The year 2001 marks Australia's Centenary of Federation and provides an important opportunity for Australians to remember the past, assess the present and look to the future. Australia can be justly proud of its historic journey to nationhood when, in peace and harmony, six separate British colonial states joined together in a Federation in 1901. Australia's beginning was a far cry from the often tumultuous beginnings that have characterised and defined so many other modern nations. 100 Years of nationhood is a significant milestone for Australia and provides a time when we can acknowledge the challenges, events, achievements and people that have shaped our country. It is also a time to ponder the elements and influences that make our nation great and consider how we can build on the past while creating the next chapter in our nation's future.