The foundation of Canberra as the national capital is what Canberra Day commemorates.
So what’s the story?
Saturday’s Australian includes a potted history which includes some humorous asides about the cool climate (the article is written by one of Senator Lundy’s advisors – not that that is any particular recommendation).
If the rain sets in, some of you might like to peruse the Federal Capital Commission 1926 account of Canberra’s formative years – it can be read here.