Once the memo got through on 4 August Australia pledged a force of 20,000, to be placed at Britain's disposal, but by the end of the war over 400,000 Australians were in uniform.
Movement of German steamers in Australian harbours are noted and the lead up to the first shots fired by British Empire troops begins.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/90522816?