Jane Connory

How Far We’ve Come:
Celebrating 75 Years of Relationships Australia

Exhibition
November, 2023

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As Relationships Australia marked its 75th anniversary, we were grateful for the opportunity to examine the organisation’s transformative journey. From its conception as a marriage guidance movement to its current practice, our research investigates the question; how has Relationships Australia visually represented relationships in Australia throughout this time period. 

By Dr Fanny Suhendra

This exhibition previews our findings on Relationships Australia’s receptiveness as an organisation. Relationships Australia consistently adapted to meet the evolving needs of all Australians in the ever-shifting social landscape. This exhibition, rich with visual representations, features historical documents, brochures, and visual materials to mark this pivotal moment in Relationship Australia’s history. 

One of the most prominent themes that will resonate throughout the exhibition is the profound shift from Marriage Guidance Councils to Relationships Australia. This transformation signifies Relationship Australia’s unwavering commitment to placing people at the forefront of its mission. The organisation has recognised that the concept of relationships extends far beyond the confines of traditional marriage and couple relationships, embracing the diverse tapestry of human connections, including friendships and familial bonds.

Each banner in the exhibition summarised a decade of work done by Relationships Australia. When the banners sit together you can see a ribbon symbolising the divorce rates in Australia which peaked when ‘no fault’ laws passed in the 70s.

The artifacts on display will illustrate how the organisation’s services and messaging have progressed in alignment with these core principles. The transition from the term “Marriage Guidance” to “Relationship Australia” was not just a rebranding, but a reflection of the broader scope of the organisation’s mission and the vital role it plays in nurturing and supporting all types of relationships. It serves as a testament to Relationship Australia’s evolution in parallel with the dynamic changes in both global and local society. 

Furthermore, the exhibition underscores the organisation’s transformation from its limited representation of Australian diversity at the beginning of its conception into its commendable effort to accurately represent diverse, contemporary Australian lives. The visual choices and the shift towards a more modern and dynamicidentity become evident as Relationships Australia harnesses the power of digital media, incorporating web-based content, social media campaigns, and online resources. 

These digital tools now play an integral role in expanding the organisation’s reach and offering crucial support to all Australians. On behalf of Swinburne University of Technology we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Relationships Australia for 75 years of meaningful work, as well as their openness and steadfast support for research.