The following lists events that happened during 1956 in Australia.
Incumbents
Monarch – Elizabeth II Governor-General – Sir William Slim Prime Minister – Robert Menzies Chief Justice – Sir Owen Dixon
State Premiers Premier of New South Wales – Joseph Cahill Premier of Queensland – Vince Gair Premier of South Australia – Thomas Playford IV Premier of Tasmania – Robert Cosgrove Premier of Victoria – Henry Bolte Premier of Western Australia – Albert Hawke
State Governors Governor of New South Wales – Sir John Northcott Governor of Queensland – Sir John Lavarack Governor of South Australia – Sir Robert George Governor of Tasmania – Sir Ronald Cross, 1st Baronet Governor of Victoria – Sir Dallas Brooks Governor of Western Australia – Sir Charles Gairdner
Events August - The Murray River flooded (the biggest flood in recorded history), affecting many towns near the river. 22 November – The 1956 Summer Olympics opened in Melbourne. The opening ceremony was held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with 107,700 people watching.
Arts and literature
William Dargie wins the Archibald Prize for his portrait of Albert Namatjira Quadrant literary magazine is founded, edited by James McAuley
Television 16 September – Australia's first TV station TCN-9 begins regular transmission in Sydney 4 November - HSV-7 begins as Melbourne's first TV Station. 5 November – The first TV station of the Australian Broadcasting Commission is launched; ABN-2 Sydney.
Sport 8 September – John Russell wins his first men's national marathon title, clocking 2:26:37.8 in Melbourne. Melbourne Cup winner in 1956 was Evening Peal, ridden by George Podmore Trained by E.D.Lawson New South Wales wins the Sheffield Shield Kurrewa IV takes line honours and Solo wins on handicap in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race New South Wales Rugby League premiership: St George defeated Balmain Victorian Football League premiership: Melbourne defeated Collingwood Australian Men's Tennis Championship was won by Lew Hoad from NSW aged 22 Australian Women's Tennis Championship was won by Miss Mary Carter
Births 9 January – Bill Leak, editorial cartoonist (d. 2017) 20 January – Richard Morecroft, English-Australian journalist (d. 2026) 29 January – Ian Davies, basketball player (d. 2013) 6 February – Ken Lorraway, triple jumper (d. 2007) 27 February – Andrea Mitchell, Western Australian politician and sports administrator (d. 2020) 7 March – David Koch, television personality 9 March – Steve Vizard, actor 9 May – Jana Wendt, journalist 22 May – Peter Ali, basketball player 15 July – Steve Mortimer, rugby league footballer 21 July – Andy Campbell, basketball player 31 July – Ernie Dingo, actor 12 August – Suzanne Twelftree, Paralympic wheelchair tennis player and powerlifter (d. 2019) 17 August – John Kosmina, soccer player and manager 17 September – Ross Glendinning, Australian Rules footballer 17 September – Yunupingu, musician (Yothu Yindi) and community leader (d. 2013) 7 November Michael Wooldridge, politician Gordon McLeod, basketball player and assistant coach. 14 November – John Anderson, politician 23 November – Shane Gould, swimmer 21 December – Mark McArdle, Queensland politician (d. 2020)
Deaths 20 March – Fanny Durack, (b. 1889), swimmer 29 May – Frank Beaurepaire, (b. 1891), swimmer and politician 12 July – John Hayes, (b. 1868), Premier of Tasmania 9 August – Archie Cameron, politician (b. 1895)
See also List of Australian films of the 1950s
References