wattles brighten trails and hillsides. Schools have also embraced Wattle Day over the years, with children learning to identify local species and celebrating the start of spring with songs and crafts.
A Day to Reflect
National Wattle Day is more than a nod to a native tree. It’s an invitation to reflect on what we value as Australians: resilience, community, and the landscapes that sustain us.
As we gather for the start of spring, the wattle’s golden glow reminds us that even after hardship — fire, flood, or drought — renewal is possible.
So this Wattle Day, take a moment to notice the blooms, breathe in their honeyed scent, and remember the quiet power of a plant that has become a symbol of our nation.
Because sometimes, the smallest blossoms carry the biggest meaning.
