Those in authority in Australia at the time of Federation envisage a prosperous and civilised nation of hardworking citizens. But modern Australia grew out of a drunken penal colony.

Sport and the arts are imported from Britain and are already embedded in society at Federation in 1901.
 

Fuelled by sunshine and leisure time, homegrown heroes emerge, including Phar Lap, the Australian cricket team, surf lifesavers, Dame Nellie Melba and the hit films that perpetuate and reflect Australia's character.

Soon after Federation, the family unit is buffeted by world conflicts, poverty and disease, but then new attitudes sweep in. Workplace laws are less restrictive on women, spouses no longer have to give a reason to divorce, and the contraceptive pill arrives, all of which leads to a loosening of rigid gender roles.