The official naming of Canberra as the capital of Australia was a significant milestone in the nation's history. The decision to establish a new capital city arose from the rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne, the two largest cities in Australia at the time. To resolve this, it was decided to create a new city designed explicitly for this role. The location chosen was a site in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), set amid picturesque rolling hills and scenic landscapes. The naming ceremony brought together various dignitaries, including politicians and community leaders, celebrating the birth of a new political center for the nation.

Canberra's design was entrusted to architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, who won an international competition held in 1911 for the city’s design. Their vision included spacious boulevards and expansive green spaces, reflecting the ideals of a modern city. The laying of the foundation stone for the Parliament House took place the following year, initiating the construction of the nation’s political heart.

Canberra was deliberately selected as a compromise between the two rival cities, symbolizing a unified national identity and vision. Over the years, it has developed into a cultural and political center, housing numerous national institutions, museums, and galleries. The official naming marked the beginning of a city that would come to represent the governance and democratic values of Australia.