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Sounds of Australia

Sounds of Australia is the National Film and Sound Archive’s program to promote and celebrate the nation’s sound heritage.

National Registry of Recorded Sound

Established in 2007, the National Registry of Recorded Sound is the NFSA’s selection of sound recordings with cultural, historical and aesthetic significance and relevance, which inform or reflect life in Australia.

Each year, the Australian public nominates new sounds to be added with final selections determined by a panel of industry experts. The new additions are announced at the end of August.

In 2010-12, the NFSA produced Cooee Cabaret, an original family cabaret show which toured around regional Australia, weaving together iconic Australian songs and sound recordings, drawn from the Registry.

Explore the National Registry of Sound complete list.

Read more about the National Registry of Recorded Sound and how it works, or nominate a sound for next year’s selection.

There are three components to Sounds of Australia:

Thomas Rome Lecture

Established in 2008, the Thomas Rome Lecture provides a platform for leading figures in the Australian sound recording industry to present their thoughts and ideas on current issues faced by the sector, and to generate debate about the state of the industry, relevant public policy issues and the role of sound in society.

NFSA Cochrane Smith Award for Sound Heritage

The NFSA Cochrane Smith Award for Sound Heritage celebrates the achievements of a person who has made a substantial contribution to the preservation, survival and recognition of sound heritage.

Sounds of Australia patrons

Each year the NFSA board appoints a highly recognisable public figure with a strong professional and/or personal commitment to Australia’s heritage of recorded sound as Sounds of Australia patron.