George Fletcher Moore - Advocate General in 1834 wrote the 'Swan River Anthem' for the First Governor's Ball. It was composed to the tune of 'Ballinomo Oro'. It was sung by George Fletcher Moore at the first ball at the Governor's House in 1831, enjoyed by 180 ladies and gentemen to the wee hour of 6:00am.

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Moore's footnote is interesting as he states 'Swans were so abundant on the river when first discovered as to give the name, Swan River Settlement. I dare not say that I christened the colony, but certainly after the song the name of

'Western Australia' was adopted.

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Extract taken from Diary of Ten Years of an Early Settler in Western Australia - written by George Fletcher Moore.

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The anthem and other songs were recorded by St Hilda's Anglican School for Girls choir.  The CD is available at a cost of $10 at www.peacebestil.com.au 

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Western Australia For Me

From the old Western World we have come to explore

The wilds of this Western Australian  shore;

In search of a country we've ventured to roam,

And now that we've found it, let's make it our home

And what though the Colony's new , Sirs,

We see them increasing here too , Sirs,

So Western   Australia for me.

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With care and experience , I'm sure  'twill be found

Two crops in the  year, we may get from the ground;

There's good wood and good water, good flesh and good fish,

Good soil and good clime, and what more could you wish.

Then let everyone earnestly strive, Sirs,

Do his best, be alert and alive , Sirs,

So Western Australia for me.

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No lions or tigers we here dread to meet.

Our innocent quadrupeds hop on two  feet.

No tithes and taxes we now have to pay,

And our geese are all swans, as some witty folks say.

Then we live without trouble or stealth , Sirs,

Our currency's all sterling wealth, Sirs,

So here's to our Governor's health, Sirs,

And Western Australia for me.

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