The Melbourne Centenary was a 1934 centennial celebration of the founding of the city of Melbourne

Melbourne

Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...

, Australia.

The milestone was reached during the Great Depression

Great Depression

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...

, and as such, most Melburnians did not feel they had much to cheer about. Organisers responded to this by presenting an image of the city in the mould of a conservative

Conservatism

Conservatism is a political and social philosophy that promotes the maintenance of traditional institutions and supports, at the most, minimal and gradual change in society. Some conservatives seek to preserve things as they are, emphasizing stability and continuity, while others oppose modernism...

 "Britain

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...

 of the Southern Hemisphere

Southern Hemisphere

The Southern Hemisphere is the part of Earth that lies south of the equator. The word hemisphere literally means 'half ball' or "half sphere"...

". Melbourne's founder, John Batman

John Batman

John Batman was an Australian grazier, businessman and explorer who is best known for his role in the founding of a settlement which became Melbourne and the colony of Victoria.-Life:...

, was promoted as an heroic icon in an effort to embody the rewarding aspects of self-improvement.

As part of the centenary, MacPherson Robertson

Macpherson Robertson

Sir Macpherson Robertson KBE was an Australian philanthropist, entrepreneur and founder of confectionery company MacRobertson's.-Early life:...

 the Confectionery icon, suggested that an air race should be organised from London to Melbourne. The MacRobertson Centenary Air Race was duly organised and attracted international entries from many well known fliers of the day. The Great Air Race started at RAF Mildenhall

RAF Mildenhall

RAF Mildenhall is a Royal Air Force station located at Mildenhall in Suffolk, England. Despite its status as an RAF station, it primarily supports United States Air Force operations and is currently the home of the 100th Air Refueling Wing...

, Suffolk, England, and 2 days, 23 hours, 18 seconds later, at 3.34 pm, on the 23rd. October, 1934, the Comet, "Grosvenor House

Grosvenor House

Grosvenor House was one of the largest private townhouses situated on London's exclusive Park Lane in the district of Mayfair. The house was the home of the Grosvenor family for more than a century...

", piloted by C.W.A. Scott

C.W.A. Scott

Flight Lieutenant Charles William Anderson Scott, AFC was a famous English aviator, best known for winning the MacRobertson Air Race in 1934....

 and Tom Campbell Black

Tom Campbell Black

Tom Campbell Black, was a famous English aviator.He was the son of Alice Jean McCullough and Hugh Milner Black. He became a world famous aviator when he and C. W. A...

, crossed the finish line at Flemington Racecourse

Flemington Racecourse

Flemington Racecourse is a major horse racing venue located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is most notable for hosting the Melbourne Cup, which is Australia's richest horse race. The racecourse is situated on low alluvial flats, next to the Maribyrnong River...

, Melbourne, winning the speed section of the great race.