Photo collection Evert Herman van Hummel – Flight Engineer Royal Dutch Airforce – KLM
These pictures are all from the Evert Herman van Hummel collection. He was a flight engineer from 1938 till approx. 1970. Unfortunately most photographs don’t have any accompanying information. This first section is most likely from his early period in the 1930 and early 1940s. During WWII he was stationed
Evert Herman van Hummel survived a Catalina Crash in 1945
Evert van Hummel was born in Baarn in the Netherlands on 29 January 1916. Evert Herman Van Hummel (some called him Evert others called him Herman) started working at the Air force base Soesterberg aged 15 in the engineering shop. He became ground engineer on September 5, 1938 and went
Sailing on the Duyfken – new pics and videos
The first documented and undisputed European sighting of and landing in Australia was in late February 1606, by the Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon aboard the Duyfken. Janszoon charted the Australian coast and met with Aboriginal people. Janszoon followed the coast of New Guinea, missed Torres Strait, and explored and then
70 years since the 1953 North Sea Flood ‘Watersnoodramp’
Just as there have been extreme weather events in Australia last year carrying over into this year resulting in devastating floods over large areas of Australia resulting in loss of life, livelihood and billions of dollars’ worth of damage to property and infrastructure, so there was seventy years ago an
Jan Hendrik Scheltema Dutch-Australian Painter
Two Dutchmen, both now passed way, members of the same extended family, yet three generations apart, made a noticeable contribution to Australian culture, by just going about their business. The artist Jan Hendrik Scheltema by migrating here in the 19th century, and the other his great-nephew Cas Jeekel by just
The fascinating history of the DC3 Wielewaal (1937-now)
It was the 67th DC-3 (model Douglas DC-3-194B. c/n 1944) to be completed by the Douglas factory in California. It was the 10th DC3 purchased by KLM for the route Amsterdam-Batavia and received the name ‘Wielewaal’ (Golden Oriole). Initial registration sign: VH-ANR. The aircraft was flown from Santa Monica to
The rich history of Dutch football clubs in Australia
Clogball: Remembering the Dutch football clubs of Australia By Adam Muyt · On November 12, 2015 Adam is releasing a book on the topic of the Dutch migrants and soccer in Australia in 2023. We will cover this once the book has been released. If you think the Dutch have never won a
WWII Netherlands Forces Intelligence Service – Operating from Australia
Dutch Navy and Army Intelligence Service – 1941 The Netherlands Forces Intelligence Service (NEFIS) was a Dutch military intelligence service during and after World War II. The purpose of the NEFIS was initially to collect intelligence for the Allied forces with regard to the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) that was
Looking for information on military ancestors
Bent u op zoek naar informatie over uw militaire voorouder? Bent u op zoek naar gegevens over uw militaire voorouder? Als deze heeft gediend in de Nederlandse krijgsmacht dan is er altijd een militair persoonsdossier (Staat van Dienst). Om deze Staat van Dienst op te vragen moet u weten bij
Dutch Women Army Corps at Yeronga Park Brisbane (WWII)
he US Army had chosen Yeronga Park for a military camp in 1942. Camp Yeronga Park housed a variety of units among them the military police and the 99th Signal Battalion, US Service Army of Supplies ( USASOS) and the US Women’s Army Corps (WAC). The Australian Army placed an
Dutch Club of Sydney – Flying Dutchman Restaurant (1957-1962)
DACC researchers came across ‘The Dutch Club’ in Sydney. There are no records of this club, further research revealed that the Dutch Club of Sydney and the restaurant The Flying Dutchman in the City (Elizabeth Street) are always mentioned together. The restaurant was run by famous Dutchman Dick Groenteman. It
The Batavia and its many stories
The Batavia – 1629 The Batavia, built in Amsterdam in 1628 was the company’s new flagship, she sailed that year on her maiden voyage for Batavia. On 4 June 1629, the Batavia was wrecked on the Houtman Abrolhos, a chain of small islands off the coast of Western Australia. Five
Professor Tom Calma named Senior Australian of the Year 2023 – and his Dutch heritage
Professor Tom Calma was named Senior Australian of the Year 2023. Professor Calma became the Chancellor of the University of Canberra in January 2014. He is an elder of the Kungarakan people and member of the Iwaidja people. He is also proud to share that his heritage is 75% Indigenous
Kees Lumkes imported the first tulips in Australia
Written by his daughter Wilma Summerville Kornelius Berend Lumkes ( 26/2/1911 to 13/7/1984) son of Willem Lumkes was born in Groningen, Netherlands. His parents were old at his birth and his only sibling was 16 years older. His family were quite affluent and had a large grain farm. The house
David Groenteman Auschwitz survivor, ice hockey champion, restaurateur and Dutch community leader
Auschwitz survivor David Groenteman , born in 1923 in Amsterdam ended up as an eighteen-year-old Jewish boy In Auschwitz, where he had to carry away corpses, bury them and scoop coal for twelve hours in the bitter cold. After the war he fled from those painful memories. After the Germans
Australia on the Map 1606-2006
The initiative for what became the project was taken by Peter Reynders. He had published a proposal for a 2006 commemoration in a WA maritime history newsletter from the VOC Historical Society suggesting to start preparations for the commemoration of the arrival of the first European ship in Australia. Peter
Marta Dusseldorp – Actress
Marta Dusseldorp (born 1 February 1973), the granddaughter of Dick Dusseldorp, the founder of Lend Lease. Martha is an Australian stage, film and theatre actress. Her television credits include BlackJack, Crownies (and its spin-off Janet King), Jack Irish and A Place to Call Home. Her story is told in the
Guillaume Daniel Delprat (1856-1937) Metallurgist at BHP
Guillaume Daniel Delprat was born on 1 September 1856 at Delft, son of Major General Felix Albert Theodore Delprat (1812-1888), sometime minister of war, and his wife Elisabeth Francina, née van Santen Kolff. From 1873 to 1877 he served an engineering apprenticeship in Scotland. In 1879 he married Henrietta Maria
Refugees from Netherlands East Indies recuperating in Australia after WWII
After the surrender of Japan there were some 100,000 European people in the Japanese camps, many of them were close to starvation. An agreement between Australia and Netherlands East Indies governments led to the formation of the Netherlands Indies Welfare Organisation for Evacuees (NIWOE). The organisation emerged out of the
Personal recollections Camp Columbia – Jean van Schilfgaarde
Personal recollections Camp Columbia – Jean van Schilfgaarde The information below is the exact text of a letter from Jean van Schilfgaarde to Dr Jack Ford in 1992. Jack had contacted her for his research for his publication: Allies in bind: Australia and the Netherlands East Indies relations during World War Two. This
Dutch at WWII Camp Columbia Brisbane 1944 – 1947
Camp Columbia in the suburb of Wacol in Brisbane was a United States Army military camp. It was built in 1942 to accommodate American troops. The Sixth US Army Headquarters was formed and stationed here. It also hosted two hospitals and an Officer Candidate School till 1945. This was the
Dr Ray Kerkhove Historian specialising in Aboriginal history
Ray was born in ‘s-Gravenhage (The Hague). In 1965, at the age of 4, he migrated to Sydney with his family – his parents Wim Kerkhove and Cornelia (in Australia ‘Corinne’) Kerkhove (Muusse), and sister Louise Wilhelmina Kerkhove (now Freebairn). In Indonesia, Ray’s father Wim served in the Dutch-Indonesian War
Joan McConachy – secretary at the Dutch Army at Camp Columbia
By her son David Hill. Joan McConachy was a secretary at Camp Columbia, Brisbane working for the Dutch Army as she later told her son David (perhaps at NEFIS). Joan was born in 1924 at Winton (Central West QLD) and moved to Brisbane around 1943 from the then family home
Dr. Cas Jeekel Dutch zoologist and entomologist – expert in Australian millipedes
Casimir Albrecht Willem (Cas) Jeekel (Medan, 24 February 1922 – Breda, 13 March 2010. He was a former director of the Zoological Museum in Amsterdam. (now based in Leiden). Dr Jeekel was once the world authority on millipedes and, as a Dutchman, had a great influence on the study of
A fascinating link between the Boven Digul Camp, the 18th NEI Squadron and the Cowra WWII Cemetery
The Burgers Family from Cowra bring together several important historical events. It starts with Jan Hevel who is an Adjutant at the Political Prisoners Camp Boven Digul -Dutch New Guinea. The leaders of the Indonesian independence uprising of 1925/1926 were imprisoned in the remote jungle of Netherlands New Guinea. In
Dutch Dugong fisherman killed by Aboriginal people in 1859
I came across a reference of a Dutchman killed by Aboriginal people in February 1859 in Moreton Bay, Brisbane. At this time, this was still part of NSW as the separation of Queensland only happened later that year.
Migration story of Dr Jurriaan Beek – GP at Casino NSW
This story outlines the history of how the Beek family (Father, Mother and two sons) came to migrate to Australia.
Jeff Crosbie – Australian Gunner at the 18 NEI RAAF Squadron
On 22 January 1944 RAAF Flight Sergeant Jeff Crosbie reported for duty at the aircrew headquarters tent of 18 NEI-RAAF Squadron at Batchelor, Northern Territory. When the Dutch had to flee Netherlands East Indies, after the Japanese invaded the country, Dutch planes, ships and military personnel regrouped in Australia. While
Professor Klaas Woldring – reflecting on Australian politics
Biography This is a personal story from Associate Professor Klaas Woldring the author of six short books on democracy and political changes that are needed in Australia to move forward. Klaas was born on 2nd July 1934 in Groningen He went to Highschool there, completed two years compulsory military service, worked
Indonesian War Graves at Cowra (Netherlands East indies)
When the Japanese invaded the Dutch East Indies, some 20,000 Dutch and Indonesians (Netherlands East Indies – NEI) fled to Australia. As Australia had a strict White Australian Policies, native people from NEI where housed separately. Of them 1,200 Indonesian internees were held at the Cowra POW Camp during WWII.
Dutch War Cemetery Perth incl. names of people killed
This is the only official Dutch War Cemetery in Australia. It is only one of three non Commonwealth War Cemeteries in Australia, the other two being the Tatura (German) War Cemetery in Victoria (250 graves) and the Cowra (Japanese) War Cemetery in New South Wales (523). At Cowra the Dutch
Nonja Peters Dutch historian, anthropologist, museum curator and social researcher.
Dr Nonja Peters is an historian, anthropologist, museum curator and social researcher whose expertise is transnational migration (forced and voluntary) and resettlement in Australia. She is the author of several books, museum exhibitions, journal articles, TV documentaries, and government reports. Her achievements and dedication towards raising awareness of the post-war
The Smallgoods business story of Hans and Anthony van de Drift
Hans van de Drift – Hans The story of one of Australia’s largest sausage manufacturers ‘ Hans’ begins in the Netherlands. Hans van der Drift tried to escape being in the army (draft was still a thing back then) AND having to work for his dad on the weekends in
Dutch ship Kyverheid offered rescue assistance to the Island Queen – 1854
The Dutch barque De Kyverheid had some Involvement in the rescue of the crew of the schooner ‘Island Queen’ under command of Captain Porter. This ship was lost on the Great Detached Reef on 24 July 1854. The 27 passengers and crew crowded into the longboat and set out for
The wrecking of four Dutch ships on the Reef – 1854 – 1858
The Hester and the Doelwyck Two Dutch ships were wrecked on 21 April 1854 upon Kenn’s Reef. The crew of the 840 tonnes wooden vessel ‘Hester’ lost one man but the others were able to make it Port Curtis (Gladstone) and from there to Maryborough and eventually Sydney. It is
Langbroek – John-Paul: politician, Kate: comedian, radio and television presenter
The Langbroek family emigrated from the Netherlands to Australia in mid-1961, shorty after the birth of John-Paul. Their mother, Anne, is part Jamaican and American, and their father, Jan Langbroek, is Dutch, and they both worked as missionaries in Papua New Guinea. The family travelled around rural Queensland where Langbroek
Dutch Australians at a Glance – Exhibition: People Movement Stories
DAAAG was created to be an accessible, easy to navigate, multimedia internet service dedicated to the sustainable digital preservation of Dutch Australians’ cultural heritage – for use by scholars, researchers, bureaucrats, journalists, Dutch individuals and other digital end users worldwide. DAAAG is an initiative of the History of Migration Experiences
Huygens Institute – The Netherlands
The Huygens Institute aims to make Dutch history and culture more inclusive. It also provides access to primary source material and text editions on which to base further analytical and interpretive research. In addition, the Huygens Institute takes the lead in developing innovative methods, tools and sustainable digital infrastructure. The
Jan Zevenboom from gold-digger to Vice Consul (1856)
Jan Zevenboom born in 1822. He arrived in Melbourne from Amsterdam in 1856 his profession was listed as brush-maker. He travelled straight on the gold fields, but apparently was not lucky enough to become rich. He settled in Melbourne taking up his trade as a brush-maker in Beckett Street.
Jan Vennik – the Dutchman at Eureka (1854)
Jan Vennik: the Dutchman at Eureka. This Dutchman was present in the vicinity of the Eureka Stockade on 3 December 1854, before he was arrested and charged with Treason together with 12 others.
The Vergulde Draeck – 1656 – New relics found November 2022
On the night of the 28 April 1656, the Vergulde Draeck struck a submerged coral reef midway between what are now the coastal towns of Seabird and Ledge Point, Western Australia. On board were 193 crew, eight boxes of silver coins worth 78,600 guilders and trade goods to the value
Glen op den Brouw awarded the Order of Liverpool (Sydney)
The following is an interview with Glen published in October 2018 in the Daily Telegraph. A link to the Article is provided underneath, Liverpool Historical Society president Glen op den Brouw reflects on what he loves about Liverpool. 1. When did you move to this suburb and why? After migrating
Dutch Australian Native Warrior Joost Bakker
Dutch-born Bakker has floristry in his blood. His father was a fourth-generation tulip farmer and Joost and his three brothers grew up surrounded by flowers on their property.
Dutch-Australian Author Yvonne Louis and her book on Mondriaan
Yvonne Louis (born 1946) migrated to Australia as a child with her parents from the Netherlands. When raging bushfires threatened her family home in the Lane Cove National Park in Sydney’s northern suburbs Yvonne managed to save the treasured Dutch heirlooms that had been handed down to her by her
Emigrant story – Joop Mul
I was born in Gouda, the Netherlands during World War II. I migrated to Australia at the age of 12, on the migrant ship Johan van Oldenbarnevelt in 1956. My parents thought they would find a house and work easily in Perth but, after a brief talk with the family
Jacqueline van der Bie a Hoekse Waardse in Australia
In 2001 they visited her brother-in-law in New Zealand and both she and her husband felt there should be more to life than running the rat race they were in. So, the seed of migration had been planted.
Australia seemed the obvious choice. So, the visa process got started, but that took a long time. So, they decided to go on a tourist visa for 6 months and see what would happen. Well, that was a golden move, because while they were travelling around Australia their visa was approved!
Max Horstink – bombardier at 18 NEI Squadron RAAF and guerrilla fighter at Timor WWII
As a KNIL Officer, he was part of the Australian troops (Sparrow Force) in Timor. He was later placed as a bombardier at the 18 NEI Squadron RAAF in MacDonald airfield near Darwin. After that he became a NEI intelligent officer on Dutch New Guinea and Borneo and was killed during the Indonesian uprising, Bersiap.
Indonesian Political Prisoners held by the Dutch, freed in Australia
In 1926 the Dutch had imprisoned Indonesian freedom fighters in a camp in the jungle of Dutch New Guinea. When the Japanese advanced they were brought – under false pretences – to Australia in 1943. When the Australians did find it they were political prisoners they ordered the Dutch to free them.
Dutch Camp Casino WWII – Archive Jan de Wit
This post contains a unique collection of archives kept by Jan (John) de Wit. Jan joined the Dutch Airforce and became a guard at the Dutch Camp in Casino NSW. There were uprisings in the camp and people were killed. This became an embarrassment for Australia. The Australian Unions played a key role here as well.
Black Armada: Australian Boycott of Dutch shipping WWII
After the Japanese invasion of Netherlands East Indies, some 20,000 Dutch people fled to Australia, the majority were Indos. They were not well treated and the Australian Unions started to fight for their rights. As they became involved they understood these people wanted independence from the Netherlands. When, after the War, the Dutch wanted to recolonise NEI the Unions blocked all Dutch transport from Australia.
Surabaya Sue, eccentric but influential foreign freedom fighter in Indonesia
She is best known for her work as a radio announcer for the Voice of Free Indonesia in Surabaya, in the Republic of Indonesia during the Indonesian National Revolution. The foreign press gave her the name Surabaya Sue.
Children’s book about emigration to Australia (in Dutch)
Een vriendschap zonder grenzen. Voor meiden vanaf 9 jaar. In 2 Far moeten de twee elfjarige vriendinnen afscheid van elkaar nemen als Avrils ouders besluiten naar Australië te emigreren.
Hans de Vries Flight Lieutenant No. 18 Squadron NEI / RAAF
When the war reached Java, he fled on the merchant ship the KPM SS Boissevain to Freemantle. He was despatched to the RAAF training camp near Lake Macquarie and from here he was send to the Jackson, Mississippi to be trained on the B25 bombers. He was assigned to the No. 18 Squadron NEI / RAAF operating from the Batchelor Airfield, Northern Territory. He flew bombing missions against Japanese military strongholds and shipping. He was highly decorated.
Theo and Eef ten Brummelaar
Theo and Eef ten Brummelaar were among the initiators of Dutch Radio in Australia.
Dirk Hartog and the famous Hartog Plate
Dirk Hartog Dirk Hartog (baptised 30 October 1580 – buried 11 October 1621) was a 17th-century Dutch sailor and explorer. Dirk Hartog’s expedition was the second European group to land in Australia and the first to leave behind an artefact to record his visit, the Hartog Plate. His name is
Dutch internees from Japanese camps and POWs received medical recuperation in Australia
There were some of 42 000 Dutch military and naval personnel and 100 000 Dutch civilians who were captured when the Japanese conquered the Netherlands East Indies in early 1942. After the War around 6,000 internees and Dutch POWs who needed immediate medical assistance were brought to Australia where they were allowed to recuperate for between 3 to 6 months, after which they were either repatriated to the Netherlands or went back to Netherlands East Indies.
Abraham Crijnssen – Dutch minesweeper in the service of the Australian Navy (WWII)
The ship was built during the 1930s, she was based in the Netherlands East Indies when Japan attacked at the end of 1941. After the Japanese invasion the ship left for Australia. For its escape the ship was painted in camouflage colours and the ship was disguised as a tropical island with the help of nets, branches, and other greenery. It arrived in Geraldton. Here the ship served as a patrol vessel until 16 August 1942. After that the ship was in service with the Australian Navy.
The Steam Ship Volendam (1947) and the Motor Ship Volendam (2009) to Australia
The Steam Ship Volendam was a 15,434 GRT ton ocean liner operated by Holland America Line (Nederlandsch-Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatschappij). She was built in 1922 by Harland & Wolff Ltd, in Govan, Glasgow. The ship was purchased by Holland America Line while under construction and launched on 6 July 1922. Her
Dutch immigrant ship Willem Ruys
Royal Rotterdamsche Lloyd (then Nedlloyd and now part of Maersk) started building the ship in 1938. The company was in the process to replace the aging fleet of ships on the Dutch East Indies route, her keel was laid in 1939 at De Schelde shipyard in Vlissingen, Netherlands. Interrupted by
Dutch immigrant ships to Australia
The following information is available on the DACC database. The major ships bringing Dutch migrants to Australia include: See also: Steam Shipping Lines Australia – Netherlands – starting in 1864 Other Research information: Passengers list: National Archive of Australia Fremantle, Western Australia, Passenger Lists, 1897-1963
Dutch immigrant ship Johan van Oldenbarnevelt
When she was built in 1929, she was the largest ship yet built in the Netherlands. She had berths for 770 passengers: 366 in first class, 280 in second, 64 in third and 60 in fourth class. She had berths for 360 crew. She had four decks and could carry
Dutch immigration to Australia, history, stats and other resources
History Already in the 1800 we see Dutch people settling in Australia. A rather famous early immigrant was Willem Hendrik Paling who settled in Sydney in 1853. He established music stores in Sydney and Brisbane, wrote music, was a teacher and a performer. The 1911 caucus lists only 650 Dutch
Adri Zevenbergen – 100,000th Dutch emigrant to Australia – 1958
Adriana Zevenbergen, Australia’s 100,000th Dutch migrant, excited to start unpacking after arriving in Melbourne, 1958. The 50,000th Dutch migrant arrived had arrived in 1954.
WWI could have seen a different outcome for Australia and Netherlands
After the Franco-Prussian war in 1870/1871 – in which my grandfather fought – two important developments happened: This put Germany right in competition with Britain who was the global superpower of the day. Germany had a great (Prussian) army but didn’t have a strong naval force, rather the opposite of
Spectacular -mini series incl murder of two Australian tourists in Roermond (NL) -1990
Miniseries about a succession of IRA attacks that really took place in the late 1980s in Limburg, Germany. Team leader Jeanine Maes (Hadewych Minis) opens the hunt for the ruthless Fiona Hughes (Aoibhínn McGinnity). The Spectacular | SBS On Demand The movie also highlights the’mistake murders’ of two Australian tourists
Dutch Steamer Curaçao visits Australia in 1871
Reports concerning New South Wales, Queensland, the northern territory of South Australia (which then incorporated the Northern Territory), New Guinea and the Torres Strait by J.W. Ploos van Amstel, Consul-General of the Netherlands for Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania. Ploos van Amstel’s accounts are signed Cardwell [North Queensland]; Sweers Island
Revealing colonial interview during visit of Dutch Navy to Sydney in 1910
In 1910 the HNLMS Koningin Regentes undertook a cruise to Australia to show the flag. Lieutenant Pieren was interviewed re the security in the region both in regarding to Japan and the situation in the Netherlands East Indies,
Petrus Ephrem Teppema 1920-1932 Consul Generaal 1920-1932, Ambassador 1947-1950
Following the resignation of Consul General Willem Lodewijk Bosschart in Melbourne in 1921, Consul Petrus Ephrem ‘Peter’ Teppema in Sydney became Consul General, since 1922 Consul General. In 1947 he became the 2nd official Ambassador for the Netherlands in Canberra. Here we see Dutch Consul-General Teppema, Madame Teppema and Rear-Admiral
Consul General Bosschart promotes trade with Queensland – 1908
Source (Trove): The Week Brisbane 16 October 1908 Java and Australia. Fostering Relations. Netherlands Consul-General. As stated in our first edition, Mr. W. L. Bosschart, Netherlands Consul-General for Australia and Polynesia, whose legation is situated at Melbourne, is returning from a visit to the Dutch East Indies by the steamer
Australia misses out on Netherlands East Indies: Count Limburg Stirum – 1921
Sydney Morning Herald 21 April 1921 AUSTRALIA’S HANDICAP. IN NETHERLANDS-INDIES. Among the passengers who arrived by the steamer Houtman yesterday was Count Limburg Stirum, who has only recently retired from the post of Governor-General of the Netherlands-Indies, after five years’ occupancy of It, and who is proceeding to Holland, via
Steam Shipping Lines Australia – Netherlands – starting in 1864
The first attempts to establish steam shipping lines from Java to Australia date from 1864. Negotiations were initiated by the Chamber of Commerce in Batavia. There was a trial voyage but Parliament voted against the operation as it didn’t see any trading value in such an operation. In 1866 Ambrosius
Colonial Dutch Consul-General to Victoria – J. W. Ploos Van Amstel – 1864
Colonial Dutch Consul-General to Victoria made watercolour sketches and photographs during his travels around Australia. A sketcher and photographer, is known for a watercolour of a settler’s camp, dated 1855, watercolour landscapes and photographs of Aboriginal groups, dated 1860, and several watercolours of Sweers Island, Qld, one dated 1871 (all
Willem Frans Theodoor Brijl – merchant captain WWII
Willem Frans Theodoor Brijl was born May 17th, 1897 in Surabaya in the Dutch East-Indies, the son of Frans Hendrik Brijl. In 1910 he left for the Netherlands in order to have his HBS education. September 21st, 1914 he enrolled in the Merchant Navy Academy on the island of Texel.
Some members of the18 Squadron NEI RAAF
See the profiles and stories of Joop van Doorn and Hans de Vries and Max Horstink. Click here for more information on the 18 Squadron Nederlands East Indies Royal Australia Air Force The following information with thanks to TracesOfWar. Sidney Rudi de Kadt evaded from occupied country the Netherlands to
Gerard Johan Lugt Flight Commander at 18 NEI Squadron in Australia
Gerard Johan Lugt was born in Amsterdam, August 9th, 1917. When war broke out in the Netherlands on May 10th, 1940, he was in London studying aircraft construction. In August 1940, he left for the Dutch East Indies and was employed by Werkspoor in Surabaya from January 1941 onwards. Here
Sparrow Force – Allied guerrilla force in Timor WWII
Sparrow Force was a detachment based on the 2/40th Australian Infantry Battalion and other Dutch, British, US and Australian 8th Division units during World War II. The force was formed to defend the island of Timor from invasion by the Empire of Japan. It formed the main part of the
Major Jan Willem Zijlstra – Sparrow Force Timor WWII
Military record Born in Malang, Java, on 27 December 1910. Died at “Ladang” House, near Berry, New South Wales, Australia, on October 6, 1965. Army number 102417002 Second lieutenant KNIL Army (31-07-1932), First Lieutenant (31-07-1935), Captain. (27-05-1943), Major (17-12-1949). Well-known decorations: · Ereteken Belangrijke/Bijzondere Krijgsbedrijven/-verrichtingen BK,E.1,OHK.3,OV.1,XV,KLO· Bronze Cross K.B.
The Battle of Timor – 1942-1943
The Battle of Timor – the Dutch and Australians kept fighting after the surrender of Netherlands East Indies. The bombing of Darwin did bring WWII directly onto the shores of Australia. However, what is less well known is that the reason for the Japanese attack on Darwin and Broome was
Netherlands – Australia Memorial – Canberra
The monument commemorates the servicemen and women of the Dutch forces which operated from Australia between 1941 and 1945. The Dutch, along with the Americans, were the only non-Commonwealth countries to establish bases in Australia during World War Two. The original memorial was unveiled on the 7th December 1991 and
Mutiny on the Tasmanian ferry Abel Tasman -1985
The following is an abstract – with permission – from the Mitchell Bruce’s website Ferries of Australia Abel Tasman (IMO 7362108) sailed on the Bass Strait between 1985 to 1993. She started life as the Nils Holgersson, built in 1975. She commenced her regular route, linking Travemünde (Germany) to Trelleborg
Various ships named Abel Tasman
Abel Tasman – Bermuda Schooner This Bermuda Schooner, derived from the famous “America 1”, designed by George Steer. From this renowned fast yacht from the mid-19th century a few replicas have been built. Though “Abel Tasman” is not a pure replica, she has the same lines. She has been proven
Dutch mapping of the Indo-Pacific 1550 – 1750 (with emphasis on the mapping of Australia)
Presentation by Roland Spuij President Dutch Australian Cultural CentreFor the Abel Tasman Museum, Lutjegast on 10 October 2022 See also: Historic Maps of the explorers Maps from the Exhibition Maps of the Pacific. Abel Tasman Abel Tasman Museum Lutjegast, Netherlands
Dutch and Australian Relics from Camp Columbia Brisbane
Camp Columbia in the suburb of Wacol in Brisbane was a United States Army military camp. It was built in 1942 to accommodate American troops. The Sixth US Army Headquarters was formed and stationed here. It also hosted two hospitals and an Officer Candidate School till 1945. This was the
Netherlands Antilles ship capsized in Port Kembla (1986)
Shortly before noon on Thursday 14 August 1986 the Netherlands Antilles flag heavy lift cargo ship ‘GABRIELLA’ capsized and sank alongside No. 2 Products Berth in Port Kembla harbour New South Wales. The ship capsized and sank on its side very rapidly while discharging a lift of 237.95 tonnes. Two
Rembrandt Dutch Club – Sydney
Founded in 1978 We are open every Wednesday from 10am till 1pm and every Friday from 3.30pm till 8.30pm. Our Club is run purely by volunteers, from the barman to the cleaner, the chef and the gardener. The Club has several interest groups: Klaverjassers and Scrabblers. It’s a friendly place
Merchant ship SS Van Heemskerk tragically lost in 1943
(Source: Wikipedia) SS Van Heemskerk was a freighter built by N.V. Nederlandsche Scheepsbouw-Maatschappij. The ship of 2,996 Gross register tonnage (GRT) was launched 31 August 1909 and delivered for operation by Koninklijke Paketvaart-Maatschappij (KPM) in the Dutch East Indies trade. Van Heemskerk was one of twenty-one KPM vessels that took
Netherlands Association of Queensland
It all started in 1952. Four Dutch men, recently arrived in Australia, started a `Klaverjas’ (Dutch card game-only known in the Netherlands) club. A constitution was sent to Fair Trading Queensland. Approval was received on the 6 July 1952 and the Netherlands Association of Queensland got incorporated and known as
When the Dutch in Bundaberg faced Communist threat
By Michael Gorey 22 April 2019 In Anzac week we reflect on the contribution our allies made to restoring peace in our region. No. 19 (Netherlands East Indies) Squadron RAAF was a transport and communications unit of the Militaire Luchtvaart van het Koninklijk Nederlands-Indisch Leger. The Netherlands East Indies Government
The Drama of Broome 3-3-1942
On 3 March 1942 Japanese Zero bombers arrived and within 15 minutes bombed 23 Alied aircrafts that were either laying in the Roebuck bay or which were parked on the aerodrome. Approx half of them were NEI airplanes, between 35 and 40 Dutch people were killed in the raid and some 60+ were badly injured.
Dutch UN Jeep ambushed in Indonesia followed by investigation involving Australia (1949)
The first (and only?) United Nations’ casualties in its involvement in the Indonesian war ofindependence 1945-50. By ACT Branch Member Graham Rayner. At about ten o’clock on the morning of 18th March 1949 a Dutch military jeep, painted white andclearly marked as “UNITED NATIONS” was ambushed by what were presumed
Patricia Metcalfe and Wim van Wely met at Camp Columbia.
Patricia (Pat) Metcalfe (born 1929 in Cairns) moved to Brisbane when she was 4 years old and after she finished the St Columba school at Wilson, was employed at Camp Columbia as a typist and secretary, first with the Americans and since 1945 with the Netherlands-East-Indies Government. Here she worked
New Netherlands Consul General and Deputy Consul General
The team at the Netherlands Consulate General in Sydney welcomed the new Consul General, Hugo Klijn, and new Deputy Consul-General, Meike de Jong. Consul-General Hugo Klijn is also Head of Economic affairs, Trade and Investment in Australia. Mr Klijn has been working for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs since
Dutch-Australian ballerinas performing for WWII Allied troops
Born as Maria Louisa Frederika, “Darja” Collin (November 19, 1902 – May 6, 1967) was a Dutch ballet dancer and classical ballet teacher. She had been trained in classical ballet (studying under Preobrajenska and Trefilova), and also in Mary Wigman’s school. She was also influenced by the famous American/Russian dancer
Dutch migrants key members of The Easybeats – Australia’s greatest pop group of the mid-1960s.
The Easybeats are worldwide known for their 1966 superhit “Friday on My Mind”. It reached no. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in May 1967 in the US, no. 1 on the Dutch Top 40 chart, no. 1 in Australia and no. 6 in the UK, as well as
Geert (Gerry) Kroon – remembered by the Southern Highlands in NSW
Amersfoort, 20/9/1943 – Bowral, 27/2/2019 Born in Amersfoort; The Netherlands 1943 as one of 7 children in a small home of limited means. At age of 19 he moved to Nigeria; Africa for 2 years for development work until the Biafra war broke out and he was forced to flee
The Dutch Houses of Coopers Plains
Sign petition to safe last of the Dutch Houses in Coopers Plain, Brisbane
Dutch participation in Battle of Milne Bay 1942
Most of the vital reinforcement of New Guinea in 1942 and 1943 – during the War in the South West Pacific – including troops, vehicles, weapons and supplies for the Milne Bay, Buna and Gona operations, was undertaken by Dutch vessels. The operation collectively known as Operation Lilliput, used the
A very personal WWII story from Ruth Leah
Our mother met a Dutch pilot during the war. His name was Fredrik (Pulk) Pelder and there are many mentions of his heroics on the World Wide web. One instance in particular that was widely publicised, was an escape from Java where Fred and Mendizabal (Canadian), Sgt Stuart Munroe (Australian), Alan
Pieter van Gent Winery & Vineyard – Dutch winemaker in Mudgee
The van Gent family tree can be traced back to 1790 and reveals a family of distillers and winemakers. It was Johannes Hermanus van Gent (1817 to 1859) ship owner, merchant, distiller of spirits, member of the Municipal Council, Chamber of Commerce and world traveller who influenced a long line
Migration Museum Rotterdam – opens in 2024
The museum is based in the Fenix warehouse at the waterfront on Katendrecht. It was built in 1923. At that time it was the largest warehouse in the world. The new FENIX is more than a museum it is a cultural location in Rotterdam. From its quays millions of Europeans
120 Netherlands East Indies Squadron RAAF – WWII
The No. 120 (Netherlands East Indies) Squadron RAAF was formed at RAAF base Fairbairn in Canberra on 10 December 1943. As a joint Australian-Dutch unit, the Dutch authorities provided all the squadron’s aircrew and aircraft while the RAAF provided its ground crew. This arrangement had been previously used for No.
The Night Ship – Novel about the Batavia
A new book has been published about the doomed fate of the VOC ship the Batavia in 1629. In this case the historical story forms the background to fiction through the eyes of 9 year old Dutch girl Mayken. Read the review of ”The Night Ship” by Jess Kidd as
Dutch-Australian Movie –“ Everybody’s Oma”
Everybody’s Oma follows in the NSW Central Coast family’s footsteps as they navigate Oma’s failing health under the spotlight of an enthusiastic audience of well-meaning strangers. Jason van Genderen premiered My Town is Broken at Sydney Film Festival (SFF) 2008. His debut feature Everybody’s Oma premieres at SFF 14 years
The Merauke Force in Dutch New Guinea – WWII
Merauke remained unoccupied during WWII In mid-1942, Merauke, on the south coast of Dutch New Guinea (DNG) was one of only a few parts of the Netherlands East Indies ( NEI) that had not been occupied by Japanese forces. It was garrisoned by a company of infantry from the KNIL,
Seaplane crash saved people from Japanese attack on Broome – Gerard Lemmens 1942
Account of Journey from Soerabaia in Java to Australia during March 1942. Written by: Gerard Lemmens at the age of 16 years. Translated from Dutch during May 1994 for the benefit and interest of my grandchildren. Monday 2nd March 1942. It was midday of Monday 2nd March. I had just
Abel Tasman Museum Lutjegast, Netherlands
The DACC has special relationship with the Abel Tasman Museum in Lutjegast, a town in Groningen, where Abel Tasman was born. There have been visits from Australian to Lutjegast and the other way around. There is more information on their website. The images below are displays from the Abel Tasman
Fleeing Dutch mistakenly attacked at Karumba during WWII
When the Japanese invaded the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) during February and early March 1942, many Dutch people fled to Australia, most ended up in Darwin and Broome but a few fled via the Gulf of Carpentaria. This remote area of northwest Queensland was so open to invasion that a
ML-KNIL Dakota crashed in Moreton Bay – 1947
On 26 February, a ML-KNIL Douglas Dakota caught fire and crashed into the ocean about 23 minutes into a test flight from Archerfield, killing all six people – three Dutch servicemen and three Australian crew members – onboard. ML-KNIL = Militaire Luchtvaart van het Koninklijk Nederlands-Indisch Leger – Royal Netherlands
Dutch Migrants at Bonegilla Migrant Camp – Victoria
Around 170,000 displaced persons came to Australia immediately after World War II. Nearly half lived at Bonegilla when they arrived in Australia. Some stayed for weeks, others for months. Migrants at the centre were taught English and learnt about life in Australia. They were then employed in areas where there were labour shortages, boosting
400 years ago Dutch ship Leeuwin encountered WA Coast – 1622 – Free journal
Four-hundred years ago, in March 1622, the Dutch ship Leeuwin encountered the south-west coast of Western Australia—the first recorded sighting of the area by Europeans. Known to the Wadandi Noongar people as Doogalup, the Dutch named it ‘t’Leeuwin’s Landt’, or ‘Leeuwin’s Land’. In 1801, in recognition of this early Dutch
Dutch WWII pilot Gus Winckel celebrated in Moruya
The following information comes from the book Allies in a Bind from Dr Jack Ford. Japanese attack on Sydney Harbour On 28 May 1942, Japanese submarine I-21 launched a floatplane. It flew over Sydney Harbour spotting 13 Allied warships including Dutch submarine K-IX. On 31 May, Japanese submarines I-22, I-24
119 Netherlands East Indies Squadron RAAF in Australia during WWII
The following information comes from the book Allies in a Bind from Dr Jack Ford. On 7 June 1943, the Dutch detailed a plan for a new Mitchell squadron, designated No.119, to replace No.18 Squadron as the latter had suffered heavy aircrew losses in the first half of 1943. The
History of the Dutch in South Australia
Dutch settlers in South Australia. Although the Dutch seem to be the first to have discovered Australia, including parts of Tasmania and South Australia, they have never made a great impact as a group of settlers. As there was never any real religious persecution or high unemployment in Holland, there
Dutch-Ambonese woman created first crack in the White Australia Policy – 1949
This story starts with Samuel Jacob he was a headmaster in Merauke in Dutch New Guinea, a job he combined with being a local civil administrator. Samuel and his family while having the Dutch nationality, were all born in Ambon. Together with his family he was evacuated in August 1942
Dutch representatives at the opening of Australia’s First Parliament – 1901
The First Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia was opened at the Melbourne Exhibition Building on 9 May 1901. The new King of England, Edward VII, sent his son and heir, the Duke of Cornwall and York, to Australia as his representative. The painting is part of the Royal Collection
Compagnie Batavia – 73rd Living History Reenactment group
The group was formed in 2016 and is Australia’s only 80 years war living history group. The group has around 40 members across the Eastern seaboard and has a very strong focus on an immersive living history impression. The Group participated in the Winterfest at the Hawkesbury showground in July
Grondwet wordt gewijzigd voor stemmen voor Eerste Kamer vanuit buitenland
Wat in 2015 met een motie op het D66 congres begon, eindigde in juli 2022, zeven jaar later, met een overwinning voor en erkenning van de rechten van de Nederlanders buiten Nederland: nota bene in de Eerste Kamer zelf werd vanmiddag de laatste horde geslecht om de grondwet te wijzigen.
The Dutch Australian Society “Abel Tasman” Inc.
The Dutch Australian Society “Abel Tasman” Inc existed from 1969 till approx 2010. This history is written by Kees Wierenga during the 00s There was a Dutch Australian Society in the 1950s, but it faded away after approx. five years due to lack of interest. Beginning in 1952, it produced
Dutch Australian Society in Illawarra
The Dutch Australia Society in the Illawarra (DASI) was founded in 1952 and is affiliated with the Federation of Netherlands Societies. The club publishes a monthly newsletter “De Stuw”. The aim of DASI is to provide and maintain traditional Dutch cultural functions and provide activities for the elderly Dutch and Australian members.
VOC Historical Society, Perth (VOCHS)
The Society was formed in 2000 by a group of history enthusiasts that were: Concerned at the lack of general knowledge about maritime events that took place in the 17th and 18th centuries off and on Western Australia’s (WA) coastline hundreds of years before the settlement of WA in 1829
Erasmus Foundation – Melbourne
The Erasmus Foundation is a Dutch Australian cultural society which was established in 1965 in Melbourne, Australia. The aims of the Society are to be a link with the Dutch culture for people with a Dutch background or connection who live in Victoria and to acquaint others with that culture.
Dutch Club Abel Tasman – Melbourne
The Club was initially known as the ‘Netherlands Society Abel Tasman’ and first opened its doors on the 1st November 1958 in Barkly Street, St Kilda. The Club changed its name on the 30th October 1978 to its present name of Dutch Club ‘Abel Tasman’. The Club organises several activities
Dutch Australian Heritage Centre & Dutch Museum – Melbourne
The Dutch Australian Heritage Centre (DAHC) gives the general community an opportunity to learn about Dutch and former Dutch East Indies culture and language and shows how families moved to Victoria and lived and worked in the post World War II migration period. The Dutch and Dutch East Indies migration
Merchant Man Derk Johannes Kippers
Derk Johannes Kippers was born in The Hague, Netherlands, 9th November, 1909.Graduated with First Class Wireless Operators Licence, about 1928. Partly because of the Great Depression, he did not enter the Dutch Merchant Navy until a few years later. The Merchant Navy ships he served on sailed the Atlantic, Pacific and
British pilot in Dutch WWII resistance dies in Sydney
Frank Dell, first a RAF pilot who joined the Dutch resistance against Nazi Germany and later migrated to Australia was buried under the sound of the Wilhelmus (Dutch national anthem) with his casket under the Dutch flag and the Union Jack. Article below from SMH. See other personal stories.
Story of the WWII 120 NEI Squadron RAAF
Posted with the approval of the author Dr P.C.Boer – updates are provided on Academia.edu See also: The Dutch at Archerfield Airport, Brisbane
Joop Gijzemijter at NEI-TS in Archerfield
Johannes (Joop) Gijzemijter Born 24 Feb, 1915, Rotterdam, Netherlands. Died 30 April, 1999, Brisbane, Australia. Written by his son John Gyzemyter. “What did you do during the war Daddy?” As children Dad often told us stories about his career in aviation which started on the 3rd of March 1930 as
Fred “Pulk” Pelder. His18 NEI Squadron RAAF version aircraft wants to fly again
The “Pulk” (which was originally N5-131 a B-25C – the first mass-produced B-25 version) from No. 18 (NEI) Squadron – a Netherlands East Indies / RAAF composite squadron. Fred Pelder He was credited with directing the rebuild of a severely damaged military Lockheed L212 training aircraft including grafting on a
First flight between Netherlands and Australia – May 1931
In May 1931, KLM added an experimental flight from Batavia to Melbourne to their regular Amsterdam – Batavia service providing a through service from Amsterdam to Australia. The plane was a Fokker FVIIA/3m trimotor specially named ‘Abel Tasman’ for this trip. The pilot and co-pilot were Maurits Pattist and Jan
Maryse Jansen – photographer
Maryse Jansen had always lived in Rijswijk and Den Haag in the Netherlands, until she made Australia her home in 2009. A different lifestyle, a warmer climate and lots of natural space beckoned. Maryse and her partner took their chances, applied for permanent residence in Australia and ended up just
Dutch Explorers in the Gulf of Carpentaria
In 2022 I explored the south western part of the Gulf of Carpentaria. We were at the mouth of the Norman River at Karumba. The Dutch explores didn’t come that far south in the Gulf. Nevertheless we got an idea of the landscape and in particular the endless savanna along
The Tasman Map – The Biography of a Map Sydney 9 July
Was Captain Cook was the first European to map Australia and was Matthew Flinders the first to circumnavigate? No way! Abel Tasman, the Dutch East India Company and the first Dutch discoveries. Everyone who passes through the vestibule of the Mitchell Library stops to admire the magnificent marble mosaic of
Dr Chris Roelfsema – preserving reefs in Australia
In June 2022 Dr Chris Roelfsema, Associate Professor at The University of Queensland presented a lecture on ‘Maps Connecting People To Help Save Reefs’. The theme of the lecture indicates the priority that the Netherlands government gives to combatting the consequences of climate change, worldwide. The role of Dutchman Chris Roelfsema in
Netherlands East Indies Air Force in Australia during WWII
The Japanese occupied the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) in early 1942. A number of Dutch airmen escaped to Australia after surviving the fierce fight with the Japanese. They mostly ended up at either Archerfield airfield in Brisbane or Melbourne. These airmen were formed into a number of operational groups under RAAF control.
Annual reunions of the 18 NEI RAAF Squadron
The preparation of the formation of the 18 NEI Squadron RAAF started in Archerfield, Brisbane and was formalised in Canberra on 4 April 1942. There is an annual reunion of the children of the 18th squadron (For enquiries: Leonie Killeen 18sqnei.aust@gmail.com). The world-wide reunion takes place in Arnhem , also
Ambassador met Dutch organisations in Brisbane
During her official visit to Brisbane Netherlands Ambassador to Australia H.E. Marion Derckx and Honorary Consul Mrs Marjon Wind met with representatives of various Dutch organisations in Brisbane. Present were: Netherlands Association of Queensland (NAQ) Brisbane Borrelclub Dutch Radio Group 4EB De Duyfkenschool Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Queensland Dutchlink
Launch Heritage Plan Camp Columbia
In the presence of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Australia, H.E. Mrs Marion Derckx, at an event hosted by the Pooh Corner Environment Centre and Dutchlink Brisbane a plan was launched to preserve the last remaining heritage items of Camp Columbia (which are situated in the
Dutch merchant fleet delivered major contribution to the war in the Pacific.
Dr Jack Ford wrote an extensive history of the Dutch war effort in the South West Pacific. He published this in: Allies in Bind: Australia and the Netherlands East Indies relations during World War Two. He also wrote a number of articles on this history, below the one on the
Henk Paardekooper- Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies
At the time of the Japanese invasion in the Dutch Indies Hendrik (Henk) Paardekooper was employed – since 1938 – by the Droogdok Maatschappij Surabaya (DSM) being responsible e.g. for the floating docks and cranes used for the maintenance and repair of larger sea-going vessels, including those of the Dutch
Beppe Goote – ‘Dutch Mayor’ at Wacol, Brisbane
Hans and (Luberta) Beppe Goote migrated from Indonesia to Australia in 1956 after Indonesia nationalised all Dutch assets. The Goote family worked on a Dutch-owned tea plantation in Indonesia. They had the following children: Henny, Meika, Josje, Hans (jnr) and Conny. That is oldest to youngest. Hans (snr), Beppe and
Stories of the Dutch WWII submarines in Australia
There are several memorials in Australia that mention the activities of Dutch submarines in the Australian waters. These submarines played an import role during the Battles of Singapore and Malaya. In the first few weeks of the was in the East they sank more Japanese boats that the Brits and
Novel – “Anneke: Breda to Brisbane” – Dr Alexandra Faulkner
The novel is about the experiences of Dutch immigrants in Australia from the 1950s to the 8os. The themes in this novel include, to various degree, immigration, identity, indigenous issues, the White Australian policy, women’s friendships, the institute of marriage and same sex relationships. This is the blurb of the
John van Lieshout the first Dutch-born billionaire in Australia
John (Jan) was born in the Netherlands in 1946. The family of 13 – headed by father Karel and mother Anna – emigrated to Australia in 1960 initially settling at Brisbane’s Wacol Migrant Camp. Karel Van Lieshout, was a plasterer and John had an early but unsuccessful stint in the
Netherlands Ambassador will visit the heritage site of Camp Columbia in Brisbane
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Australia, H.E. Mrs Marion Derckx will at her official visit to Brisbane attend an information event at the site of the former Camp Columbia at Wacol, Brisbane. It was here that the Netherlands East Indies Government-in-Exile had its headquarters during WWII.
The 18 Netherlands East Indies Squadron RAAF – WWII
The 18 Netherlands East Indies squadron RAAF was established on April 4 1942 They destroyed many Japanese operations on NEI, sunk 6 Japanese ships and numerous smaller boats.
Hugo von Nahmer Nederlandse Consul in Melbourne (1857), geboren in Geldrop
in 1857, the Dutch government appointed the 21-year old Melbourne-based merchant and shipping agent Hugo von (der) Nahmer, who was of German descent but Geldrop-born, as honorary consul In his enthusiasm, Von Nahmer started using the Dutch name Van der Nahmer to suit the appointment. Nevertheless, he had to resign
Exhibition Maps of the Pacific
Roland Spuij attended a guided tour by conservator Maggie Patton of the “Maps of the Pacific” in the Mitchell Library in Sydney. A brilliant exhibition of original maps going back to 1490, including the famous Tasman map of 1644 and other beautiful maps of Dutch cartographers and wonderful globes. And
Oma’s Coffee House and Clog Barn – Coffs Harbour
The Clog Barn is one of Coffs Harbour’s longest running tourist attractions. The business is still run by the family. There are regular demonstrations of clog making at the barn. Tom Hartsuyker and his wife Rita immigrated from the Netherlands in 1951, where they settled in Musswelbrook in the Hunter Valley.
80 years of diplomatic relations Netherlands-Australia
This year the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Australia celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations. Today we unveil our exclusive logo. The Netherlands established formal diplomatic representation in Australia with the appointment of Envoy François Cornelius van Aerssen van Voshol on 16 April 1942. “Throughout this year, the Dutch Diplomatic
The Fall of Netherlands East Indies March1942
After the heavy losses during the Battle of the Java Sea the British and American forced started to withdraw and the Dutch and Australians were left on their own. On Sunday, 8 March, Lt. Gen. Hitoshi Imamura met with the Governor-General of the NEI, Jonkheer (Lord) Alidius Tjarda van Starkenborgh Stachouwer and set a deadline for the next day for an unconditional surrender.
Grenzeloos Verliefd en Baby in het buitenland (TV request)
Mijn naam is Ashley en ik werk als redacteur voor de Nederlandse televisieprogramma’s Grenzeloos Verliefd en Baby in het buitenland. In het eerstgenoemde programma volgen we Nederlanders die voor de liefde naar het buitenland vertrekken en daar een leven opbouwen. In Baby in het buitenland wonen de Nederlandse vrouwen vaak
Abel Tasman Map restored at NSW State Library
In October 2019 Dutch Premier Mark Rutte paid a three day working visit to Sydney. There was an official reception at the State Library of NSW where Premier Rutte received a tour along the various Dutch artifact. For this special occasion the Library put the famous Abel Tasman on display
The invisible immigrants: Dutch migrants in South Australia
Introduction to the publication (2011). ‘God made the world but the Dutch made Holland’ is an old saying referring to the way the Dutch shaped their nation by reclaiming land. It is with this same sense of determination that the Dutch applied themselves to the task of assimilating into the
80th Anniversary – Battle of the Java Sea
Updated with newspaper article from 1945 below It is 80 years ago this month that this heroic, but at the same time disastrous Battle took place. By that time the Dutch Allied Forces had already been involved in the war in SE Asia for three months. Here they had occurred
Visit of Ayaan Hirsi to Sydney – June 2007
Personal report from Paul Budde about his meeting with Ayaan Hirsi. Written in 2007 Her full name is Ayaan Hirsi Ali. She was born in Somalia, in Africa. This is a worn-torn country, which already for many decades doesn’t have a proper government, it doesn’t have a banking system nor
Paul Budde receives Heritage Volunteer Awards – 2002
Convict Trail Chairman and instigator Paul Budde received one of the inaugural Heritage Volunteer Awards – on 28 August 2002 from the Deputy Premier, the Hon Dr Andrew Refshauge, at a special ceremony in the NSW State Library. Paul moved from Oss in the Netherlands to Sydney, Australia in 1983,
Kroonprinselijk bezoek aan Sydney – 2006
Persoonlijk verslag van Paul Budde mbt zijn deelname aan het bezoek van Kroonprins Willem Alexander en Prinses Maxima aan Australia In mijn geval zijn er weken van voorbereidingen aan voorafgegaan met allerlei telefoontjes van en naar de Nederlandse ambassade maar voor de organisatoren zelf zijn er maanden aan hard werk
Royal Visit Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus – 1988
Press release Prime Minister Bob Hawke 27 September 1988 Her Majesty Queen Beatrix and His Royal Highness Prince Claus of the Netherlands will make an official visit to Australia from Monday October 24 to Saturday November 5. It will be the first time a reigning Dutch monarch will have visited
Jennifer Mary Seaton
My parents and 6 mt old brother arrived on the MS Fairsea, 2 April 1952 Jennifer remembers going to the Catholic Church at Wacol. Father Nouwens was the priest. He buried my 11 yr old brother Louie van den Elsen at St Brendans, Moorooka. (he was accidentally killed by a
The Fourth Ally – the Dutch forces in Australia during WWII
by Doug Hurst – 2001 The Fourth Ally tells of the Dutch forces who fought from Australia against the Japanese during WW II. Driven by the Japanese from Indonesia (then the Netherlands East Indies), they relocated ships, aircraft and personnel to Australia. They joined with United States, British and Australian
Allies in a Bind – Australia and the Netherlands East Indies in the Second World War
Early in Roger Bell’s book Unequal Allies,he states: ”Relations between the governments of Australia and the United States underwent fundamental changes during 1941-46…Indeed it was not characterized by general bilateral accord on political, defence and economic matters during war time.” These comments can be equally applied to the Dutch/Australian wartime
80th commemoration – Darwin bombing, part of the Japanese invasion of Netherlands East Indies.
A little-known fact is that the bombing of Darwin (19-2-1942) was part of the battle of Netherlands East Indies (NEI – now Indonesia). The Japanese wanted to get control of the rich oil fields of this country that counted for 25% of the global oil production. At this point in time the war against the Japanese invasions was undertaken by the ABDA Allied Forces (Americans, British, Dutch and Australians).
Hennik Family on the Zuiderkruis
The Hennik family immigrated to Australia on the Zuiderkruis it has a list of the people on board and the crew signed the page. Dochter Wilhelmina also has the document her dad travelled with. They arrived 17 Feb 1959 at Fremantle and were taken by train to the Woodside Migration Camp just outside Adelaide.
Joop van Doorn 18 NEI Squadron RAAF
Joop van Doorn was posted to Java in 1937 and flew Glen Martins, Lockheed Lodestars and Mitchell B-25. Joop and pilot Yves Henri Mulder (nickname Bels as he came from Belgium – he was killed in action in 1944) ferried British Field Marshal Archibald Percival Wavell to Singapore for the ABDA
Mirusia Louwerse – Silver Memories Ambassador
Mirusia is an Australian born Soprano with Dutch heritage. She was born on March 29, 1985 to two Dutch parents in Brisbane, Australia. Her mom is originally from Brabant and her dad from Zeeland. Mirusia’s parents, a boiler-maker and a nurse, moved from The Netherlands in their twenties after being
Fall of Singapore – Dutch fighting alongside its Allies
The American-British-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) Command, or ABDACOM, was a short-lived, supreme command for all Allied forces in Southeast Asia in early 1942, it had been established on 7 December 1941. ABDA became operational following the declaration of war by the four nations on 1 January 1942.
Archaeological research launched at Dutch WWII Camp Columbia Brisbane
Late last year the Honorary Consul of the Netherlands in Queensland Marjon Wind launched the groundwork for the archaeological projected conducted by the University of Queensland at the WWII HQ of the Netherlands East Indies Government-in-Exile at Camp Columbia in Wacol, Brisbane.
Consuls, Envoys and Ambassadors of the Netherlands in Australia since 1853
Pierre van der Eng, Australian National University It took until 1951 for The Netherlands to establish diplomatic representation in Australia in the form of an accredited ambassador. Depending on the issue, bilateral diplomatic matters were dealt with through the Dutch embassy in London until the 1940s, either through British public
50 Anniversary of the liberation of Netherlands East Indies
In 1995 the Dutch Australian Cultural Centre organised a 50 year liberation in the Dutch East Indies commemoration at their premises in the Abel Tasman Village (ATV) at Chester Hill. Several weeks later the DAW published a double page spread review of several commemorations around the country including the one
The history of DutchCare and MiCare
MiCare {= Migrant Care) is an amalgamation of DutchCare Ltd (1996), Avondrust Incorporated,(1974) Dutch Australian Community Action Incorporated (1984) and the Holland Australian Retirement Foundation Incorporation(1971).
Dutch in WWII Battle of Milne Bay – 1942
Operation Lilliput also known the Battle of Milne Bay was the first time that Allied Forces were able to stop the Japanese advance in the Pacific. While the Battle is well recognised, the Dutch participation in the battle is not very well known. Also important to mention here is that
Dutch Australian Society Neerlandia
Many immigrants were housed by the Australian government in old army camps in various outer suburbs of Sydney. However several Dutch people decided to undertake their new journey on their own and settled in Het Tentenkamp – a privately run camping ground in the Sydney suburb of Narrabeen (now called
Netherlands Australia Migration Agreement – 1951
The economic and social situation of the Netherlands following World War II generated mass emigration to Australia and Canada. In 1951, the Netherlands Australia Migration Agreement (NAMA) came into effect, under which both the Dutch and Australian governments subsidised migration of the Dutch to Australia. Many immigrants were housed by
Dutch Australian Heritage Centre – Victoria
The Dutch Australian Heritage Centre (DAHC) was established in 2000 with the aim to collect and display items of recognised significance relating to immigrants who arrived here from the Netherlands and the former Dutch East Indies, with special emphasis on migration in the post WWII period. The DAHC collection consists
Netherlands Retirement Village Association of Queensland
Netherlands Retirement Village Association of Queensland Consistent with other ethnic groups, a small proportion (6%) of the Dutch elderly is reversing to their language-of-origin. When impaired health, compromised mobility and transport problems are also experienced, it may become difficult or impossible for older people to attend Dutch-specific functions. This may
Algemene Vereniging Oud-personeel van de Koninklijke Marine
AVOM’ is known in Australia as the Association of Ex-Royal Dutch Navy personnel. The Australian branch has been established in 1996 and was recognised by the Chief Directorate in the Netherlands in 1997. In 2000 the association has approximately 4000 members, mostly in the Netherlands with a small portion all
Netherlands Ex-Servicemen and Women’s Association in Australia
NESWA is an association of men and women in Australia who, at an earlier stage in life, served their country in the Dutch Armed Forces, be it Army, Navy or Air Force, korps Mariniers’ (Marines), or the KNIL (Royal Dutch East Indies Army). Also ex-personnel of the Merchant Navy, members
Catholic Dutch Migrant Association (CDMA) – Qld
In the early sixties the Dutch Catholic immigrants started to form associations in the larger cities of Australia. The Dutch Chaplains assisted those migrants spiritually and practical assistance was provided where possible. The objectives of the associations were to carry out work of a practical or spiritual nature for the
The Federation of Netherlands Organisations in Queensland
Social needs of a large proportion of Dutch migrants were historically met by involvement with Dutch-oriented clubs and organisations, most of which were ‘highly compartmentalised’ [verzuiling] into religious affiliated groups, leading to minimal unity and consensus. To foster co-operation while maintaining Dutch culture, The Federation of Netherlands Organisations in Queensland
Federation of Netherlands Societies
In November 1967 the Federation of Netherland societies was incorporated under the company’s act . The articles of association were signed by the following; Dutch Sunrise Choir Dutch Folk dancing Association Netherlands Society in Sydney Sydney Austral Ltd The Carnival Society “The Boomerangs” The Netherlands Society Bankstown The Netherlands Society
Engelandvaarder Kees van Brink (1915-2004)
Cornelis Hendrik ‘Kees’ van Brink (Schiedam, 20 maart 1915 – Sydney (Australië), 11 december 2004) Kees was een geheim agent van MI6 tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Voor het uitbreken woonde hij in Australië, maar vertrok in juli 1940 naar Engeland en werd in de nacht van 18 op 19 november
The Netherlands Benevolent Trust Fund and the Marshall Plan
Learning from the lessons of WWI, after WWII a massive reconstruction plan was developed for the reconstruction of Europe. In 1947 the US launched the Marshall Plan, over the next 4 years they distributed $13 billion of aid to 19 countries in Europe (including Germany). The Netherlands received $1,127 billion
Parental Guidance TV Show – looking for Dutch families
My name is Kate, I’m a Producer on a television show called Parental Guidance. I’m not sure if you caught any of last series. But the basic idea of the show is families coming together to explore different parenting styles through activities and discussion. Last series most of our families
New Holland Bulletin
Thomas Vanderveldt, VOC historian in West Australia writes a monthly newsletter. Facebook page Member of the Royal Western Australian Historical Society
Nederlandse Vereniging in de Southerland Shire
(Abstract from the organisation’s history) The first gathering took place in August 1953 at the Highway Cafe in Sutherland. Its attendance was so good, the lace was literally overflowing with people and enthusiasm, that this turned out to be the club’s ‘f lying start’. However, money was scarce, but with
Koninklijke Nederlandsch-Indische Luchtvaart Maatschappij – KNILM
Koninklijke Nederlandsch-Indische Luchtvaart Maatschappij (in English: Royal Dutch Indies Airways) was the airline of the former Dutch East Indies. It was founded on 16 July 1928 as the NILM by a group of 32 Netherlands Indies. Headquartered in Amsterdam, KNILM was not a subsidiary of the better-known KLM (Royal Dutch
Historic Maps of the explorers
Historical maps relevant to the mapping of Australia from 1521 onwards to 1814 by a great variety of European mapmakers. Most of these maps are digitally available from the National Library, Canberra. The final maps in this series are based on the map (s) by Nicholas Vallard (“Atlas”, 1547), based
Abel Tasman – images, maps
Abel Abel Tasman did more than mapping the south coast of Tasmania. The original plan in 1642 was to find a fast route to Chilli, South America. However, he landed in New Zealand instead and mapped important parts of the West coast of Zealand in 1643, thinking initially that this
Abel Tasman Village
The first document provide information on the village and its history.
Early encounters with Australian Shores
Book by Rupert Gerritsen, 2015 Introduction This book brings together a selection of stories about Australia’s early, and neglected, maritime history. They were written by Rupert Gerritsen R.O.N. for a general audience, and their publication here celebrates his life and achievements before his untimely death in 2013. Rupert’s mission was
Historical overview of Dutch consular service in Queensland
The Dutch Republic has sent representatives to foreign lands since 1584 and it was the first country to regulate consular services by statute. After the restoration of Dutch independence in 1813, consular services were revived in 1814 (with additional regulations in 1846 and 1874). The Netherlands was among the many
History of the Canberra Dutch Club
The origin from the current club lay with the Wilhelmina Club and the Football Club Hollandia, who shared resources. They split in 1960 and it looks like the club slowly disappeared. Together with a friend I started the current Canberra Dutch club in 1970, It grew exponential and after many
Dutch Indonesian Association – Cairns
Bambu Magazine In April 1995 a small group of Indische mensen’ (people born in Indonesia), such as Rob Elstak, Eric & Rob Marcus, Leo Vandersar, Jan Schmieman and Andreas Flach, came together in Cairns and founded the ‘Dutch Indonesian. Association – Melati’ (Jasmine). Andreas Flach became the editor of the
Dutch Migrant History – Queensland
Like everywhere else in Australia there is also a rich history of the Dutch in Queensland. Many Dutch people settled here after WWII. The Netherlands East Indies Government-in-Exile was based in Wacol, Brisbane and that also resulted in Dutch people staying or coming to Brisbane immediately after the war. In
Dick Dusseldorp 1918-2000 – founder of Lend Lease
Born in Utrecht in the Netherlands in December 1918, Gerardus Dusseldorp was known as Dik as a child, the anglicised version of which stuck with him for the rest of his life. At the age of 15, he enrolled as a marine cadet, with the aim of becoming a captain
Brisbane Lions and its Dutch heritage
The origins of the Brisbane Lions can be traced back to the founding of Hollandia-Inala F.C. by Dutch immigrants in 1957. From the beginning they were based on land in the Brisbane suburb of Darra and then moved to Pine Road, Richlands.
Bert van Wijk – Richlands, Brisbane
Personal story from Bert van Wijk. Source; 150 years Richlands, Inala & Neighbouring Suburbs in Brisbane’s South West by Vicki Mynott, 2009 See other personal stories.
Ben Morcus Brisbane
Article published in “150 years Richland, Inala, Neighbouring suburbs in Brisbane’s South West by Vicki Mynott – 2009 See other personal stories.
Julius Tahija was one of the few NEI men who received the Netherlands highest military order.
Julius Tahija (13 July 1916 – 30 July 2002) was an Indonesian businessman, politician and soldier. He was a recipient of the Military Order of William for his actions in the Dutch East Indies campaign while serving in the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army and was the only Indonesian in
Dutch fly in formation under Sydney Harbour Bridge – May 1942
After the Japanese invaded the Netherlands East Indies, Dutch planes that were able to escape flew to Australia. Here they were placed under the command of the US. The pilots where unhappy with this decision. They spontaneously undertook a daring action in Sydney. The various stories do vary slightly but
Batavia research at Flinders University Archaeology
Research by Domínguez-Delmás Daly and Flinders Associate Professor Wendy van Duivenvoorde, is carried out on Batavia’s wreck timbers, currently on display at the Western Australian Shipwrecks Museum in Fremantle. Built in Amsterdam in 1628 CE and wrecked on its maiden voyage in June 1629 CE in Western Australian waters, Batavia epitomises Dutch East India
Dutch-build Icebreaker Nuyina arrives in Tasmania
The arrival of the Nuyina has been a true connector between the Netherlands and Australia. Our Honorary Consul in Tasmania, Peter Sypkes, celebrated the opening of the Antarctic season in Hobart. Construction of the ship at Damen Shipyards in Romania commenced in May 2017, with a steel cutting ceremony. Our Ambassador
Wooden Boat Building Exhibition in the Shipwrecks Museum in WA
At the Shipwrecks Museum in WA a wooden boat building exhibition has opened. The Dutch Australian Foundation highlights the importance of wooden boat building in Western Australia and with it, marks the 25th anniversary of the construction of the Duyfken replica which is now in Sydney. This exhibition has been supported
Archaeological research NEI Camp Columbia Wacol Brisbane
In 2021 an archaeological project was announced to investigate the site. Dutch partners in the project includes the Netherlands Ministry of Defence and is funded by the Netherlands Embassy. The project is supervised by Emeritus Professor Ian Lilley FSA FAHA (BA Hons, MA Qld, PhD ANU). Ian is an international
Interview with Anthropologist Ad Borsboom
The interview (podcast) below is in in Dutch Profile Professor Ad Borsboom *Anthropologist; Research area: Aboriginal Australia. *Chair Pacific Studies Radboud University Nijmegen. *Teaching experience at all levels in Anthropology. *Publications for both scientific and general audiences (books, chapters in books, articles), editorials. See f.e. ‘De Clan van de Wilde
Dan van Holst Pellekaan appointed as Deputy Premier of South Australia
The South Australian Mining and Energy Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan has been appointed as Deputy Premier of South Australia. He was born in Canberra, to a Dutch father who had emigrated to Australia at the age of two. His father J. W. van Hoist Pellekaan was a departmental secretary
Dutch TV
Dutch TV is a weekly television program on community TV Channel 31 in Melbourne and Geelong (Australia) and Foxtel Aurora. (Australia wide) They have been broadcasting for 6 years. The program is about Dutch people living in Australia and is presented mostly in Dutch with English subtitles so that we
Wacol Migrant Centre Remembered 1949-1987
In the immediate post-War World years, refugees from war-torn Europe were resettled in different places across Australia. By 1949, it is estimated that one-tenth of the American/Dutch/Australian Army’s Camp Columbia area became the Wacol East Displaced Persons Holding Camp. In the early 1950s the camp was developed to become the
Prins Willem Alexander Village Brisbane
The Netherlands Retirement Village Association of Qld Inc. The village, located at 62 Collingwood Road, Birkdale, is owned and operated by the above association. There are 40 independent living units (ILUs) and 44 hostel units. The central building has a well-equipped kitchen, dining-room/lounge, offices and recreation-space. The Dutch Community can
Scheepswrak ‘Batavia’ onthult geheimen van 17de-eeuwse scheepsbouw.
Onderzoek naar het scheepswrak van het 17de-eeuwse VOC-schip de Batavia werpt nieuw licht op de scheepsbouw van de Republiek der Nederlanden. Het wrak is in 1970 in Australië opgegraven en wordt momenteel tentoongesteld in het Western Australian Shipwrecks Museum in Fremantle. Een internationaal team van archeologen en dendrochnologen (specialisten in
Isodoor Berkelouw moved the book business to Australia
The story of the famous Berkelouw bookstores goes back to Rotterdam in 1812. Several generations continued and grew the business in the Netherlands. By WWII they had one of the most well know antiquarian book business in Europe. However, during the bombardment of Rotterdam in May 1940, the bookshop was
Willem Hendrik Paling early Dutch immigrant 1853
Willem Paling (1 September 1825 – 27 August 1895) was born in Woerden, near Rotterdam. He was an accomplished Dutch violinist and composer. He was the son of music publisher and piano builder Jan Hendrik Paling and Aagje Paling. He moved to Sydney in 1853 followed by his brother Richard
The Sydney Railway Waltz by Willem Paling – 1855
The waltz was composed by Willem H. Paling, who had immigrated to Australia in 1853 from Woerden in the Netherlands. The music was arranged by Robert Evans for the NSW Transport Institute Band. It was first performed at the Railway Ball, 2 October 1855 for the opening of the first
Willem Paling and the villas ‘Woerden’ and ‘The Lodge’ in Stanmore, Sydney.
One of the first known Dutch immigrants to Australia was Willem Paling, born in Woerden. He arrived in Sydney in 1853 and established a famous music and entertainment business along the East Coast. His story is told here. He also became an Alderman in Petersham and its Mayor in 1881.
Five minutes with Jeroen ‘Dutchy’ Hulleman (interview)
Republished with permission from Baking Business. Original article: https://bakingbusiness.com.au/five-minutes-with-jeroen-dutchy-hulleman/ Dutchy’s Bakehouse on the Sunshine Coast not only has a unique product range, with traditional recipes brought over from a long family history of baking in the Netherlands. We spent five minutes with owner Jeroen ‘Dutchy’ Hullemen and found out a
Righteous Among the Nations
The Righteous Among the Nations, are non-Jews who took great risks to save Jews during the Holocaust. Rescue took many forms and the Righteous came from different nations, religions and walks of life. What they had in common was that they protected their Jewish neighbours at a time when hostility
Hans Hulsbosch, independent brand designer
Born in Valkenswaard just south of Eindhoven, the Phillips city, age 62 in 2014. Hans married Marianne in the Netherlands before emigration to New Zealand. Marianne’s father had knowledge of Australia and had positive views of the country. Hans was trained in design and advertising and worked principally for a well-known design
Marijke Greenway, renowned artist and former world-class trampolinist
Marijke Greenway is an achiever, in different countries, South Africa and Australia, and in quite different fields. Her story is exceptional in many ways. She was born in the Netherlands in 1943, in Halfweg/Zwanenburg, close to Amsterdam, the fourth child of six in the Van den Boogaard family. Two of
Dick van Leer, People Lover and Entrepreneur
Not long ago, a book was published about Dick under the title The Incredible Life of Dick van Leer. This very readable account of Dick’s life, a family history really, written jointly with Aubrey Cohen, starts with his birth in 1922 in Surabaya, Dutch East Indies. Dick wasn’t there long though
Is Australia facing a bout of the Dutch Disease?
Over the course of 2020 and 2021, the Australian press has regularly been referring to the Dutch Disease. So, it interesting to see what this means and where the expression comes from It is a way of describing the paradox which occurs when good news, such as the discovery of
Dutch Windmill – Coffs Harbour
In 1968 Mr Franz De Kever, a Dutch architect working in Melbourne and his wife Rie De Kever purchased the six acre site with a view to build a Motel and authentic Dutch restaurant. After completing ten Motel units, construction on the Windmill Restaurant began in 1972. Originally the most
Dutch Windmill The Lilly – Amelup Western Australia
Pleun Hitzert left ‘s-Gravendeel in 1980 with his wife Hennie and his daughters. Here he built a piece of ‘Hoeksche Waard’. Including a mill, for which the one in his birthplace stood model. He based his final design on De Lelie from his native village Puttershoek, but he also used
Nederlands Nationaal Archief – Emigratie database
In het Nationaal Archief vind je antwoorden op vragen die betrekking hebben op jouw leven, de geschiedenis van Nederland ook in relatie tot andere landen, en de samenleving. We helpen je aan nieuwe inzichten door je toegang te geven tot het nationaal geheugen. De Nederlandse consulaten in Australië hielden een
Joris Ivens – Doco Indonesia Calling
Ivens came to Australia in early 1945 as the Netherlands East Indies(NEI) Film Commissioner, to document the re-colonisation effort of the Dutch Indies from Australia. He was employed by the NEI Government Information Service (NIGIS) in Melbourne they had 128 staff—25 of these ‘Indonesians’—(a branch office of three in Sydney),
Dutch-Australian Filmmaker Paul Cox 1940-2016
Born on April 16, 1940 in Venlo, Limburg, Netherlands. His father Wim Cox was the publisher of the Catholic newspaper Nieuwe Venlosche Courant. He was commissioned in 1938 by the chairman of the ‘RK Bond voor Groote Families’ (Catholic Association for Large Families) to make the film Levensgang (‘The Journey
Dutch-Australian Artist Henk Guth (1921-2002)
Henk Guth was born in Arnhem, Netherlands, and studied there at the Academy of Art and Design from 1938 to 1942. After graduating from the Academy, he moved to Amsterdam to pursue his career. In 1960 he emigrated to Melbourne, and in 1966, moved to Alice Springs, where he opened
Navigating the 6.6 trillion Foreign Exchange Market
September 23 | 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM Is your business trading internationally? Are you selling in one country and subsequently needing the money in another country? Every day, 6.6 trillion is traded internationally in foreign currencies and we all play our part in it. We are thrilled to have Axel van
SBS Dutch Radio: Adapting to change by Anneke Boudewijn
This follows: SBS Dutch Radio – Early Days History by Theo ten Brummelaar By Anneke Boudewijn It’s hard to compare SBS Radio today with radio 2EA of the early 1980’s. I joined in 1984, among the first to take Theo’s written language, news and audio test. “Without preparation: Choose a
Samuel Jacob – Merauke, a plane crash and the ‘White Australia Policy’
Samuel Jacob, born in Ambon was a headmaster in Merauke, Dutch New Guinea a job he combined with being a local civil administrator. Together with his family he was evacuated in August 1942 to Australia. Here he worked with the NEI government-in-exile for the re-building of Indonesia after the war.
Duyfken attacked by Aboriginals at “Keer Weer”
‘Murriland! #1” 2015-2017 – an oil on canvass painting by Gordon Hookey about the colonialisation of Australia at the HOA Gallery at the Gold Coast. The painting directly speaks to the British cocolonisation of Queensland. ‘Murri’ is a broad term used to encapsulate all Aboriginal people of Queensland. Gordon Hookey’s
DACC Paper-based ARCHIVES
The Dutch Australian Cultural Centre was founded in 1983 and gives as its aims and objectives in its mission statement, the collection, preservation, promotion and dissemination of Dutch culture and heritage in Australia. The Centre immediately started the collection of material for the archives and Library and now, after almost
Dutch warship participates in Australian naval exercise Sept. 2021
HNLMS Evertsen (F805) (Dutch: Zr.Ms. Evertsen) is the fourth De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate of the Royal Netherlands Navy. It together with 5 other nations is particiapting in naval excercise to the north of Australia. The four De Zeven Provinciën-class frigates are highly advanced air-defence and command frigates in service with
Profile Dutch ecological geneticist Professor Madeleine van Oppen
Senior Principal Research ScientistA Healthy and Resilient GBRAustralian Research Council Laureate Fellow (2019-2023) https://www.aims.gov.au/our-people/prof-madeleine-van-oppen See other personal stories.
Palings Building Brisbane
The Palings Building in these pictures is a heritage-listed retail building located at 86 Queen Street, Brisbane City. It was designed by Richard Gailey as one of a row of four identical buildings that in 1885 replaced the former convict barracks. Paling & Company purchased the music business from Richard
SBS Audio – 1st generation story Yvon Davis-Kamp
It is said that 30 % of the people who migrate to Australia have returned home again but former SBS Dutch broadcaster Yvon Davis says she has spoken with a few who then came back again, like her parents who emigrated twice! https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/1st-generation-story-yvon-davis-kamp After you have listened to the audio,
SBS Audio – 1st generation story: Corrienne Dias-Verbon – 30-6-2016
Corrienne Dias-Verbon first lived as an expat in Bangkok before emigrating to Australia. It took some getting used to but she loves it here. https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/1st-generation-story-corrienne-dias-verbon After you have listened to the audio, press the return button to go back to the DACC Hub.
SBS Audio – 1st generation story: Walter Hes 22-2-2017
Dutchman Walter Hes came to Australia in the 80s and now at the age of 80 he has published his first book. In our next program we will hear more about his book “Resolve” but today he explains what brought him to Australia. https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/1st-generation-story-walter-hes After you have listened to the
SBS Audio – 1st generation story: Sjoerd van der Meulen 26-5-2015
Sjoerd van der Meulen makes music in the hills of Bellingen NSW. In order to understand his story we need to go back to his roots in Friesland. https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/1st-generation-story-sjoerd-van-der-meulen After you have listened to the audio, press the return button to go back to the DACC Hub.
SBS Audio – 1st generation story: Richard Kuipers – 9-12-2015
Richard Kuipers from Tiel came to Australia in the sixties with a few guilders in his pocket but a burning desire to own his own business. https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/1st-generation-story-richard-kuipers-part-1 After you have listened to the audio, press the return button to go back to the DACC Hub.
SBS Audio – First generation stories: Cees Koeman – 21-11-2014
Cees Koeman came here as an eighteen year old seeking adventure. He loved cowboy stories as a child and the assisted passage was just wonderful way to make his dreams come true. https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/first-generation-stories-cees-koeman After you have listened to the audio, press the return button to go back to the
SBS Audio – 1st generation story: from Aruba to Australia – 28-8-2015
After an expat life in Suriname and Aruba it was time to make permanent lifestyle decisions. Although it was not to be a straight road to Australia, Sjoerd en Aditya van der Meulen now call the hills around Bellingen home. (Part 2) https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/1st-generation-story-from-aruba-to-australia After you have listened to the audio,
SBS Audio – First generation stories: From Zaandam to Australia – 21-11-2014
Simone van Hattem was a child when she came to Australia the first time and 14 when they emigrated a second time. https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/first-generation-stories-from-zaandam-to-australia After you have listened to the audio, press the return button to go back to the DACC Hub.
SBS Audio – First generation stories: emigrating later in life 21-11-2014
Not everyone who comes here to built a new life, comes early in their career. But to come later in life requires a lot of courage and persistence. Dittie de Koning and her husband came to Australia to join their children who were already here. https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/first-generation-stories-emigrating-later-in-life After you have listened
Video – The City of Jakarta (Batavia), before 1935 – Tempo Doeloe Jakarta
Explore Batavia, (now Jakarta(, in the years before independence, and travel through the streets of this fabled city, experiencing the sights and sounds of a city lost in another time. This is a YouTube video. After playing the video, press the return button to go back to the DACC Hub.
SBS Video – Dr Doorzetter interview on SBS
Dit is Dr Doorzetter – my real name is Dr Edward Tearle. Ik ben een engelse arts op het eiland van Jersey die Nederlands heeft geleerd om met mijn familie te verbinden. Wij allemaal komen tegen problemen en moeilijkheden in het leven. Ik heb deze kanaal gemaakt om mensen te
SBS Video – Malabar-Kootwijk uitzending van SBS6 (with Eng. subs)
90 years ago, on May 5, 1923, the telegraph connection between the Netherlands and the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) was officially opened. This was on Sunday, May 5th, 2013 celebrated by setting up a connection between PI90PCG and YE90PK. This is the report of the Dutch TV-broadcast station SBS
SBS Video – Dutch Aussies in Houten 28-1-2019
Here is a telephone interview done in Australia by SBS Dutch with a Aussie family who shifted to The Netherlands for it’s modern cycling life. This is a YouTube video. After playing the video, press the return button to go back to the DACC Hub.
SBS Video – Petronella Wensing, Dutch migrant to Australia
Description: : Petronella Wensing and her husband Michael – a painter – migrated from the Netherlands to Australia in 1953. They travelled with their two children, and their third was born the day after the family’s arrival at Scheyville Migrant Centre. Petronella has studied and taught lacemaking, and is an
SBS Video – Peter FitzSimons Talks Batavia 5-4-2016
Peter Fitzsimons with a gruesome tale from Australia’s maritime history, taken from ABC Conversations with Richard Fidler. This is a YouTube video. After playing the video, press the return button to go back to the DACC Hub.
SBS Video – 2013 in vogelvlucht
Een klein overzicht van SBSDutch in 2013. Stonden we er niet gekleurd op met de 15 meter hoge NL badkuip eend in Darling Harbour? Jaren werd er gewerkt aan de poppen voor de tentoonstelling Echos of the Past. In Melbourne ging de reizende tentoonstelling Anne Frank in premiere. De NL
SBS Video – Scheyville Migration Camp – then and now -Carla Moore explains 10-5-2011
15 May 2011 @ Scheyville 100 years of this location will be celebrated. I was there briefly, as a Dutch-born immigrant. So was Carla Moore, who wrote a play about this and spoke to Anneke Boudewijn, of SBS Radio, Dutch program. While my parents’ experiences in the occupied Netherlands, during
SBS Video – Dirk Hartog lecture at Maritime museum 21-10-2016
A perfect evening for a “Dirk Hartog” lecture at the Maritime Museum in Sydney with Prof. Wendy van Duivenvoorde, Dutch C-G Willem Cosijn and a rooftop projection for all of Sydney to see. This is a YouTube video. After playing the video, press the return button to go back to
SBS Video – Dutch Politician – Boris Dittrich (in Sydney) vertelt over zijn nieuwe boek Moord en Brand
Boris Dittrich, Advocacy Director LGBT rights program Human Rights Watch, talk about his work – visit to Canberra and the plans of Human Rights to establish a Sydney office. This is a YouTube video. After playing the video, press the return button to go back to the DACC Hub.
SBS Video – Scheyville Migrants Reunion 15-5-2011 – interview with Jonathan Sanders
Jonathan Sanders, is Area Manager for part of NSW national parks and an expert on Scheyville . He is a great spokesperson for the place and its history. He visited the Dutch SBS Radio program to talk about the background to the upcoming reunion on 15 May. This is a
Video – Hollandia 1960 -1962 Nederlands Nieuw Guinea
This is a YouTube video. After playing the video, press the return button to go back to the DACC Hub.
SBS Video – The Duyfken before it leaves Sydney on 3-4-12 for Queensland
This is a YouTube video. After playing the video, press the return button to go back to the DACC Hub.
SBS Video – Broome March 1942 – Pilot Henk Hasselo and Navigator Frits van Hulsen remember. 8-3-2012
For many years it was a forgotten day in the Dutch and Australian history books.This year a few of the survivors of the Japanese attack on Broome harbour revisted Broome for the first time. They came from far to remember that fateful day when 88 people people died in Broome
SBS Video – First contact memorial the Duyfken – 30-5-2013
The “First Contact Memorial” was unveiled in Mapoon (QLD) on 27 May 2013 by Australian and Dutch officials. It was the first point of contact for Europeans and Aboriginal people in 1606 which ended badly. In three years time (2016) we will be remembering the voyage of Dirk Hartog to
SBS Video – Peter FitzSimons at SBS Radio/Dutch about his book Batavia 29-3-2011
How much Dutch and Australian history are intertwined is clear from an entertaining interview Peter gave to SBS Radio /Dutch broadcaster Anneke Boudewijn. The third and final installment goes to air Monday 4.4.11. This is a YouTube video. After playing the video, press the return button to go back to
SBS Video – Broome honours the fallen and survivors of 1942 – 7-3-2012
3 March 1942, the Japanese attack on Broome. 70 years later the WA government, Federal Australian, Dutch and American governments honour the fallen and survivors. This is a YouTube video. After playing the video, press the return button to go back to the DACC Hub.
SBS Video – Dutch folkdance teacher Andre van de Plas in Canberra 25-7-2016
Dutch folkdancing teacher Andre van de Plas travels once a year to Australia to teach in all the major cities. In Canberra the class was named in honour of 400 years Dirk Hartog. This is a YouTube video. After playing the video, press the return button to go back to
SBS Video – Dutch PM Mark Rutte visits Australia 8-11-2014
Exclusive interview in DUTCH with Dutch PM Mark Rutte recorded November 2104 in Canberra during his 2 day visit to Australia. He talks about a possible royal visit in 2016 to coincide with celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of Dutch sailor and explorer, Dirk Hartog landing on Australian soil.The
SBS Video – Peter FitzSimons on SBS Radio about the Batavia’s significance 5-4-2011
If a Dutch fort and gallows were the first permanent European structures on Australian soil – why aren’t the Dutch granted a more prominent place in Australia’s history books? Peter FitzSimons’ book ‘Batavia’ is the result of years of research here and in The Netherlands. ‘Batavia’ is now being translated
Misprint in Indonesian independence and KLM stamps
This is an interesting Indonesian stamp album. It is commemorating the first anniversary of the Indonesian revolutionaries declaration of independence in 1945 on the 17th of august. The album is more a public relations and propaganda exercise than a philatelic one. There is an interesting angle in that there is
Dutch born Jeroen Weimar: From ‘trainspotter’ to Victoria’s COVID-19 commander
Dutch-born and UK-raised, 52-year-old Weimar’s professional life has been built on understanding and managing the movement of people and resolving logistical roadblocks. Having spent years as a leading transport planner in Britain – most recently as chief operating officer (policing and enforcement) at Transport for London and chief operating officer
Following the Dutch VOC Seafarers
Most of Dutch history in Australia is linked to its explorers charting the country to the north, west and south. Shipwrecks from the Vereenigde Oost Indische Compagnie (VOC- Dutch East Indie Company) along the West Australian Coast adds another level to the story. The drama of the Batavia is an
DACC interest in migration museum Powerhouse Museum – 2016
Mr. Robert Borsak, Chair, Inquiry into NSW Museums and Galleries, Legislative Council, NSW Government, Parliament House, Sydney. 8th July 2016 Dear Mr. Borsak, We are making a submission to this Inquiry. Our understanding is that the Inquiry will address the question of the location of Powerhouse Museum and will
DACC supports Migration Museum – North Parramatta Development Plans
Dear NSW Government Planners, We registered our interest in your 2019 plans and three of our DACC committee attended a tour and explanations by a team of the UrbanGrowth NSW Development Corporation in January 2019. The team did an excellent job and we were impressed and hopeful that our suggestion
Prison management in the Netherlands. Example for Australia?
As previously reported, the Dutch prison system is suffering a curious problem: they don’t have enough inmates, so they’re closing down prisons. In 2014, the government shutdown 19 facilities, while in 2009, they closed the doors on eight. And in March this year, the Dutch government announced that five more
Netherlands Political System of Proportional Representation
Proportional Representation – Party List The Westminster legacy: Single Member Districts. What that means currently: In many seats the Member does NOT represent the majority – and the minority is often NOT represented by the Opposite party either. It is also incorrect to claim that a local MP represents all
The Dutch at Archerfield Airport, Brisbane
Australian and Dutch history meet at Archerfield Airport in Brisbane. During WWII this airfield played a critical role for the Dutch military who, after the Japanese armed forces occupied the Dutch colony of Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia) to neighboring Australia. Over 20.000 people from NEI evacuated to Australia. Poor
50 Anniversary of the liberation of Netherlands East Indies
In 1995 the Dutch Australian Cultural Centre organised a 50 year liberation in the Dutch East Indies commemoration at their premises in the Abel Tasman Village (ATV) at Chester Hill. Several weeks later the DAW published a double page spread review of several commemorations around the country including the one
British expansion in Australia threatened Dutch ports in the East Indies.
At the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, Britain together with its other allies defeated France. After the victory Britain went on for another 100 years of being the global superpower. However, during that period it remained very fearful of France and a range of minor wars were fought during the
Prince of Orange honoured in Orange
When we arrived in Australia in 1983 I was aware that there was a Dutch connection with the city of Orange (named by the Surveyor General Thomas Mitchell after his friend the Prince of Orange). However, apart from the interested history buffs, very few knew about this Dutch connection. On
Dutch Merino Sheep played a key role in Australia’s wool history
Australia was so successful in producing some of the best wool in the world that for more than a century (1820s-1960s) its economy was highly depending on wool. If wool prices fell Australia went into recession. The notion of Australian prosperity is often expressed as ‘riding on the sheep’s back’.
Dutch Australian History – Dutch East Indies and WWII
This essay will discuss historical events during and shortly after WWII that brought Australia, the Netherlands and the emerging country of Indonesia together in a complex and often messy set of international affairs.