Dr Guy Hansen, Peter Appleton, Dr Grace Blakely-Carrol, Shelly McGuire, Allister Mills, Dr Karen Schamberger, Nicole Schwirtlich
In 1975 Sunday Too Far Away and Picnic at Hanging Rock filled cinemas, proving that Australians wanted to see their own stories on the big screen. Countdown provided a soundtrack for suburban life, along with a fashion parade featuring flared jeans and platform shoes. Overseas, the war in Vietnam ended, Papua New Guinea claimed independence and conflict arose in East Timor. At home, Australians battled rising energy prices, unemployment and economic stagnation, while the government introduced major social reforms, including universal healthcare and no-fault divorce before the drama of the Dismissal dominated headlines.
All of these stories and more are captured in 1975: Living in the Seventies, a major exhibition at the National Library of Australia.
Published:
First published 31 August 2025
Note:
Features ABBA’s contribution to “good vibes” in the year
See also:
ABBA Omnibus 