A seagull who sang about sun safety has officially entered the hallowed collection of the National Film and Sound Archive as more than just a catchy jingle.
In the ‘80s, it was Sid the Seagull who first educated many of us on the art of slipping on a T-shirt, slopping on sunscreen, and slapping on a hat. Today, not only is the beloved anthem still often hummed when packing a bag for a day at the beach (or is that just me?), but it now also has the official cultural acknowledgment it deserves.
It’s worth noting that in 2007, the slogan was updated to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide to reflect the importance of seeking shade and sliding on wraparound sunglasses to prevent sun damage.
We gave the original blast-from-the-past jingle a good ol’ nod in The Shaw Report this morning, among other entertainment stories making headlines:
Each year, 10 recordings that capture the essence of Australian life are handpicked by the Archive, here’s this year’s full list:
2023 Sounds of Australia
1. Anvil Chorus, P. C. Spouse - 1927
2. Sweet Nell of Old Drury, Nellie Stewart - 1931
3. The Death of a Wombat, Ivan Smith (author), George S. English (composer), ABC (broadcaster) – 1959
4. I Only Came To Say Goodbye, Wilma Reading - 1961
5. The Loved One, The Loved Ones - 1966
6. Howzat, Sherbet - 1976
7. Menstruation Blues, Robyn Archer - 1977
8. Harry Williams and the Country Outcasts, Harry and Wilga Williams - 1979
9. Slip Slop Slap jingle, Phillip Adams (writer), Peter Best (composer) and Cancer Council Victoria – 1981
10. I am Australian, various — 1997
11. Concerto of the Greater Sea, Joseph Tawadros — 2012
