The doorways of these bathing boxes face the sea (you enter through the back). The front one shows "The Boxing Kangaroo". The kangaroo is one of the most recognised Aussie icons, one of the largest marsupials in the world and is native only to Australia. Qantas airlines has the red flying kangaroo as their logo.
The Boxing Kangaroo has long been accepted as a symbol of Australia and was designed by RAAF Warrant Officer Gus Bluett, and is based on recorded, including film archives, 19th century travelling side-show entertainment, when the sport of boxing contests between men and kangeroos were a reality.
During World World II in 1941, RAAF pilots based at Sembawang Station in Singapore, forming 21 Squadron, had a stencilled boxing kangaroo painted on the side of their Wirraway fighter planes by aircraftman David Marfleet to identify themselves to the Japanese as Australian and not British.
In 1983, when Australia won the America's Cup (yachting), the flag became famous with younger Australians when Alan Bond, the owner of the team, used the flag on the yacht Australia II, entering and leaving harbour. The AOC purchased the rights to the Boxing Kangaroo for the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, for $13,000,000.
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17 comments:
I like the colors. Bright and cheery. Very appropriate for a beach!
Nice photo!
Fun, cheery and colorful beach house doorways! Smart snap, Blossom Flower Girl!
There seems to be quite a number of these colourful boxes. They even have numbers on it.
The Brighton Beach changing rooms are such a terrific post for this Theme Day. Good choice!
The Brighton Beach changing rooms are such a terrific post for this Theme Day. Good choice!
Great depth of field. Does one rent, borrow, or own bathing boxes?
I love your unique choice for theme day. well done. I enjoyed my time in melbourne. I have signed up as a follower to see more of your great city. Also, we have a travel photos website and posted Sydney photos today that you might enjoy. The website is www.vivalavoyage.com
A changing room for kangaroos??? lol :). Nice bright colors!
These are so cool! Glad you've chosen such a cheerful spot.
Jacob - The bathing boxes have been around for over 100 years.
Leif - It would be fun to own one - you could sleep 'on the beach.'
Autumn Belle - There are 82 at Brighton. And yes, they are numbered.
Julie - Thanks. I love going down looking at them.
Greensboro - Boxes are owned, cost around $250,000 and you must be a resident. And pay $500 rates per year.
Julie Scottsdale - I'm glad you enjoyed your time here and have happy memories:-)
Rob and Mandy - Maybe the koalas will want one too!:-)
JM - They are cheerful and brighten up even the gloomiest winter sky.
Lovely shot for the theme!
I love that! Wonderful colors -- and the kangaroo! The bit of history is a bonus, I enjoyed that too (I have an old child's toy that is two boxing kangaroos.)
Three Rivers Daily Photo
What beautiful colours! Kudos for your choice and presentation.
Good choice for the theme day.
Very colourful pic. How do you say put em up to a roo, no I don't know either. Great history.
impressive color and the setting makes me think of a child's tale!!
=0D
greetings!!
John - Out bathing boxes are pretty special -and very old:-)
Three Rivers - The colours make them look cheerful even in winter. OFrom memory, one of them has the Australian flag on the door. Did you call you kangaroo "Skippy"? (Skippy was the name of a television show about a kangaroo.)
Buck - Thanks, it helps when the subject matter is good too.
Steffe - I tried to stay away from "normal" doors.
Paul - I've no idea, but I think the roo would come out the winner in any case:-)
Sonia - They do have a look of a story book about them.
Cheers.
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