Refugee family van der Wallen recuperation at Camp Columbia, Brisbane
So far, we have not been able to get stories from people that were allowed to come to Australian for recuperation after their stay in the Japanese Camps in the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) during
Conference Papers and Keynote addresses by researchers
The following overview has been compiled by Dr. Nonja Peters Papers on Dutch culture and heritage by Nonja Peters 2016: Opening and closing/summing up speeches at the NIAS LORENZ International Workshop on Digital Humanities –
“The Flying Dutchman”: The Legendary Career of Paul Vander Haar
Paul Vander Haar was born in the Netherlands on 7 March 1958 and was one of five children born to Dutch migrants, Bernardus Josef (Ben) and Judith. His surname was originally spelled: van der Haar.
Adrian Strik, Child Migrant, Backpacker Grand Tour – Love Story
Born: Zeist, Netherlands on 9 March 1946. Adrian is the oldest child in a family of seven children. Migration: The family left for Melbourne, but disembarked in Fremantle, Western Australia (WA) on October 12, 1954. Adrian’s parent’s hoped
First Dutch contacts in Australia – West coast of Australia 1629 to 1699
[Cape Leeuwin to North West Cape] Central and Upper West Coast 1629 – 1697 The Voyage of the Batavia Journal – Francisco Pelsaert Recording Navigator: F Pelsaert 1629“The Journals of Francisco Pelsaert” in H Drake-Brockman
Lieutenant Colonel N.L.W. van Straten – Timor-Australia
Nico Leonard Willem van Straten was born in Zwolle, September 3, 189 and died in Arnhem, September 18, 1968. He was a Dutch soldier of the Royal Dutch East Indies Army (KNIL) and bearer of
Dutch Community Radio Western Australia
The history of Dutch Community Radio in Western Australia is rich with dedication and passion from its volunteers. It began nearly 50 years ago with reel-to-reel tapes and has evolved significantly since then. Initially established
Plan to settle 5000 Dutch soldiers in Australian 1949
MORE than 5000 Dutch soldiers will migrate to Australia soon after demobilization in Java. Their entry will be under a mutual agreement between the two countries, to be concluded soon. It is understood that the
Dutch WWI Diggers decorated in the Australian Imperial Force
During the First World War, the Netherlands remained neutral. Yet there are several hundreds Dutchmen who served in foreign armies, and some of them have received gallantry awards. This article – in Dutch – is
A Dutch digger in World War I – Jan Zwolsman
This is an abstract from the article: A Dutch digger in World War I – Jan Zwolsman. By Bas de Groot January, 2022 Jan Zwolsman’s life story is a testament to resilience and activism, from
A Visual Exploration of Dutch and Eurasian Experiences in Indonesia Amidst Turbulent Times
Abstract of a review titled: Review: Landscape of the soul by Ron Witton An exhibition titled “Landscape of the Soul,” is shedding light on the often-overlooked experiences of European Dutch and Eurasian individuals in Indonesia
Novel ‘With love, Gerard’ – Monique McCallum
For Gerard and Hendrika, it is love at first sight in a dance hall in Amsterdam in 1953. The war years are thankfully behind them and joy is returning to the Earth. But for Gerard,
Dutch lessons in Perth, Australia
Unlike in the Netherlands, the school year in Australia runs from January to December. LanguageOne offers Dutch language and culture education for Dutch-speaking children, Dutch for beginners and special Dutch Kindy groups for toddlers in
WWII – The Tragic Fate of HMAS Armidale includes many Dutch losses
In 1938, amidst escalating tensions of war, the Australian Commonwealth Naval Board recognised the necessity for a versatile ‘local defence vessel’ capable of anti-submarine and mine-warfare duties. This need birthed the concept of the HMAS
Book: Coming to Australia – Pieter Koster
This autobiographical account of the author’s first ten years is based on his mother’s letters written in Australia and sent to relatives in Holland. Tells of the family’s migration to Australia in 1952, their time
Theo Paap: A Dutch-Australian Football Legend
Theo Paap’s journey from Amsterdam to Perth in 1956 marked the beginning of a remarkable career in Australian football. Born in Amsterdam in 1943, Paap quickly immersed himself in the local Dutch football scene, joining
John Berends: A Life of Innovation and Service in Australia’s Agricultural Landscape
John (Jan) Berends was born in 1937, in a village near Zwolle, where he attended high School (HBS – B). After successfully completing his secondary schooling, he was conscripted into National Service, although not quite
The preservation and digitalisation of Dutch- Australian Migrant Registration Cards
The preservation and digitalisation of Dutch- Australian Migrant Registration Cards Over the decades, the Netherlands Embassy and Consulates in Australia maintained a card system documenting migrants from the Netherlands. The system contains over 55,000 cards,
We were the ones that integrated’:Dutch post-war migrant children in Australia
A research on the change in transnational ties of Dutch post-war migrant children in Australia On November 1, 2018 Anne Brehler defended her Master thesis ‘We were the ones that integrated’: Dutch post-war migrant children
Invitation to Dutch organisations in Australia
A revitalised Dutch Australian Cultural Centre (DACC) – now under new management – operates digitally Australia-wide and even internationally. The DACC was established in 1983 to oversee the preservation of Dutch heritage in Australia, including
‘Albury rescue’ repeated during WWII in the Netherlands East Indies
The Dutch and their WWII Allies were totally unprepared for the rapid advances of the Japanese army. Nobody had expected that Singapore would fall within 10 days, and in no time, they invaded the Netherlands
First Dutch contacts in Australia
South coast of Australia to 1772 and beyond Although part of the south coast, from Cape Leeuwin to around Fowlers Bay, was first mapped in 1627, there are no documented accounts of any visits until
Socceroo Mike Petersen: A Legacy of Dutch Heritage and Football Mastery
Mike Petersen, born of a Dutch father and an Australian mother on May 6, 1965, in Melbourne, emerged as a stalwart midfielder whose illustrious career spanned continents and left an indelible mark on Australian football.
Exhibition and presentation – Brisbane – The heritage shared between the Netherlands and Australia (1606 – 2016)
Post-event reflections (added 6 March 2024) The lecture and exhibition by Dr. Nonja Peters was well-attended by members of the DACC and the Dutch Club NAQ, as well as by interested members of the public.
Camp Columbia and the Indonesian story
Camp Columbia in Brisbane was set up by the Americans in 1942 as a staging camp for the liberation of the Southwest Pacific. When the Americans moved on to Hollandia in Dutch New Guinea in
The DACC Research Team
We proudly present our DACC Research Team. The team is involved in: The DACC Research Team includes.:
English sailor receives Netherlands Bronze Cross
During the Second World War, English sailor Henry Alfred Brooklyn (born 27 July 1922 in Cambridge, England; sometimes known as Harry) was decorated with the Netherlands Bronze Cross. This story was brought to our attention
Migrant (R)e-collections- Proposal for a workshop (historic)
All over the world migrants have left multiple traces, deep traces that are indispensable forthe fostering of heritage communities and for research in the humanities and social sciences.Yet the growing societal demand for cultural services
Abel Tasman Landing Site – Tasmania 1642
The Tasman expedition left Batavia (Netherlands East Indies, now Jakarta, Indonesia) on 14th August 1642 with two vessels, the Heemskerk with a 60-man crew and the Zeehaan with 50 men on board. They first called
Pauleen Badke – a young woman’s wartime experience at Camp Columbia’s Officer Candidate School
Pauleen Lillian Badke was born at Booval in Ipswich in 1925. Her father’s name was ‘Wilhelm’ but he was known to everyone as ‘Bill’ – her mother’s name was Lillian. She had one brother, Keith.
First Dutch contacts in Australia – Tasmania 1642 to 1772
Blackman Bay and East Coast of Tasmania 1642 Tasman’s Voyage of 1642 Journal – Abel Tasman Tasman, A J 1898Abel Janszoon Tasman’s Journal, J E Heeres (comp. and trans.),Amsterdam: Frederick Muller. p.15 [Report of Pilot-Major
Heineken beer has been on tap in Australia since 1884
Pierre van der Eng It may appear that Dutch multinational beer brewer Heineken has long tried to carry the proverbial coal to Newcastle, because its beer has been on sale in Australia since 1884. In
The first appointed agent for Australia was the Primrose Trading Co in Sydney, a company of the colourful Belgian migrant, wool merchant and composer Camille Clovis Gheysens. Despite Primrose’s marketing efforts in Australia, Heineken’s export
Orange Soccer Club lives on as Sturt Lions in Adelaide
The name of the current Sturt Lions Soccer Club shows the Dutch heritage of the club, the club still plays in orange and has the Dutch Lion in its logo. The Orange Soccer Club was
Victory Ships (SS Groote Beer, Zuiderkruis and Waterman)
The Victory ship was a class of cargo ship produced in large numbers by North American shipyards during World War II to replace losses caused by German submarines. They were a more modern design compared
Rene Lubbers – story of an emigrant
I was born in Heerlen and my family emigrated to Australia, (Brisbane) in 1956 when I was 3 years old. My parents didn’t speak English but learned quickly in order to fit in. Upon arriving
Dirk Drok and the discovery of the Batavia
Dirk Drok (Dalfsen, Netherlands 1915–1988), Perth) and his wife Kitty Isabella Theodora Uitenhage de Mist-Barkey (Java 1921–2001 Perth) lived in Java, Netherlands East Indies NEI (now Indonesia). After the Japanese had occupied the NEI, Dirk
Milk and Honey – but no Gold
By Dr. Nonja Peters Milk and Honey – but no Gold is the story of those who left behind their country of birth, and everyone and everything they knew, to become part of Australia’s mass migration
Never good enough : assisted migrants from the Netherlands at Bonegilla
By: Bruce Pennay OAM, Charles Sturt University 2007 See also: Where waters meet, Bonegilla : the Dutch migrant experience in Australia / Dirk Eysbertse, 1997 Old ties, new beginnings : Dutch women in Australia /
‘Inpakken en wegwezen – emigratie van Nederlanders naar Australië’
Hieronder is het Initiatiefrapport (gedateerd: 17 december 2004) van de tentoonstelling met de werktitel: ‘Inpakken en wegwezen – emigratie van Nederlanders naar Australië’ . Deze exposities was georganiseerd in het kader van het evenement ‘1606
Javanese from New Caledonia, brought to Casino by the Dutch in 1944.
At the end of the 19th Century, the French government looked around for labour for New Caledonia. Workers were needed on the coffee plantations and also servants were sought after. New Caledonia became home to
The Duyfken – Duyfken Replica 25 anniversary
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 some 300 kms of the northern parts
Philips factory in Newcastle produced almost all Australia’s electric lamps for 70 years
Pierre van der Eng Dutch firm NV Philips Gloeilampenfabrieken exported its incandescent lamps to agents in Australia since 1912. Its lamp sales increased quickly during World War I, when Australian imports form the UK dwindled.
Early nineteenth century English/Dutch rivalry in Eastern Indonesia and Australia
This article is about the Dutch seizure of part of New Guinea in 1828. The English activities in Northern Australia played an important role in this. The author of the article is Jeroen Overweel. He
SS Bantam – First loss of Dutch Merchant Ship in Pacific War.
The SS Bantam (3322 gross weight, built in 1930 ) was one of the original twenty-one KPM vessels that took refuge in Australian ports after the fall of Java that Dutch officials requested be put
Ed & Wilhelmina Van Den Enden – Tasmania
Peter McInnes provided information on his Dutch heritage through Ed & Wilhelmina Van Den Enden whom immigrated from Holland after WWII to Tasmania & retiring in Ulverstone. My grandparents were active within the Dutch community
WWII Pilot Guus Hagers, Lienke and the Forgotten Story
One of the greatest pilots of the 18 Netherlands East Indies Squadron RAAF was Gerson (Guus) Hagers. In February 1942 he was part of the group tasked with receiving newly acquired B 25 bombers from
Rubens Family and Rubsons – Dutch Food Wholesalers in Melbourne
Ruben (Ruud) Rubens Ruben was born in Amsterdam on 3 September 1917 and died in Melbourne on 7 November 1993. After his highschool (MULO) he became a bicycle dealer and sales representative. He loved sailing
2024 Holland Festival – Melbourne – Going strong since 1974
The Holland Festival was held in Melbourne each year for 40 years until 2014. After a three years hiatus, the Festival returned in 2017, 2019, 2020 & 2023. It is now managed by the Rotary
First Dutch contacts in Australia – Cape York and Torres Strait 1606 to 1643
RELATING TO: The Voyage of the Duyfken – Willem Janszoon (Master) and Jan Lodewijkszoon van Rosingeyn (Supercargo) , West Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, 1606. Documentary Sources other than original Journals Recording Navigator: J Carstenszoon 1623, taken from:“Summary abstract
Milly Rubens Schelvis, surviving WWII concentration camps in Europe
Milly Schelvis was born in Amsterdam 11th September 1919. She had a normal, loving childhood although that is set in the background of Holland in the 1920’s and 30’s. They lived in the poor parts
Netherlands New Guinea Papua Battalion trained in Australia.
Dutch New Guinea The Moluccan policeman (only known as M.E.) operated in New Guinea from 1935 to April-May 1942, first in Fakfak and then in Babo. On the day of the capitulation of the KNIL
The Dutch Houses of Coopers Plains (New video added)
Sign petition to safe last of the Dutch Houses in Coopers Plain, Brisbane
Annita van Iersel former spouse of PM Paul Keating
Anna Johanna Maria van Iersel born on October 5, 1948, is an accomplished Dutch-born Australian artist and the former spouse of Paul Keating, the ex-Prime Minister of Australia. She held the name Annita Keating from
Marianne Pietersen interviews herself and others in Brisbane
I’ve been doing interviews of Dutch migrants for the Dutch Courier newspaper since a couple of years, and prior to that I wrote many articles about events in my retirement village, or at the Dutch
Dutch immigrant ship S.S. De Waterman
The SS Waterman, initially constructed as the enlarged Victory troopship SS La Grande Victory (VC2-S-AP3), holds a notable place in maritime history. Post-World War II, the State of the Netherlands procured three ships from the
Links to declassified WWII Australian Documents re the Netherlands East Indies
Researched by Ruby Todorovski, researcher at the University of Queensland. Source: National Archives of Australia. Netherlands East Indies Commission for Australia and New Zealand Netherlands East Indies Government-in-Exile in Australia (1944-1946) Netherlands Forces in Australia
Netherlands Forces in Australia WWII
Declassified documents from the National Archives of Australia, researched by Ruby Todorovski, University of Queensland Links to other declassified WWII Australian Documents re the Netherlands East Indies Military Command After the surrender of the Dutch
Migration and Repatriation issues after the liberation of NEI
This file, researched by Ruby Todorovski researcher at the University of Queensland includes documents regarding people who wanted to migrate to Australia after the war and issues regarding the repatriation of service people. See also:
Various WWII Diplomatic Australian documents
All files below were researched by Ruby Todorovski, researcher University of Queensland Netherlands East Indies, Transfer of Government Officials to Australia – 1942 7th March 1942, Dr van Mook, van Oyen and van Plas arrived
Arend and Catherina Brugman – Righteous Among the Nations
On 30 August 2023 Arend Reinirus and Catherina Berendina Brugman-Harmes were posthumous awarded the title: Righteous Among the Nations by Mr Chris Cantor the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Israel in Australia.
South coast of Australia to 1772 and beyond
Although part of the south coast, from Cape Leeuwin to around Fowlers Bay, was first mapped in 1627, there are no documented accounts of any visits until Vancouver entered King Georges Sound on 29 September
Discussion on Dutch influence on the Nhanda language.
Nhanda is an Aboriginal language of Western Australia, once spoken along the coastal strip from possibly as far south as Hill River north through to Champion Bay and the mouth of the Murchison, up to
The role of Australia in Indonesia’s independence. Declassified secret docs from the Australian Government.
The declassified original secret and top secret documents are in the pdf file at the end of this article. Change of support Australia promptly and unconditionally welcomed the Dutch after the fall of the Netherlands
Peter Grullemans – Indonesia Diary
Peter is a multi-faceted individual with a diverse educational and professional background. Born in Singapore to Dutch parents, he has pursued a wide range of interests and affiliations throughout his life. He holds a Bachelor
First Dutch contacts in Australia – Lower west coast – cape Leeuwin to Swan river 1658 – 1697
Elburgh 1658 Documentary Source other than original Journals “Letter of the Governor-General and Council to the Managers of the VOC December 14, 1658” in J E Heeres 1899The Part Borne by the Dutch in the
WWII Camp Victory Casino
After the Japanese invasion of Indonesia in 1942, the Dutch fled to Australia taking with them Indonesian soldiers, sailors, government officials and more. The Dutch Government made a deal with the Australian Government which gave
VOC vessel names: what naming patterns reveal about the name-givers’ mindsets
By: Jan Tent Studies of proper names have revealed naming patterns which may provide insights into the attitudes and values of the contemporaneous name bestowers. This essay analyses the names conferred upon thevessels of the
Were the Dutch Australia’s first settlers?
By Tony Thomas Of all the accounts of the earliest Dutch arrivals in Australia, the wreck of the Concordia seems the strangest. A “great vessel” of 900 tonnes with 130 on board, it departed Java
Petronella Jacoba Wensing OAM
Petronella Wensing (1924-2023) was a Dutch migrant to Australia who passed away in 2023. Below is an obituary written by her son Ed (posted with permission). A short story about Petronella was published in The
Dutch – Australian Trivia
A basic Australian history questionnaire Noel Jackling The term ‘Australia’ is used in a broad sense to include its earlier names. 1. Who was the first known European skipper to reach Australia? What was the
Charles Lambert Betz – The economic integration of Dutch migrants in Australia
Born: 3 June 1930 (Limburg, The Netherlands)Died: 12 January 2018 (Canberra) Charles was a demographer and public servant who served in Papua New Guinea (1967-72) and Australia thereafter.He was a proud and active member of
SS Groote Beer – From Troop Transport to Emigrant Ship
The SS Groote Beer, originally built as the SS Costa Rica Victory, emerged as a significant vessel post-World War II. Constructed as an enlarged Victory troopship under the US War Shipping Administration, the ship was
Dirk Bodemeijer – Captain Technical Office 120 Squadron 1944/45
This is a personal CV written by Dirk Bodemeijer, while he was living in the USA after WWII. Dirk was briefly part of the 120 Squadron that operated out of Bundaberg and Dutch New Guinea.
Coosje Ayal – guerrilla fighter studied nursing in Brisbane
Coosje Ayal, born in 1926 in the Moluccas, Western New Guinea, became a notable figure for her resistance efforts during World War II. Adopted by her aunt and uncle, who was a civil servant of
More than 150 Dutch companies established subsidiary operations in Australia
By: Pierre van der Eng Several Dutch companies have operations in Australia today. The members of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce in Melbourne and Dutchlink in Sydney include Dutch mastheads like Rabobank, Randstad, ING, Heineken
Van Diemen’s Land named after Antonio van Diemen Governor of the Netherlands East Indies.
Anthony van Diemen was the Governor of the Netherlands East Indies during the time of the exploration of Abel Tasman. Tasmania was first known as Van Diemen’s Land, the name given to the island by
Maetsuyker island Tasmania
Maatsuyker Island is named after Joan Maetsuycker, the The Dutch Governor of Zeylan (present-day Sri Lanka) during the Dutch period in Ceylon and later the Governor-General of the Netherlands East Indies from 1653 to 1678.
Dutch Australians at a Glance (DAAAG)
Introduction 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
The Lost Dutch Diamonds on Carnot Beach, Western Australia
On the eve of the Netherlands East Indies’ capitulation, a series of evacuation flights brought Dutch citizens to the safety of Australia, with Broome emerging as a key evacuation hub. Among the heroic pilots, Dutch-Russian
Herman Diederik Huyer Managing Director Philips Australia
Dutch businessman Herman Diederik Huyer, who settled in Australia in 1969. Huyer was born in the Netherlands in 1920, and after World War II worked for the Dutch multinational company, the Philips Group. He held
Australian Descendants of the VOC
In 2017 the Museum of Geraldton held an exhibition titled “Descendants of the VOC: Portraits and Histories”. Curated by Curtin University historian Dr Nonja Peters, the exhibition delved into the impact of the Netherlands East
Book: The UnDutchables
“The UnDutchables: An Observation of the Netherlands, Its Culture, and Its Inhabitants” is a humorous and irreverent exploration of Dutch life and society co-authored by Colin White and Laurie Boucke. First published in 1989, the
Interview: The wanderings of Nies Lankamp
Different from most Dutch migrants, Nies Lankamp was not born in the Netherlands. She was born in Teluk Bayur in North Eastern Borneo as Nies Landman. Her father, Gerard Landman, worked there as machinist on
Mauritz Kokkelink: A heroic tale of resistance and endurance.
For his extraordinary courage and perseverance, Kokkelink was knighted at Camp Columbia in Brisbane on April 12, 1945. His commendation highlighted his decisive actions, perseverance, and skill during the Japanese occupation, emphasising the “indescribable difficulties
Interview: All in the family. Henk Hoonhout and Ali Geeraerts
Hendrikus (Henk) Hoonhout and Alida Johanna Maria Geeraerts (Ali) are brother and sister. They both live in Prins Willem Alexander Village in Birkdale, Brisbane Queensland, albeit in separate accommodation. Ali is a widow and lives
Interview: Hank and Bertie Halle – loving sports
Husband and wife, Hank and Bertie Halle were both born in 1933. He in Deventer as Hendrik Halle, she in Zaandam as Egberta Westervaarder. Hank’s father was a well-known Dutch footballer and trainer, Jan Halle.
Interview: Wubbo Bijker – ship builder
Wubbo Edward Bijker, was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, in April 1939. His parents were Wiebe Bijker, born in Zwolle, and Nicolette Kempff who was born in Haarlem. Grandfather Bijker was Frisian. Father Wiebe Bijker was
Interview: Bill Hunt – Builder and bridge player
Bill Hunt is living in a low-care unit of Prins Willem Alexander Village (PWA) in Brisbane because he has severe vision limitations. In spite of his English name, he was born in Assen (Drenthe) in
Interview: Hanny van der Mark -tough migration years
After having interviewed two men who live at my retirement village, I now interviewed a migrant woman. Our village actually has more female than male residents, so it’s about time. Hanny came to Australia in
Interview: Steve Flierman – Property valuer
In my village, the Prince Willem Alexander Retirement Village (PAW), there’s plenty of migrants, mostly Dutch. Some of them are here long enough to have been involved with the founding of the village. I interviewed
Interview: Henk Mollee – Hollandia Soccer Club – F.C. Lions
Australia is a land of immigrants. I am an immigrant, and you, dear reader, are probably too. High levels of immigration in the years before 1891 resulted in 32% of the population listed as overseas-born
Interview: Netherlands Honorary Consul for Queensland Marjon Wind
On June 16th 2021 I received news that the Ambassador of the Netherlands in Australia, H.E. Mrs. Marion Derckx, announced Ms. Marjon Wind to be the new Honorary Consul for Queensland. Ms. Wind succeeds Dr.
Sinterklaas Overseas Foundation
Family in Holland could have a Sinterklaas package sent to their relatives overseas. There was all kinds of stuff in there. Candy, calendar, teaspoon, gramophone record, booklets, tablecloth, you name it. In the DACC archives
Sinterklaas Treats
Pepernoten: The Traditional Sinterklaas DelicacyIs Christmas Eve truly complete without gingerbread cookies? Sinterklaas festivities naturally include these delightful treats, making them an essential part of the celebration. Gingerbread cookies, available at Dutch shops or enjoyable
Sinterklaas celebrations at Dutch Clubs in Australia
These are photographs and Dutch Australian Weekly (DAW) newspaper clippings from the DACC archives of Sinterklaas celebrations within Australian club from the early fifties onwards. Dutch Australian Weekly newspaper clippings The DAW also used Sinterklaas
Heydays of the Dutch wholesale businesses in the 1960s and 1970s
The 1960s and 70s were the heydays of Dutch shops around the country. The key importers and wholesalers at that time were: • Rubsons Pty Ltd established by Ruben Rubens in Victoria, Tasmania & Canberra;•
Dinkum yet Dutch – Author John Lindeman
Property Market Analyst John Lindeman is widely respected as one of Australia’s leading market analysts. With well over a decade of experience researching the nature and dynamics of various types of assets at major data
Our Story – Experiences of the Dutch in Queensland
To ensure that the stories of Dutch migrants would be preserved for future generations, the former Dutch-Australian Community Action Federation Qld Inc. (DACA) published a 208 page book ‘Our Story — Experiences of the Dutch
Embarking on a New Chapter: Dutch Australian Cultural Centre Transforms for the Digital Age
Sydney, November 10, 2023 The Dutch Australian Cultural Centre (DACC) is set to usher in a new era, marking a significant shift from its historical roots. A dedicated team of volunteers worked hard to build
Sinterklaas in Australia
The story of Sinterklaas (Sint Nicolaas) is of course well known, there is plenty of information on the internet about this typical Dutch tradition. Although it has changed over the years due to changes in
Nederlands Military Air Transport Services in Australia – WWII
Military Air Transport in Australia started soon before the fall of the Netherlands East Indies (NEI). In the few months before this happened evacuations started to happen, mainly of Dutch civilian personnel including families of
The cartographic migration of Wesel(s) Eijland – Dr. Jan Tent
The Wessel Islands group off the north-eastern coast of Arnhem Land has a rather abstruse history in terms of its naming and ultimate cartographic location. Cartographic evidence, and some primary documentary evidence points to a
Gerard Willems – Dutch-Australian piano virtuoso
Gerard Willems AM is a Dutch Australian classical pianist and double ARIA award winner. He came by boat (Grote Beer, Holland-America Lines) with his family in 1958 and went through several years of migrant camp
Exhibition Dutch-Australian migration stories in Brisbane and Melbourne
With an official opening by Australian Ambassador Dr. Greg French and State Archivist Afelonne Doek, the temporary exhibition People Movement Stories has been opened in the Netherlands National Archives in The Hague. In the exhibition,
Author Maria Douwes – Back to Australia
Maria Douwes started her career at Time-Life International, the Book Department. After that she worked at the PR-Departments at De Volkskrant (national newspaper) and the Cinetone Filmstudios. Thereafter she started her own Communication-Organisation Company and
Dutch migrant family Douwes settles in in Inala, Brisbane – 1961
This story is written by Maria Douwes and published in her book: Back to Australia The Douwes family was one of the last families to move from Amsterdam to Australia for a hundred guilders. Both the
The Douwes Family at Wacol Migrant Centre Brisbane – early 1960s
This is part of the story written by Maria Douwes, who emigrated with her family in 1960/1961 to Australia. This story is written by Maria Douwes and published in her book: Back to Australia. The Douwes
The migration of the Douwes Family on the Zuiderkruis 1960/1961
This story is written by Maria Douwes and published in her book: Back to Australia. The Douwes family was one of the last families to move from Amsterdam to Australia for a hundred guilders. Both the
CIA Report on the Break-Up of Colonial Empires – 1948
This report recently declassified assesses – in 1948 – the implications of the decolonisation of Africa and Asia for US security. The report – which also mentioned the futile attempts of the Netherlands to hold
Cape Leeuwin Gable Stone in Amsterdam
Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie – VOC – (Dutch East India Company) related gable stone with a lying lioness in the ‘gable stone wall’ at the Oudezijds Kolk in Amsterdam. The stone comes from Kleine Kattenburgerstraat 14/16
The NEI Personnel & Equipment Pool Squadron Canberra – Bundaberg
The establishment of the NEI Personnel & Equipment Pool (PEP) Squadron, initially stationed at RAAF Base in Canberra, resulted from the need to allow Netherlands East Indies (NEI) crews to recover and prepare for upcoming
Dutch-Russian Ace Pilot Iwan Smirnoff (WWII)
Ivan Vasilyevich Smirnov, a Russian pilot born in 1895 during the era of Tsarist Russia, embarked on a remarkable journey through the turbulent times of the 20th century. His life story is a testament to
Marooned on Australia – 1896 – Children’s adventure book (e-book format)
Being the Narration by Diedrich Buys of His Discoveries and Exploits in Terra Australis Incognita about the Year 1630. Author: Ernest Favenc. First known publishing date: 1896 A fictionalised account of the adventures of two
Uiver Restoration Project – Albury NSW – February 2024 newsletter added
The Uiver Memorial Community Trust – a not-for-profit organisation – is devoted to restoring Albury’s Uiver Memorial DC-2 aircraft. In 1934 the MacRobertson Air Race proclaimed itself as the greatest international air race devised, and
Dutch involvement in the Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House, opened on 20 October 1973, and stands tall as an iconic symbol of Australian culture. Queen Elizabeth II officially opened it, emphasising the power of human creativity. The Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) and Australia
The Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) played a significant role in the exploration and early history of Australia. The relationship between the VOC and Australia can be understood through several key points: Exploration and Mapping: Dutch
Dutch claims to New Holland and the British colonisation in 1788
November 1786 saw the publication of An Historical Narrative of the Discovery of New Holland and New South Wales, which sought to explain the reasons for the British Government’s decision to establish a settlement at Botany Bay.
Archived: Dutch WWII historian visits Brisbane on 17 November
Presentation on Australian-Dutch WWII events at ANZAC Square & Memorial Galleries Camp Columbia Heritage Association invites you to a presentation by Dutch historian Bas Kreuger on Dutch Australian WWII events on 17 November 2023 at
WWII Propaganda Flights from Australia to Java
Propaganda and intelligence gathering. As the Allied Forces were able to push back the Japanese, by 1943, preparations started in Australia to liberate the Netherlands East Indies (NEI). The Netherlands East Indies Government-in-Exile was established
Short history of the Netherlands co—operative terminating building society schemes
Published by the Federation of Netherlands Societies in NSW (1985) The difficulties of the ‘first’ assisted immigrants were many, “housing” being one of the greatest problems. Although in post—war Holland housing was difficult to come
Almar Zaadstra – Painter of Australian history
Almar Zaadstra is an Australian artist based in Casterton, Victoria. Almar arrived in Australia at the age of 6 in 1966, the 4th of six children born to Sake and Ytje . They left Oudega
Master Lithographer Fred Genis- first celebrity printer in Australia.
Fred Genis (1934 Amersfoort, Netherlands – 2022 Mullumbimby, Australia) was a Master Lithographer and the first celebrity printer in Australia. Genis was a partner in the Hollanders Workshop in New York in the late 60’s, early
Amazing drawings from Timor fighter Richard Bartman who drowned at the sinking of the HMAS Armidale (1942).
By Gerard van Haren Richard was born on January 3, 1913, in Probolinggo, situated on the island of Java. He held the position of a militia sergeant, bearing the title tkl (2nd class), and was
The last VOC exploration voyage to Australia – 1756
The text below is a brief summary of a report titled “EXPLORATORY VOYAGE OF THE SHIPS RIJDER AND BUIS, COMMANDED BY LIEUTENANT JEAN ETIENNE GONZAL AND FIRST LAVIENNE LODEWIJK VAN ASSCHENS, TO THE GULF OF
No 18 and 120 Squadrons involved in the Western Australian Emergency – March 1944
18 and 120 Squadrons involved in the Western Australian Emergency – March 1944 Lack of staffing saw a delay in the formation of the 120 (Nederlands East Indies) Fighter Squadron RAAF. It was formed in
Clogball: Remembering the 38 Dutch football clubs of Australia
From the book Clogball – The Dutch and Soccer in Australia. A migrant Story. By Adam Muyt If you think the Dutch have never won a World Cup you’re mistaken: Holland won a World Cup back
Sam Roggeveen – Director Lowy Institute
Sam Roggeveen was born in the Netherlands and emigrated with his family to Australia when he was seven years old. Before joining the Lowy Institute, Sam was a senior strategic analyst in Australia’s peak intelligence
Er is er een jarig hoera hoera!
A Dutch tribute on the 50th anniversary of the opening of that hallowed hall on the harbour. Willen van Otterloo conducted the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) for the inaugural concert in front of the Queen.
De Nederlandse Vereniging in Bankstown
The following information was written in 1985. The Club no longer exists This club is at the moment in a kind of transition state. Many of its old members have moved and their children live
We need your help
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Are you passionate about preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Dutch Australians? The Dutch Australian Cultural Centre LTD (DACC) invites you to become a valued volunteer and contribute to the maintenance of our
Dutch cargo confiscated in Sydney – 1942
In January 1942, based on this document from the Australian National Archives, Dutch cargo from the Norwegian M/S Høegh Silverstar, destined for the Netherlands East Indies (NEI), was confiscated on orders from the American Government
Dutch Jewish refugees met again in Australia
Article about Ruben Rubens and Bob van Ameringen. They were friends in the Netherlands before WWII when their lives were disrupted. They became refugees but eventually, separately, settled in Australia. Here after 50 years they
Dutch-Australian painter Henricus van den Houten (1801-1879)
Henricus Leonardus van den Houten (The Hague 1801- Melbourne 1879) was a Dutch-Australian painter, lithographer, and art teacher. He developed a passion for art at a young age. He studied painting and honed his skills
Archive Nederlandse Vereening in NSW
Main article Nederlandse Vereeniging in NSW This is one of the very first Dutch Clubs in Australia, established in 1944.
Visit of Dutch Aircraft Carrier Karel Doorman – 1960 – New Guinea Crisis
HNLMS Karel Doorman was a ‘Colossus-class’ aircraft carrier of the Royal Netherlands Navy. Formerly the British ship HMS Venerable, she was sold to the Netherlands in 1948 as a light attack carrier. In 1960, she
Dr. Sir Hendrik Johan Rutgers (1917-1997)
Gedurende de Tweede Wereldoorlog was Henk verzetsstrijder tijdens de Duitse bezetting van Nederland. Na de oorlog werd hij uitgezonden naar Batavia in het voormalige Nederlands Indie als Officier van Justitie bij de berechting van Japanse
Royal Netherlands State visit to Australia 2016
The state visit of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands to Australia in October/November 2016 was a significant diplomatic event that strengthened the ties between the two countries. Here
WWII airfields in the Top End used by the Dutch
Australia was ill prepared when it found itself within reach of the Japanese invaders during WWII. The infrastructure especially in the north of the country where the threat was most immediate was very poor or
Dutch heritage of Australian football players Gary and Emily van Egmond
Gary van Egmond was born in Newcastle in 1965. His family had emigrated to Australia at an earlier time. He played professional football for the Newcastle United Jets and the Australian national team. He also
Catherina van der Linden at 111 oldest Dutch and Australian person (+2024)
Catherina van der Linden was born on 26 August 1912 in Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands to tailor Gradus Lambertus Johannes van Meegen (1876–1954) and Cornelia Maria Verstallen (1878–1946). She grew up in Nijmegen, Gelderland. On 23
Catherina van der Linden at 111 oldest Dutch and Australian person (2023)
Catherina van der Linden was born on 26 August 1912 in Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands to tailor Gradus Lambertus Johannes van Meegen (1876–1954) and Cornelia Maria Verstallen (1878–1946). She grew up in Nijmegen, Gelderland. On 23
Results DIMEX (Dutch Immigrant’s Experiences) surveys – 2004 and 2018
In 2004, volunteers from the DACC undertook the first Dutch Immigrant’s Experiences (DIMEX) survey. This first survey aimed to investigate several aspects of Dutch emigration to Australia. Key topics covered by the survey included: main
Book review: “Through Darkest Seas” by Graeme Cocks (2023)
Graeme Cocks. Through Darkest Seas. Inglewood: Motoring Past Vintage Publishing, 2023. E-book. Review by Jorien van Beukering Ever wondered what it would be like to build a replica of a seventeenth-century ship of exploration? If
Hoe is het om als Nederlander in Australië te wonen? (video 7-8-2023)
The Nederlands Jeugdjournaal had a report about a Dutch family who moved to Australia in 2022. The broadcast took place on August 7, 2023 when Australia was the center of attention for the women’s soccer
Tall ship Oosterschelde leads the Darwin200 Global Voyage.
The DARWIN200 Global Voyage is a two-year voyage that will follow the route of Charles Darwin’s voyage on the HMS Beagle around the world. The voyage will take place from 2023 to 2025 and will
Dr. Cornelius Wouters, champion of Dutch culture.
Dr. Cornelius Willebrod Wouters (18 August 1896, Waspik -20 January 1978, Brunssum). During his youth and early adulthood he moved around the Netherlands. He met his wife in Waalwijk and after several other jobs became
Dutch Catholic Hostel in Brisbane
In 1889, German priest and scientist, Arnold Janssen, together with German women Helena Stollenwerk and Hendrina Stenmanns, founded the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters (in Dutch: “Dienaressen van de Heilige Geest” in German: “Dienerinnen des Heiligen
Australian history of Dutch ship De Lauwers, lost in Cyclone Tracy
Booya was built in Waterhuizen, the Netherlands in 1917 by Gebroeders van Diepen, under her original name, De Lauwers. She was a three-masted auxiliary schooner with a steel hull and a 130 bhp engine. In
Ir. Haveman Emigration Commissioner 1950-1970
Bastiaan Wouter Haveman was born in 1908 in Wijnjeterp, Friesland. He grew up as a pastor’s son with four brothers and a sister. He obtained his master’s degree in chemical engineering in Delft and subsequently
Australia emigration in Dutch Newspapers 1954-1978
Dr. C Wouters has been the most important person during the emigration period between 1950 and 1980 representing the Dutch emigrants in Australia. He tirelessly advocated for recognition of Dutch culture, history and especially its
Dutch Connection – Dutch Radio for the Illawarra
By Dr. Yoke Berry from Dutch in Wollongong, released at the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Dutch Connection radio programme. On Sunday the 9th of November 1997, the first Dutch program in the Illawarra
Nederlandse Vereniging in NSW (1944-2008)
This is one of the earliest Dutch Clubs in Australia, founded in 1944. The official name was first Nederlandse Vereeniging in Nieuw Zuid Wales (N.Z.W), later documents state Nederlandse Vereniging in NSW and later the
The Ghosts of Christmas (Island) – Dr. Jan Tent
For some three centuries confusion existed among Europeans over the location and name of the Indian Ocean island now referred to as Christmas Island. Maps appeared charting the island with no name, with one of
The 1705 van Delft expedition to northern Australia: a toponymic perspective – Dr. Jan Tent
During the 17th and 18th centuries the Dutch were quite active in exploring the western and northern coastlines of the Great Southland. Of one of these expeditions, conducted by Maerten van Delft in 1705, intelligence
The curious Van Dijk map of the Gulf of Carpentaria – Dr. Jan Tent
In 1859 the Dutch historian, L.C.D. van Dijk published a book on the voyages of discovery made by Jan Carstenszoon in 1623 and Jean Etienne Gonzal in 1756 to the Gulf of Carpentaria. The book
Naming Places on the ‘Southland’: European Place-Naming Practices from 1606 to 1803
The history of charting Australia’s coastline is well documented from most perspectives,but not from a toponymic standpoint. Between 1606 and 1803, some nine hundredEuropean placenames were bestowed along the Australian coast. Authors Jan Tent and
Naming places: Dutch voyagers and toponyms in the fifth part of the world, 1616-1722
Some of the first Europeans to venture into the southern Pacific Ocean were the Dutch during the 17th and early 18th centuries. The linguistic legacy of these expeditions can be found in a small number
Moent and Dubbelde Ree: Two of Australia’s First Recorded Placenames – Dr. Jan Tent
The year 2006 marked the quatercentenary of the first known European charting of any part of the Australian coastline, when the Dutch mariner Willem Janszoon explored 300 kms of the north-west coast of Cape York
Early Dutch loanwords in the South Pacific
The Polynesian islands share in common the fact that the first European language they came into contact with was the English brought first by Captain Cook, spread by whalers and traders and later consolidated by
Dinnings land: a case of mistranscription? – by Dr. Jan Tent
On some early maps of Australia the name Dinnings Land or Terres de Dinning appears near the Swan River. Who or what was Dinning? This article explores this question, and argues it is a case
Rose van Bruinessen, Matildas Footballer #10
Rose van Bruinessen (married name Rosemary Moodley), known as Matilda #10, was one of the pioneering figures in women’s football in Australia. She played a significant role as a defender in the early days of
Dutch names in Australia – Linguist Dr. Jan Tent
Dr Jan Tent was born in Amsterdam, his parents originating from Groningen. Jan’s father worked for IBM in Amsterdam. In 1957 his father was made production manager of the IBM typewriter and punch card plant
Articles, Poems and Letters to the Editor from Dr. C Wouters
Dr. Wouters did not shy away from controversial issues. He refused to swear allegiance to the Queen during his naturalisation ceremony, instead he was allowed to swear on the Bible, something that since that time
De Nederlandse gemeenschap in het sociale leven van Australia – 1958
The Dutch community in social life in Australia.
Many awards bestowed on Dr Wouters
Dr. Cornelius Wouters is most likely the internationally most awarded Dutch-Australian. He was awarded the Knighthood in the Order of Oranje-Nassau. He also received the Silver Anjer from the Prins Bernhard Fonds in 1976 for
Stephanie Branz – Dutch-Australian Sports-commentator
In this video clip from the National Archives of Australia Stephanie talks about her Dutch heritage. Stephanie Brantz is a television presenter and sports personality from Australia. Born in 1972 in Queensland to Dutch parents
New Holland the name for Australia from1644-1824
The name New Holland (Hollandia Novae) appeared on maps depicting the continent of Australia after the Dutch seafarer Abel Tasman charted the west coast of the continent in 1644. According to linguist Dr. Jan Tent
Dutch/Australian Artist Queenie van de Zandt Invites Dutch women over 40 to share their stories of menopause and middle age
Queenie van de Zandt is the daughter of Ria and Hans van de Zandt. Hans is the co-founder of the Canberra Dutch Club in the ACT. Queenie mentioned that she is very proud to be
Early Dutch Naval visits to Australia 1901-1938
Dutch Naval Visit at the opening of Australia’s First Federal Parliament – 1901 Dutch Naval Visit to Australia in 1930 Dutch Submarine K-XVIII Visits Fremantle in 1935 Dutch Gunboot Flores Visits Australia to Commemorate Sydney’s
Peter Zorgdrager established Miniland in Coonabarabran
Miniland was a theme park in Coonabarabran, New South Wales, Australia. It was opened in 1972 by Peter Zorgdrager, a Dutch immigrant who was inspired by Dusneyland. The park featured a variety of giant sculptures,
Catalogue of an exhibition (in Groningen) about the history of Australia – 1988
Het onbekende Zuidland naderbij’ by Jaap van der Veen is a catalogue of an exhibition about the history of Australia, the Aborigines and the Dutch explorers and emigrants. It is published by Volkenkundig Museum ‘Gerardus
Dutch emigration literature in Australia
In previous months we have highlighted Dutch literature in Australia and we continue this month with another collection of interesting and often forgotten books. However, some will recall nostalgic memories from those who arrives as
Royal Netherlands Navy flying boat operations in Australia during WWII
The centre of gravity of the Airforce of the Royal Netherlands Navy ( Marine Luchtvaartdienst – MLD) was undisputed in the Netherlands East Indies (NEI). The aircraft carried out many reconnaissance flights for the fleet.
Hospital ship Oranje looked after more than 30.000 wounded soldiers
Dutch liner Oranje was built in 1939 and was at the time one of the most modern ones in operation. However, its operation as a liner was cut short by the war in Europe. The
Shell’s Ondina tanker played a key role in WWII operating from Exmouth
The MV Ondina was a tanker ship that played a role in World War II. It was launched in April 1939 and was built at the NDSM shipyard in Amsterdam. Upon completion in August 1939,
Destroyers Van Galen and Tjerk Hiddes played a key role in WWII Timor operations from Australia
The HNLMS Van Galen and Tjerk Hiddes were N-class destroyer built as HMS Noble and HMS Nonpareil for the Royal Navy during the Second World War and transferred to the Royal Netherlands Navy shortly after
Dutch Cruiser HNLMS Jacob van Heemskerck Protecting Allied WWII Shipping in Australia
The HNLMS Jacob van Heemskerck, a light cruiser of the Royal Netherlands Navy, arrived in Australia in October 1942 and was based in Fremantle, Western Australia. She was assigned to Allied Naval Forces Western Australia
Commissioner for Emigration Nederland 1948-1967
The Regeringscommissaris voor de Emigratie was a government commissioner for emigration who was appointed by the Dutch government in 1948 to coordinate and stimulate the emigration of Dutch citizens to other countries, especially after World
Dutch Gunboot Flores Visits Australia to Commemorate Sydney’s 150th Anniversary 1938
The Dutch Gunboot Flores arrived in Sydney on January 17, 1938, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the city’s founding. The ship was a 1,200-ton gunboat that was built in 1925. She was armed with
Dutch Submarine K-XVIII Visits Fremantle in 1935
The Dutch submarine K-XVIII made a historic visit to Fremantle in 1935. It was the first Dutch submarine to ever visit the port, and it helped to strengthen the ties between the Netherlands and Australia.
Dutch Naval Visit to Australia in 1930
A Dutch naval squadron visited Australia in 1930, led by Rear Admiral C.C. Kaijser on the light cruiser HNLMS Java with the destroyers De Ruyter and Evertsen. The following ports were visited successively: Fremantle, Adelaide,
The DACC Library Collection
The DACC Library has a collection of books, magazines, CD’s, DVD’s and VHS tapes. Most are not yet in the online data base. The table below lists the categories and the number of books and
Jan van de Stool – the Dutch/Australian comedic, alter-ego of performer Queenie van de Zandt
Jan van de Stool, International Musical Therapist – was a successful Real Estate Agent before giving it all up and making a natural progression into becoming a Self-Help Guru. She lives in Woy Woy, with
Elizabeth Stukkien author of Hartog’s children
Elizabeth Stukkien was born in 1942 in the Netherlands and emigrated to Australia in 1971 with her husband and four children. She worked as a teacher and a librarian in Perth and Brisbane. She died
WWII Naval Commander Australia Pieter Koenraad
Koenraad, Pieter, naval officer (born in Dirksland 6-6-1890 – died in Las Palmas in the Canary Islands 22-2-1968). Son of Johannes Adrianus Koenraad, headteacher, and Alida Elizabeth de Graaff. Married on 5-5-1923 to Catharina Cornelia
Rear Admiral Coster revisits the Dutch war effort from Australia.
Parliamentary inquiry into government policy 1940-1945 This parliamentary inquiry focused on the government policy of the cabinets De Geer, Gerbrandy and Schermerhorn, since the German invasion of the Netherlands on 10 May 1940 and in
Emigration on the MS Sibajak
The MS Sibajak was a passenger ship named after Mount Sibayak, a volcano located in Sumatra, Indonesia. It was built at the Koninklijke Maatschappij “De Schelde” shipyard in Vlissingen, Netherlands. The ship was initially constructed
Ype De Bruin OAM leading figure in the Dutch Community in Victoria
Ype is the President of the Associated Netherlands Societies in Victoria; a position he has held for 29 years. He worked for 32 years with the Gas & Fuel Corporation, during which time he held
Celebrating Rembrandt: True to life – at NGV Melbourne
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne is presenting an exhibition dedicated to the work of seventeenth-century Dutch master Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. Rembrandt: True to life follows the work of Rembrandt from early
Dutch-Indonesian-Australian Geophysicist and artist William Wiebenga
William Alexander Christiaan Johannes Wiebenga was an Indonesian-Dutch-Australian geophysicist and artist. He was born in Benkoelen, Indonesia (now known as Bengkulu, Indonesia) on December 5, 1910. His father with the same name, William Alexander Christiaan
Australian Actor Anthony LaPaglia has Dutch Ancestry
Maria Johannes Brendel is a secretary and the mother of Australian actor Anthony LaPaglia. She is originally from the Netherlands and has Dutch ethnicity. Her husband Gedio “Eddie” LaPaglia, emigrated from Bovalino, Province of Reggio
Royal Netherlands Navy (Koninklijke Marine) in Australia
Unlike the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) Army and its Air Force, the Koninklijke Marine (KM – Royal Netherlands Navy) that operated in NEI, was part of the Dutch Navy. They resorted under the Minister for
The Headquarters of the Dutch East Indies Armed Forces (HK-KNIL) in Melbourne and Brisbane
The Headquarters of the Dutch East Indies Armed Forces was together with the Onderbevelhebber Srijdkrachten in het Oosten – OBSO (Deputy Commander of the Forces in the East) in charge of the construction of the
Dutch Merchantman Maetsuyker: From Escape to Hospital Ship in World War II
The Dutch merchant vessel Maetsuyker, weighing 4,131 tons, played a significant role during World War II. It managed to escape from the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) to the safety of Fremantle, Australia, just before the
Emigratie Commissie of the Nederlandse Vrouwen Comité
The Emigratie Commissie was a committee of the Nederlandse Vrouwen Comité (NVC – Dutch Women’s Council). The Emigration Commission of the Dutch Women’s Council, was an organisation in the Netherlands that focused on assisting women
Stichting Landverhuizing Nederland (Foundation for Emigration Netherlands) – 1913-1967
The Nederlandse Vereniging Landverhuizing (Netherlands Association Emigration) was established in 1913 to promote Dutch emigration. It merged with the Emigration Centre Holland (Emigratie Centrale Holland) in 1931 and formed the Netherlands Emigration Foundation (Stichting Landverhuizing
Dutch Football Club Austral Sydney
Dutch Football Club Austral was a soccer club that was founded in Sydney, Australia, in 1949 by a group of Dutch immigrants. The club was named after the southern continent of Australia, which was sometimes
Van Diemen’s Land became Tasmania 1642-1856
The name Van Diemen’s Land was given to the island of Tasmania by the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642, in honour of Anthony van Diemen, the Governor General of the Dutch East Indies who
The entrepreneurial Sypkes family in Tasmania
It all started with Engel Sypkes, an Australian businessman who migrated from the Netherlands to Tasmania in 1951. Shortly after his arrival, he opened a small general store in Stanley. After a trip to the
“Leesgids Australië: Verhalen uit en over Australië” – 2003
“Leesgids Australië: Verhalen uit en over Australië” is a book that features stories by Australian writers as well as travel stories by travelers who have visited the country. It was first published in 2003 and
Book: Onder schoolkinderen en andere verhalen – 1963
This book is a collection of short stories by Henk Romijn Meijer, a Dutch novelist, anglist and essayist who wrote with an English kind of irony. The stories are partly based on his experience as
The Return of Dutch Migrants from Australia, New Zealand and Canada – 1983
The book The Return of Dutch Migrants from Australia, New Zealand and Canada is a research report written by Wim Blauw and Joed Elich and published by the Netherlands Interuniversity Demographic Institute (NIDI) in 1983.
Books about Mary Bryant and the Batavia from Anthony van Kampen
“Het leven van Mary Bryant” (The Life of Maty Bryant) is a three-volume book written by Anthony van Kampen and published in 1968 by Unieboek NV in Bussum, the Netherlands. The book is written in
Hilma Dymphna Lodewyckx married to Manning Clark.
Hilma Dymphna Lodewyckx (1916-2000) was the daughter of Augustin Lodewyckx and Anna Sophia Hansen. She was born in Stellenbosch, South Africa and later moved to Melbourne, Australia with her family when her father was appointed
The Indisch Dutch in post-war Australia
Recalling the Indies: Colonial Culture and Postcolonial Identities. This is an article written by Dr Joost Coté, Monash University (Australia) and published in June 2010 in the “Tijdschrift voor Sociale en Economische Geschiedenis” Abstract. This
Investigating Lexical Attrition in Long-Term Dutch Expatriates in Australia: A Study on First Language
Dissertation by Ton Ammerlaan (born 1960) Radbout University Nijmegen – 1996 Introduction: Language attrition, the gradual loss of one’s first language (LI) proficiency due to decreased exposure and use, has been a topic of interest
Book: Australia and New Zealand – 1965
“Australië en Nieuw-Zeeland” is the Dutch translation of the book “Australia and New Zealand” written by Colin MacInnes in collaboration with the editors of LIFE magazine. The translation was done by Anna R. Wierdsma. The
Books by Koos Schuur on his refelection on emigration to Australia 1953
The book En de kookaburra lacht… Brieven van een emigrant (And the kookaburra laughs… Letters from an emigrant) is a collection of letters written by Koos Schuur, a Dutch poet, writer, and translator. The letters
Joop van der Laan: Press Officer Dutch Embassy Australia, journalist and author.
Jozef Jacob (Joop) van der Laan was a Dutch journalist born in Assen, in 1886. Coming from a family of butchers, Joop ventured into journalism and began his career as a volunteer at the local
Book: Land in de verte – 1952
The book is a novel by Nevil Shute, published in English as The Far Country in 1952. The book is set in post-war England and Australia, and it tells the story of Jennifer Morton, a
“Australië” – “A Book of Australia” 1962
“A Book of Australia” by Tom Inglis Moore. The Dutch-language edition of “A Book of Australia” was translated by J.J.A. Bakker. The book was published in a hardcover edition and has a dust jacket. The
Information from the Dutch Emigration Service – 1953
Nederlandse Emigratiedienst, Australië. Dagelijks leven van emigranten tegen de achtergrond der Australische economie. Recente emigrantenbrieven, aangevuld met enkele belangrijke artikelen, welke de laatste tijd over Australië het licht zagen, themanummer van: Leven en Werken in
Podcast: ” Australië tot nu toe” SBS Dutch
Historicus Ingeborg van Teeseling bespreekt maandelijks een onderwerp uit de Australische geschiedenis. Van de na-oorlogse migratie stroom en de controverse omtrent Australia Day tot de herkomst van ‘single sex’ scholen. Historian Ingeborg van Teeseling discusses
Dutch in Victoria – Henk Overberg
Dr. Henk Overberg was a Senior Lecturer, School of Australian and International Studies at Deakin University, Melbourne and an academic researcher at Victoria College, Melbourne. He specialised in ethnic research and researched the history and culture of
Frank Leddy reorganised Philips Australasia
By Hans Overberg Franciscus Nicolaas Leddy (1903-1964), company director, was born on 20 April 1903 at Rotterdam, the Netherlands, son of Franciscus Nicolaas Leddy, director of prisons, and his wife Cornelia, née Delabrie. Educated at
A Dutch journalist’s view of Australia in the 1950s
Mathieu Smedts was a Dutch journalist, writer and resistance fighter who became famous as the editor-in-chief of the political weekly magazine Vrij Nederland. He was born in 1913 in a small village in Limburg, a
Book: Cultuur bewust Australië: A Guide to Australian Culture – 2005
Cultuur bewust Australië is a Dutch translation of Culture smart! Australia, a guidebook for travelers to Australia that covers the customs, culture, etiquette and national characteristics of Australians. The book is part of a series
Children’s Book: Jack en Sheltie – 1966 /The curse of Urumbu – 1980
The book title is Jack en Sheltie, written by Piet Prins, a Dutch journalist, politician and children’s book author. The book is part of the Sheltie series, which features the adventures of Jack Westerbaan, a
Gids voor Australië en Nieuw-Zeeland – 1997
“Gids voor Australië en Nieuw-Zeeland” by A. J. van Zuilen. It was published in 1997 by J.H. Gottmer and is a Dutch guidebook for travelers to Australia and New Zealand. The book has 430 pages
Book: Nationale parken in Australië – 2000
The book ” National Parks in Australia” by Ron Moon was published in 2000 by Könemann and translated into Dutch by Jacques Meerman. The book covers 50 national parks across the country, from the tropical
Study: Why potential emigrants cancelled their plans – 1959
Regeringscommissaris voor de Emigratie, Bureau Onderzoekingen, Annulering van emigratie. Een onderzoek bij 500 Australië-units naar de redenen, waarom zij van emigratie afzagen. ’s-Gravenhage: Regeringscommissaris voor de Emigratie, Bureau Onderzoekingen, 1959. This is a title of
Dutch Society Neerlandia of WA Inc.
The earlier Dutch migrants that arrived in the late 1940’s had made several attempts to establish Dutch clubs in WA, such as the Dirck Hartogh Society and the Australian Dutch League, but these all folded
Book: Toen wij uit Nederland vertrokken – 1983
Nelly de Rijk-Zaat, ‘Toen wij uit Nederland vertrokken’. Ervaringen van Nederlandse emigranten in Australië. ’s-Gravenhage: Katholieke Vereniging van Ouders en Familieleden van Geëmigreerden, [1983] This is a book that contains the experiences of Dutch emigrants
Book: “Australië – 1968
Rohan Rivett, Australië, [vert. van: Australia. London: Oxford University Press, 1968, door J.N.H. Gevers Leuven-Dijkstra]. Nijkerk: Callenbach, 1969 is a book that provides an overview of Australia’s history, geography, culture and society. It covers topics
Girl’s book: Het geluk is vlakbij – 1956
Het geluk is vlakbij (Happiness is nearby) by Lenie Stafleu-Kruikemeier, a Dutch author. The book was first published in 1956 by Callenbach and has illustrations by Hans Borrebach. It was reprinted in 1981. The somewhat
Jan Wakker jockey
Jan Wakker was a Dutch-Australian jockey who had a successful career in horse racing. He was born on January 10, 1943, in Groningen, and emigrated to Australia in 1950. His family settled in Moe. Fred
The Alssema Milk Factory in Perth
The Alssema family is a Dutch family who emigrated to Australia in the early 1900s. The family patriarch, Jan Alssema, was born in Nieuw-Lekkerland in 1865. He married Geertruida van der Meer (born in 1871
Dutch Folk Dancing Group
Dr. Cornelis Wouters was the founder of the Dutch Folk Dance Group, a group of over 30 enthusiastic Dutch immigrants (later joined by Australians who married Dutch immigrants). They performed folkloric dances at charitable association
Captain Fideldij Commander 18 Squadron (NEI) RAAF
Bernardus Jacobus Fiedeldij was born on February 25, 1907 in Amsterdam, Netherlands to Jacobus Fiedeldij and Maria van der Laan. He had two brothers, Hendrik and Willem, and one sister, Catharina. His parents were both
Surf Champion Dorothy de Rooy
Dorothy De Rooy (Vidgen) is a former professional surfer and champion who was born in Breda, Netherlands in 1948. When she was three years old, her family immigrated to Australia, and they eventually settled in
Journalist and publisher Jan Rempt
‘Aan de rand der wereld. Een Hollandse emigrant in Australië’ with a foreword written by B.W. Haveman, Regeringscommissaris voor de Emigratie (Government Commissioner for Emigration) was published in Dokkum by Schaafsma & Brouwer in 1953.
Footballer John “Jack” Pannenburg
John “Jack” Pannenburg was born in1946 in Arnhem, the Netherlands. His family immigrated to Australia when he was young, and he grew up in Mount Gambier, South Australia. Pannenburg was a talented footballer, and he
The18 Squadron NEI RAAF moves to McDonald Airfield, NT
Burkholder Field (sometimes referred to as Burkeholder), later known as McDonald Airfield (sometimes incorrectly referred to as MacDonald), was located 10 miles north west of Pine Creek in the Northern Territory. The airfield was built by Company
The Dutch trained at the air bombing range in Nowra – WWII
The Nowra Rifle Club is one of the oldest rifle clubs in Australia, having been founded in 1888. The club also had a strong patriotic spirit and supported the Australian troops during both World Wars.
Book: Australia, Her Heritage, Her Future – 1950
“Zó is Australië, land en volk” by Paul McGuire. It is a Dutch translation of the book “Australian Journey” originally written by J.L. van Tijn and published in London and Toronto by Heinemann in 1939.
Geschreven portretten van Nederlandse emigrantenpriesters in Australië – 1994
A Book Review: Written Portraits of Dutch Migrant Priests in Australia The book Geschreven portretten van Nederlandse emigrantenpriesters in Australië, translates to Written portraits of Dutch migrant priests in Australia in English. It was edited
Australië… wonderland. Van strafkolonie tot land van belofte – 1968
Australië… wonderland. Van strafkolonie tot land van belofte is a Dutch-language book by H.O. Meissner that tells the story of Australia, from its early history as a penal colony to its development into a modern
Children’s book: Australisch avontuur – 1958
The book is titled Australisch avontuur, which means Australian adventure in English. It is a children’s book that tells the story of a Dutch boy who emigrates to Australia with his family and experiences various
Emigration survey: Inpakken en wegwezen? – 1981
Ministerie van Sociale Zaken, Inpakken en wegwezen? Een onderzoek naar kenmerken en motieven van emigranten naar Australië, Canada en Nieuw-Zeeland. Onderzoek verricht door het Ministerie van Sociale Zaken met medewerking van het Instituut voor Psychologisch
Children’s book: Hollandse jongens in Australië – 1947
This is a book written by Nico Molenkamp and illustrated by Cor van Kralingen. It was published by Carpe Diem in Barendrecht in 1947. It is a children’s book about the adventures of Dutch boys
Adrian van Leest – potato king
Adrian van Leest was born in the Netherlands, where his father had a community garden plot. When the family moved to Australia in 1955, they lived in Creswick, Victoria, on a large block cultivated by
Thesis: De teruggekeerde emigrant (The Returned Emigrant) – 1966
The document De teruggekeerde emigrant (The Returned Emigrant) is an unpublished thesis written by Heikina R. Scholten in 1966. It is a qualitative study on the reasons for return to the Netherlands of Dutch emigrants
‘Invisibility and selectivity’. Dutch migration in the 19th and 20th century – 2010
Marijke van Faassen is a Dutch historians who has been involved in several research projects and publications related to migration history. Marijke is a senior researcher at the Huygens Institute for the History of the
Baukje den Exter -Bathurst Migrant Camp
We have copied this information from the “Belongings Website” as that website has been archived. This was part of a collaborative project between the Migration Heritage Centre and Tweed River Regional Museum. Boukje was interviewed
Stichting Emigrantenbelangen – 1952
The Stichting Emigrantenbelangen (Foundation for Emigrants’ Interests) was founded in 1952 in The Hague, with the aim of providing free advice and assistance to emigrants, in addition to the work of official agencies and confessional emigration
Children’s book: Zeven kleine Australiërs – 1896
‘Zeven kleine Australiërs’ by Ethel Turner is a classic children’s novel about the adventures and misfortunes of seven siblings who live on a farm in Australia. It is originally written in English and published in
Emigranten en andere verhalen – 1933
It is published by Elsevier in Amsterdam in 1933. The book is written by Madelon Székely-Lulofs, a Dutch writer and journalist who was born in Indonesia and later moved to Hungary with her second husband,
Book: Two Ways Meet: Stories of Migrants in Australia – 1967
The book Two Ways Meet: Stories of Migrants in Australia is a collection of 16 short stories by different authors who share their experiences of migrating to Australia from various countries and cultures. The stories
Book: Australië by journalist Verberne – 1950
P.E.H.M. Verberne was a Dutch journalist and author. He was born in 1904 in Amsterdam, and died in 1968. He was a member of the Dutch resistance during World War II, and was imprisoned in
Journalist Joop Waasdorp: shearer, crabber, and lumberjack- 1956-1962
Joop Waasdorp was born in Amsterdam in 1917. He grew up in Zaandam and Amsterdam. After three years of HBS (a type of secondary school in the Netherlands), he worked at various jobs, including as
Frisian book: Legge Hannen by Djoke Weening-Meijer – 1987
Djoke Weening-Meijer (1920-1990) is a Dutch writer who was born in Drachten, Friesland, in 1949. She studied Dutch language and literature at the University of Groningen, and after graduating she worked as a teacher and
Book: Een truck in the mist – Elly van Wijmen – 1970
Elly van Wijmen was born on June 26, 1927 in East Java. Before the Indies were occupied by Japan, the family left for the Netherlands. She later emigrated with her first husband to Australia, where
Ons tweede huis. Emigrantenvrouwen schrijven van verre – 1960
The book was published in 1960 by the Emigratie Commissie van het Nederlandse Vrouwen Comité in Den Haag. The book is a collection of 12 stories written by Dutch women who emigrated to different countries,
Taeke Cnossen – Reformed Emigration Vereeniging
Taeke Cnossen (Idzega, June 20, 1896 – Leeuwarden, January 12, 1988) was a Dutch journalist. He was editor of the reformed Friesch Dagblad (1919-1921) and the anti-revolutionary daily De Standaard (1921-1943). He was one of
Book: Always more potato – 1951
Petronella E. Wilson is the author of a book titled Always more potato. From Deventer to Tallangatta. An Olthof family history, which was published by Wilson in Mooroopna, Victoria, Australia in 1996. The book is
Children’s Book: De dans van de wilde bij – 1997
Thea Klein Schiphorst-Witteveenn is the author of a book titled De dans van de wilde bij, which was published by Callenbach in Baarn in 1997. The book is a children’s book about a 13-year-old girl
Australië. Het nieuwe vaderland – 1954
Australië. Het nieuwe vaderland is a travel guide and cultural introduction to Australia and New Zealand, written by E. en B. Degrood and published by Zomer en Keuning in Wageningen in 1954. The book provides
Report of the orientation trip to and through Australia and New Zealand – 1957
A. Drost & B.J. Spitholt, m.m.v. J.M. van Delden, Verslag van de oriëntatie-reis naar en door Australië en Nieuw-Zeeland, typescript, 1957 (Koninklijke Bibliotheek Den Haag, sign. NL 94 H 1000). This is a report of
Book: Op weg naar de toekomst – 1954
Klaas van der Geest (Schiermonnikoog, 27 november 1903-10 oktober 1964). Op weg naar de toekomst. Nijkerk: Callenbach, [1954] (2e dr. 1979; ook verschenen als grote-letter-boek (Eindhoven: Grootdruk-uitgeverij, 1989). Klaas van der Geest, Towards the future.
Robert Hughes’ “The Fatal Shore and the Dutch explorers
“The Fatal Shore” by Robert Hughes tells the story of the early history of Australia, focusing on the period from the first Dutch explorations in the 1600s to the establishment of the British penal colony
Book: Australia at first glance…. and…. on closer inspection – 1954
H.M. Koemans, Australië op het eerste gezicht…. en…. bij nader inzien. Hoorn: West-Friesland, [1954]. Translated in English in 1955 by Peter H. Waite and titled: Australia at first glance…. and…. on closer inspection. Hendrik Marinus
Children’s book: De Zevende Hemel – 1977
De zevende hemel is the name of a neighborhood café. In that café Lize comes home after a long stay in Australia where her father had an important position at a large factory. When Lize
Jan and Anita van Altena founded ‘t Winkeltje in Smithfield, Sydney.
The Dutch Shop, ‘t Winkeltje in ‘Holland House’ was founded by Jan and Anita Altena in Smithfield in 1985. Holland House at first it sold only imported Dutch furniture, but soon expanded to a supermarket
Textile artist Annemieke Mein
Annemieke Mein was born in Haarlem, in 1944. Her Dutch heritage has had a significant influence on her art. Growing up in the Netherlands had a profound impact on her appreciation for nature and the
Dr. Cornelis Wouters and the Dutch language
In the 1950s, Dr. Cornelis Wouters advocated for more attention to be given to the culture of the countries from which many immigrants had settled in Australia, in the country’s education system. He argued that
West Australian Fitting and Furniture Factory founded by the Hazebroek family.
The Hazebroek family emigrated to Australia in 1952 on the Johan van Oldenbarnevelt. They brought their furniture-making equipment with them in the ship’s hold and used it to establish a furniture factory in Perth. The
Netball champion Ingrid Huisken
Ingrid Huisken is a Dutch-Australian former netball player who had a successful career playing for both Australia and the Netherlands. She was born on January 16, 1961, in Leiden. Her family migrated to Australia when
Vossie’s Supermarkets in Tasmania
Roelf Vos was a successful Australian businessman and philanthropist, born on a boat in Bergum (later Burgum), the Netherlands, on 4 October 1921. During World War II, he was involved in the Dutch Resistance and
Volle last van de emigratie op de ‘tengere schouders’ van ‘flinke vrouwen’ – 2017
Volle last van de emigratie op de ‘tengere schouders’ van ‘flinke vrouwen’ is the title of the master thesis of Judith Calkhoven. It is about post-war emigration information and preparation for and by Dutch women,
The long Dutch relationship with the Southern and Southeast suburbs of Brisbane.
The long Dutch relationship with Southeast Brisbane began during World War II, when in 1942 the Americans established Camp Columbia in Wacol, Brisbane to stop the Japanese advance in the Southwest Pacific. The camp became
Peter Tangelder discus throwing champion.
Peter Tangelder is a former Dutch-Australian discus thrower who had a successful career in the sport. He was born on December 13, 1958, in the Netherlands, and migrated to Australia in the early 1980s. Tangelder
Christel van der Laan: A Contemporary Jeweller
Christel van der Laan is a contemporary jeweller based in Perth, Western Australia. She was born in 1963 in Son en Breugel, the Netherlands, and moved to Australia in 1981. She graduated from Edith Cowan
Manon van Kouswijk – jeweler
Manon van Kouswijk, a Dutch artist born in 1967, has been residing and creating in Melbourne since 2010. She received her education at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam, where she later became the Head
The Land of the Living Fossils- Animals in Travelogues for Dutch-Australian Emigrants,1950-1970
Ton van Kalmthout AbstractDutch emigrants who moved to Australia after the Second World War were confronted with anexceptional animal world, if only in emigration literature, including travel reports. This article discusses to which Australian animals
Dairy cows and dairy products in Dutch-Australian emigration literature, 1945-1965
Melkkoeien en zuivel in Nederlands-Australische emigratieliteratuur, 1945-1965 This is the original article by Prof. Ton van Kalmthout with graphics, pictures and source references in Dutch. Below that is a PDF of the article’s English translation.
Children’s book: Emigrante tegen wil en dank (Emigrant Against Her Will) 1955
Hella Jansonius’ Emigrante tegen wil en dank” (Emigrant Against Her Will) is a book published in 1955 by West-Friesland, a Dutch publishing company based in Hoorn. It tells the compelling story of a young woman
Children’s book: Zes weken op de boot (Six weeks on the boat) 1980
Leijn Janse (b. Nieuw- en St-Joosland, 29-1-1914 – † Barneveld, 12-10-1991) was a Dutch author who wrote under various pseudonyms such as J. de Lange, L.J. Nijland, and Leo Polderman. He worked as a teacher
16 Dutch books from the emigration Period
Books about Dutch girls in Australia (1960s) Dutch Children’s book”: “Stel je voor dat ik ging emigreren” Children’s book – Stampende hoeven. Tom Hoekstra als veedrijver in Australië Children’s book: Tula, de kleine houtsnijder Children’s
Books about Dutch girls in Australia (1960s)
Catharina Fenne Charlotte (Tine) Jager-Meursing was a Dutch author who wrote several books for children and young adults. She was born in 1891 in Amsterdam, and she died in Amersfoort in 1979. Jager-Meursing’s books are
Dutch Children’s book”: “Stel je voor dat ik ging emigreren” (1954)
The book is in Dutch – translated as “Imagine if I emigrated” – and is written by Else Harting and illustrated by Hans Borrebach. The book was published by West-Friesland in Hoorn, Netherlands, in 1954.
Unpublished transcript: “Emigration from the Netherlands” by Professor Geijl
This particular work is not widely known or may have limited information available, it doesn’t appear in the overview of his extensive list of publications. It is a typescript with handwritten additions, and it is
Children’s book – Stampende hoeven. Tom Hoekstra als veedrijver in Australië (1954)
Achter stampende hoeven. Tom Hoekstra als veedrijver in Australië. Published in The Hague by Kramers, [1954] (in 1961 reprinted as Stampende hoeven. Tom Hoekstra als veedrijver in Australië). The book is in Dutch and written
Children’s book: Tula, de kleine houtsnijder (1956)
Tula, de kleine houtsnijder (Tula, the Little Woodcarver) is a children’s book written by S. Franke and illustrated by G. van Straaten. It was published by Kluitman in Alkmaar, the Netherlands, in 1956. The book
You Take Yourself Overseas: A Personal Perspective on Post-War Emigration from the Netherlands to Australia – 2017
A book by Jan Fels and Brenda van Dijk provides a personal perspective on the Dutch migration experience in Australia. The book, titled “Je neemt jezelf mee overzee: Een persoonlijke visie op de naoorlogse emigratie
Study: Dutch Migrants in Australia: Challenges and Experiences – 1969
A study conducted by Corry Eykman (Eijkman) in 1969 explored the challenges and experiences of Dutch migrants in Australia. The study found that Dutch migrants faced a number of challenges, including the language barrier, the
Dutch Women Share Their Emigration Stories – 1960
A book published by the Emigratie Commissie van het Nederlandse Vrouwen Comité (Emigration Committee of the Dutch Women’s Committee) features writings by emigrant women who share their experiences from afar. The book, titled “Ons tweede
Emigration Commission of the Dutch Women’s Committee
The Emigration Commissieloon of the Dutch Women’s Committee, or in Dutch, “Emigratie Commissie van het Nederlandse Vrouwen Comité,” was an organisation dedicated to supporting Dutch women in the emigration process. The committee was active during
Where Water Meets: Bonegilla, The Dutch Migrant Experience – 1997
The Dutch have a long and rich history of migration to Australia. In the 20th century, many Dutch migrants came to Australia in search of a new start after the Second World War. One of
Historical novel “De Coopers van Sydney”- 1962
De Coopers van Sydney (The Coopers from Sydney) is a Dutch historical novel by E. Eichholtz, first published in 1962. The novel tells the story of a group of Dutch coopers who travel to Sydney,
De Australiër (The Northerner) – 1954
De Australiër, is authorised translation of The Northerner, 1954, written by Joan Colebook and translated by Hans de Vries. Den Haag: Zuid-Hollandsche Uitgeversmaatschappij, 1963. The Northerner by Joan Colebrook is a historical novel set in
They Came to Australia: An Anthology – 1962
“They Came to Australia: An Anthology” is a book edited by Alan Brissenden and Charles Higham. Published in 1962 by Angus and Robertson, it is a collection of writings that highlights the experiences of various
Australian Explorers: A Selection from Their Writings – 1958
This is a collection of excerpts from the diaries and journals of twenty-one Australian explorers. The book was edited and introduced by Kathleen Fitzpatrick, a professor of English at the University of Melbourne. The book
Beyond Australia’s Cities – Kriskras door Australië – 1956
“Kriskras door Australië” is the Dutch translation of the book “Beyond Australia’s Cities” written by Bill Beatty and translated by J.E.L. Stoffers. The book was originally published in English in 1956 by Cassell, and the
Paul Budde co-founder of the UN Broadband Commission for Digital Development
Paul was born in Vught on 8 September 1950. His parents Herman Budde and Annie Velthuis were born in Ootmarsum. (See also: The War of my Parents) In 1953 the family moved to Oss. Paul
Dutch schools and courses
Dutch Courses University of Queensland: https://iml.uq.edu.au/learn-language/learn-dutch Listen and Learn Australia Melbourne (online) https://www.listenandlearnaustralia.com.au/learn-dutch Dutch Language Institute Sydney https://sydneylanguagesolutions.com.au/dutch-course/ Centre for Adult Education Melbourne: https://www.cae.edu.au/course_category/all-languages/dutch/ Language one Perh https://www.languageone.org/locations/languageone-perth/ Schools Dutch School De Kangoeroe Sydney https://dutchaustralianculturalcentre.com.au/archive/dutch-culture/new-online-classes-at-dutch-school-de-kangoeroe-in-sydney-2/
The evacuation of the Netherlands East Indies Flying Schools to Australia
The war In Netherlands East indies (NEI) led to the merging of the training schools of the air force of the KNILM (Royal Netherlands East Indies Army), the aviation service of the Royal Dutch Navy
The Duyfken – hosts the Compagnie Batavia
Scroll down for the picture gallery of the Compagnie Batavia sailing on the Duyfken on Sydney Harbour – May 2023 The first documented and undisputed European sighting of and landing in Australia was in late
Samuel Jacobs and the Story of the WWII Dakota C-47 Crash near Mossman
On September 7, 1944, a Dakota C-47 aircraft carrying 20 people crashed into a mountain near Mossman, Queensland, while returning from a reconnaissance visit to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. The plane was operated by the
The Willemse Family – major mushroom suppliers
Petrus (Piet) Wilhelmus Johannes Willemse was born on 13 July 1933 at Liessel, Deurne, Nord Braband, Netherlands to Johannes Jozef Willemse (b 27.01.02 d 27 Oct 1944) and Francina Petronella Wilhelmina Spreeuwenberg (b 30 Nov 1906 D April 1968).
Everywhere Dutch (Overal Hollanders) book by J.P Risseeuw – 1965
“Overal Hollanders” by Pieter Johannes Risseeuw (1901 – 1968) is a historical account of Dutch migration and settlement around the world, focusing in particular on Australia. The book was published in 1965 by Bosch &
Dutch-Australian photographer Richard Woldendorp
This article is written with the assistance of Richard’s wife Lyn she also made the photo selection below. Lyn is a photo librarian and has been doing this for 60 years. Richard Woldendorp was born
Unilever and the Australian link to the rise of margarine.
In 1869, a French chemist named Hippolyte Mège-Mouriès invented a spread made from beef tallow and skimmed milk that he called “margarine.” Margarine was initially viewed with suspicion and was slow to catch on in
Dutch emigration literature with regard to Australia 1946 – 1992
The following list of Dutch emigration literature (in a broad sense) includes book titles that specifically relate to emigration of Dutch people to Australia. The list, compiled by Ton van Kalmthout, does not claim to
Elisabeth Holdsworth poet and writer of short stories
Born in the Netherlands in January 1947, just after WWII in the south-western province of Zeeland, Elisabeth’s family name is de Rijke-Nassau, one of the branches of the Nassaus sharing the common ancestry of Charlemagne
Augustin Lodewyckx introduced the first university course in Dutch in Australia
Augustin Lodewyckx (1876-1964) was a Belgian scholar and professor who made significant contributions to the study of modern languages in Australia. He was born on December 8, 1876, in Booischot, Belgium, the son of Joannes
VFA top football scorer 1966 – Ben Nusteling
Ben Nusteling was a Dutch Australian Australian Rules footballer who was born in Dordrecht, Netherlands, on February 27, 1939. His family immigrated to Australia when he was a child, and he grew up in the
Marguerite Ruygrok – Olympic Breaststroke Swimmer
Marguerite Ruygrok was born on June 3, 1947, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. She migrated with her family to Australia at a young age. She began swimming at an early age and showed considerable talent for
Henk Vogels Olympic Cyclist
Henk (Hendricus) Vogels (Haarlem, 1 November 1942 – 9 August 2019) was a Dutch professional cyclist who immigrated to Australia with his parents and siblings in 1955. His father, a plumber, settled the family in Riverton,
Nelleke Jol – founder Western Australian Women’s Gymnastics Association
Nelleke (Nelleck) Jol is a former Dutch Australian gymnast and coach who has made significant contributions to the sport of gymnastics in Western Australia. Jol was born in the Netherlands and moved to Australia in
Gymnastics Olympian Benjamin de Roo
Benjamin Hielke de Roo was a renowned Australian gymnast who was born on 11 February 1940 in Enschede. His family emigrated to Australia in 1957, and he became an Australian citizen in 1960. De Roo
Fencing Olympian Hilbert van Dijk
Hilbert van Dijk was born on 24 September 1918 in the Netherlands, and he grew up in Amsterdam. He learned to fence at a young age and became one of the top epee fencers in
Paul Peter Couvret – military veteran, teacher, and local councilor.
Paul Couvret OAM JP (5 June 1922 – 5 July 2013) was born in Batavia, Netherlands East Indies, he signed up for the Royal Netherlands Navy when World War II came to the Netherlands East
Peter Spyker very first immigrant to become Minister for Ethnic Affairs (Victoria)
Peter Spyker was a Dutch Australian who served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1982 to 1992. During his time in parliament, he held various ministerial portfolios, including Minister
Harry van der Sluys famous Australian comedian
Hyam van der Sluice (sometimes spelled “Sluys”) was born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in 1855 and arrived in Adelaide, Australia, in 1882. He married Amelia (nee Barnett)in Adelaide in 1886, and they had seven children.
The Colonial Warship the Doerga explored northern Australia (1825-1826)
In the 1820s the Dutch Colonial naval vessel Doerga (Dourga) the Dutch was sent by Netherlands East indies Government to northern Australia to establish Dutch claims to the region and to investigate the trepang trade.
Magician Rids van der Zee (1923-2003)
Rids van der Zee was a Dutch-born magician who immigrated to Australia in 1954. He was born in the Frisian town of Franeker, in 1923. Van der Zee was a skilled magician who specialised in
William Lodewyk Crowther – 14th Premier of Tasmania
William Lodewyk Crowther was a Tasmanian politician who served as the 14th Premier of Tasmania from December 1878 to October 1879. He was born on April 15, 1817, in Haarlem, Netherlands, and later moved to
Frank Broeze – maritime historian
Franklin Jan Aart Broeze, who went by Frank Broeze, was a prominent maritime historian and academic who was born on January 20, 1945, in Rijswijk, Netherlands. Broeze grew up in the Netherlands and attended Leiden
Anthropologist Mark de Graaf
Mark de Graaf came to Australia in 1958. He studied a Claremont Teachers College and the University of Western Australia to become a geology teacher. He took part in the Perth Drama Festival and the
Johannes van Gemert president of the Association of Professional Scientists 1977
Johannes van Gemert was the president of the Association of Professional Scientists (APS) in Australia in 1977. The APS is a professional association in Australia that represents scientists, engineers, and technologists across various fields, including
Ornithologist Jonkheer Gerard Frederick van Tets
Jonkheer Gerard Frederick van Tets, also known as Jerry van Tets, was a renowned ornithologist and paleontologist who made significant contributions to the study of birds and prehistoric life. He was born on January 19,
Sunrise Choral Society – Blacktown
Sunrise Choral Society was a Dutch choral group that formed in Blacktown in 1959 under the name “Morgenrood”. Initially their repertoire was purely Dutch., however they became increasingly more anglicised. They held an International Festival
Dutch Choir and Folkloric Group Dee Why
The Dutch Choir and Folkloric Group Dee Why was a choral group formed by 25 Dutch parishioners of the Dee Why Presbyterian Church in Sydney, Australia in 1958. Initially, the group was primarily focused on
Professor Reinhard van Steveninck and Dr. Margaret Elva Van Steveninck- plants and soil scientists
Emeritus Professor Reinhard (Ted) Ferdinand Mathias Van Steveninck was a plant physiologist born on 28 July 1928 in Indonesia. He graduated from the State Agricultural University in Wageningen, Holland, in 1949, and earned an Ingenieurs
Jan Willem van Otterloo conductor of Melbourne and Sydney Orchestras
Jan Willem van Otterloo was a prominent Dutch conductor who achieved great success both in his home country and in Australia. He was born on December 27, 1907, in Winterswijk, Netherlands, and began his music
Opera singer Pieter van der Stock
Pieter van der Stock was born on November 18, 1933, in Rotterdam. At a certain stage he moved to Britain, here he appeared in several BBC television shows and films, including “Z Cars,” “Doctor Who,”
Ballet Dancer Willy de la Bye
Willy de la Bye was born on August 25, 1934, in The Hague, Netherlands. She began her dance training at a young age and went on to study with several renowned teachers and choreographers in
Jaap Flier Artistic Director of the Dance Company of NSW 1976-1982
Jaap Flier was born in Scheveningen the Netherlands, on 27 February 1934. He began dancing at a young age and went on to study ballet at the Royal Ballet School in London in the 1950s.
Free Reformed Church of Australia
The Free Reformed Church of Australia (FRCA) is a Protestant denomination that has its roots in the Dutch Reformed tradition. The church was established in the 1950s in Australia, as a result of Dutch immigration
“Het Kompas” for the Dutch Catholic Community in Sydney.
“Het Kompas” was a Dutch-language publication that was established in Sydney in the early 1950s, by Catholic Dutch Migrant Organisation (CDMO) (Katholieke Nederlandse Migranten Organisatie – KNMO). It was a Catholic publication aimed at serving
Dutch Catholic publication: the Contact Perth (established 1955)
“Contact” was a Dutch-language publication that was established in Perth, Australia in 1955. It was a Catholic publication aimed at serving the Dutch Catholic community in Perth and the surrounding areas. The publication focused on
“De Stuw” Dutch-language publication llawarra, 1952.
“De Stuw” is a Dutch-language publication that was established in Illawarra, Australia in 1952. It was the monthly stenciled organ of the Nederlands Australische Vereniging (Dutch Australian Association) in Illawarra, which was founded that same
“Mededelingen” Dutch-language publication Hobart (1952- 1955).
“Mededelingen Ned. Vereniging “Abel Tasman”” was a Dutch-language publication that was established in Hobart, Australia in 1952. It was published by the Dutch Association “Abel Tasman,” which was founded in 1950 to serve the Dutch
“Je Maintiendrai” former Dutch-language magazine Adelaide
“Je Maintiendrai” is a Dutch-language magazine that was established in Adelaide, Australia in 1957. The magazine was published by the Dutch Australian Association of South Australia, which was founded in 1951 to serve the Dutch
Carl van Nieuwmans – artist influenced by the Australian desert.
Carl Van Nieuwmans (also known as Carolus Joannes Nieuwmans) was a Dutch-born Australian artist who was born in 1931 in The Hague. He studied at the Haagse Academy of Visual Arts in the Netherlands and
De Nieuwe Wereld Dutch-language newspaper 1955 to 1961
De Nieuwe Wereld was a Dutch-language newspaper published in Australia from 1955 to 1961. The newspaper was founded by a group of Dutch immigrants who had settled in Australia after World War II, and it
The Dutch immigration press
The post-World War II immigration to Australia began in 1947-8 with only a few persons of Dutch birth. However, the numbers increased rapidly, and by the time of the 1954 Census, 42,000 persons born in
Reformed Theologian Rev. John Vanderbom
Rev. John Vanderbom (1913-1992) was a Dutch-born Australian Reformed pastor. He was born in the Netherlands and migrated to Australia in 1951. His parish originally centred on Sydney but extended from Brisbane to the Victorian
Trowel and Sword publication of the Reformed Church in Australia (historic)
Trowel and Sword was a publication of the Reformed Church in Australia, which was founded in 1953. The first editorial of this Christian magazine in Australia written by Rev. John Vanderbom in 1954. The first
Dutch-language Catholic magazine – Onze Gids
Onze Gids was a Dutch-language Catholic magazine established in Australia in 1950. The magazine was published by the Catholic Printing and Publishing Company in Melbourne, Australia, and was aimed at Dutch immigrants to Australia. The
Reindert Meijer on Dutch Literature
R.P. Meijer was born on 18 January 1926 in Amsterdam. He studied Dutch at the University of Amsterdam where he graduated in Dutch language and literature in 1950. He obtained his PhD in Dutch literature
Cornelis Vleeskens – Performance Poet
Cornelis Vleeskens (1948-2012) was a Dutch-Australian poet, translator, and visual artist known for his experimental and wide-ranging works. Vleeskens arrived in Australia as a Dutch immigrant in 1958, and he spent much of his life
Lolo Houbein author of novels, histories, poetry, essays, and short stories.
Lolo Houbein is a Dutch-Australian author and conservationist known for her extensive portfolio of novels, histories, poetry, essays, and short stories. Lolo Houbein was born on January 20, 1935, in The Hague, Netherlands. Her father,
Jean Orval Stained glass artist
Jean Orval was born in Tegelen, Holland in May 1911 and died in Hamilton, Victoria in March 1987. As early as 1926 his emerging talent won him 1st prize in drawing at a Home Industry
Stained Glass Artist Rein Slagmolen
Marinus “Rein” Slagmolen (7 November 1916 – 29 January 1999) was a Dutch-Australian artist and sculptor with a background in chemical research. Slagmolen was born in the province of Utrecht, Netherlands, as the youngest son
Hans Arkeveld sculptor, painter, draughtsman, and printer
Hans Arkeveld was born on 27 August 1942 in Scheveningen, Holland. He migrated to Australia with his family in 1952 and lived in migrant camps in Victoria and Western Australia before settling in Collie, WA.
Theo Koning founding member of the Western Australian Sculptors’ Association
Theo Koning was a prominent Australian artist who worked across multiple mediums including painting, sculpture, and printmaking. He was born in the Netherlands in 1950 and immigrated to Western Australia in 1953. Koning studied fine
Adrian Mauriks – sculptor
Adrian Mauriks was a Dutch-born Australian artist who was born in 1942 and passed away in 2020. He emigrated to Australia with his family in 1957 when he was still young. His family was involved
Gerard Havekes active in ceramics, painting, sculpture and tapestry
Gerard Havekes was born in ‘s Hertogenbosch in 1925. He did his military service in the Netherlands at the start of WWII. He immigrated to Australia in 1950. He was active in ceramics, painting, sculpture
Berend van der Struik – teacher, designer, sculptor.
Berend van der Struik was a Dutch artist, born on 24 July1929 in Beilen. He studied at the Akademie voor Industriële Vormgeving Eindhoven and the Académie de la Grande Chaumière (Parijs). He emigrated to Australia
Ernst van Hattum – first director Mildura Art Gallery
(We are interested in further details and corrections on the personal info mentioned in this article). Ernst van Hattum was a Dutch-Australian artist who was born on January 29, 1923, in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. He
Renown Potter Henri Le Grand
Henricus Alexander Theodorus (Henri) Le Grand, was born on May 10, 1921, in Zevenaar, the Netherlands. His parents were Petrus Egidius Hubertus Le Grand, a laborer of French-Dutch descent, and Elisabetha Antoinetta van Haren. Henri
Alex Rotteveel – founder Little Theatre Maryborough
We are looking for more information on Alex Rotteveel. Alexander Johannes Rotteveel was born August 11, 1916 at Assen, Assen, Drenthe, Nederland, he died in Toowoomba Qld December 18 1993. He was married to Bouwina
WIM de VOS – Artist, teacher, musician.
Dutch-born artist Wim de Vos (1947-2018) was born in The Hague and migrated to Brisbane with his family in 1959. Wim’s passion for the arts led him to pursue diplomas in Commercial Illustration and Fine
Pieter Zaadstra book illustrator artist
Pieter Zaadstra was a Dutch-born Australian artist born on January 15th, 1955, at Skraerd, Frisia. He is the son of an art historian. He began his art journey as a young boy sketching in various
Hendrik Kolenberg Art Curator – Art Gallery of NSW
Hendrik Kolenberg is an Australian art curator and writer who was born in 1952 in the Netherlands and migrated to Australia with his family in 1959. Kolenberg was the senior curator of Australian prints, drawings
Abstract Painter – Fashion Design – Jan Riske
Jan Hendrik Riske was born on the Voorstraat in Dordrecht on 21 June 1932, the second of eight children, to Hendrik and Francine Riske. His father was a lead-light glazier who wanted to become an
Abstract impressionist Ian van Wieringen
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Mystery: Contemporary artist Maria Blansjaar
It interesting, we found reference suggestions for her (see belkow), but none of the links are working anymore, nor is there any info on her paintings mentioned in the collections. It is as if she
Alfred and Joke Calkoen – Dutch-Australian painters
Alfred Calkoen was a Dutch-Australian artist who played an important role in the development of the visual arts in Victoria, Australia. He was born on January 1, 1917, in Amsterdam he finished his study in
Netherlands East Indies Commission for Australia and New Zealand
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Netherlands East Indies Government-in-Exile in Australia (1944-1946)
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Three unique Dutch movies during WWII from around Australia
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Kingsford Smith flew in a Dutch plane with a Dutch co-pilot
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Dutch Navy involved in the search for the sunken HMAS Sydney in 1941
On 19 November 1941, HMAS Sydney, an Australian light cruiser, was engaged in a naval battle with the German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran off the coast of Western Australia. During the battle, both ships were sunk,
The Dutch and USA’s 7th Fleet
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Koninklijke Pakketvaart-Maatschappij- Australian operation launched in 1912
De Koninklijke Pakketvaart-Maatschappij (KPM – Royal Packet Navigation Company – was established in 1888 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The company was created by merging several smaller Dutch shipping companies that were operating in the Dutch
The Dutch at Batchelor Airport in the Northern Territory
Batchelor Airport is a former Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base located in Batchelor, Northern Territory, Australia. The base was established in 1942 during World War II and was used primarily as a bomber base
Royal Netherlands Navy Wireless Telegraphy Station Batchelor, NT and Craigieburn, Vic.
Dutch message re Pearl Harbour attack was ignored. Identifying Japan as a potential aggressor, in the thirties the Dutch tried to strengthen their intelligence capability. In 1932 the Royal Netherlands Navy set up a radio
A short overview of the Dutch exploration of Torres Strait
Scroll down and a map shows up with New Guinea connected to Australia but a small missing part on that map shows where in this perspective the Torres Strait could have been. See also: The
Proposal to establish a Dutch settlement in South Australia (1717)
Jean Pierre Purry was a Swiss explorer who presented a plan to the Dutch Governor General of the Dutch East Indies in Batavia (now Jakarta, Indonesia) in 1717 to establish a settlement in Australia. His
Jan Logeman and Juliana Village – Sydney
Juliana Village in Miranda in Sydney’s South came about thanks largely to the vision and drive of one man: Johan (Jan, John) Logeman (more info on Jan in the pdf below). The idea was born
Christian Reformed Churches of Australia
The Reformed Church in Australia has its roots in the Dutch Reformed tradition, which traces its origins back to the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. The Dutch Reformed Church emerged in the Netherlands in
Dutch Settlers of the Latrobe Valley
“Settlers of the Latrobe Valley: A Sociological Study of Immigrants in the Brown Coal Industry in Australia” is book by Polish-Australian sociologist and academic Jerzy Zubrzycki. The book includes two detailed studies, of the Dutch
‘Little Groningen’ Dutch settlement at Kingston, Tasmania
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Maerten van Delft explored northern coast in 1705
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Marayke Jonkers – Paralympic Swimming Champion
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Rupert Gerritsen- influential historian in Dutch-Australian past and Vietnam activist
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The famous tulip growing Tesselaar family
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The Dutch Ladies of the Grail arrived in Australia in 1936
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Willem Siebenhaar social activist and writer (1863-1937)
He was born in The Hague on July 28, 1863 and developed a lifelong interest in chess at the age of fifteen and was exposed to Christian anarchist Ferdinand Domela Nieuwenhuis during his early life.
Jessie Catherine Couvreur- Dutch-Tassie author ( 1848-1897)
Born in Highgate, London, Jessie Catherine Couvreur was of Dutch, French, and English descent, with her father, Alfred James Huybers, originally a merchant from Antwerp. She arrived in Tasmania with her family in December 1852
Early cubist artist Harry den Hartog (1902-1984)
Henricus Marie (Harry) den Hartog (1902-1984) was a Dutch-born artist who emigrated to Australia in 1923. He is known for his contribution to the development of cubism in Australia. Den Hartog was born in Rotterdam,
Henri Benedictus Salaman Van Raalte curator Art Gallery of South Australia (1881-1929)
Henri Benedictus Salaman Van Raalte (1881-1929) was a talented etcher born in Lambeth, London. . His father, Joel Van Raalte, was a Dutch-born merchant and his mother, Frances Elizabeth (née Cable), was English. He studied
Jacob Carabain Dutch-Belgian – Melbourne – 1885
Jacob Frans Jozef Carabain, also known as Jacques François Joseph Carabain, was a Dutch-Belgian painter. He was renowned for his Romantic-Realist style, particularly his depictions of cities and buildings. Carabain’s interest in Medieval and Baroque
Willem de Vlamingh – Visiting ‘Perth’ in1696
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Victor Victorszoon first painting of the Swan River in Perth – 1696
Victor Victorszoon was a Dutch artist (born 1653) as a painter and cartographer he accompanied the explorer Willem de Vlamingh on his expedition to Australia in the late 17th century. Victorszoon’s paintings are the sole
Dutch-Australian painter Henry Leonardus van den Houten (1801-1879)
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Dutch-Australian writer Francisca (Paquita) Delprat (wife of explorer David Mawson)
Francisca Adriana (Paquita) Delprat was a British-born writer and community worker, born on August 19, 1891, in Acton, London. Her father was a Dutch-born mining engineer Guillaume Daniel Delprat, who had moved to Broken Hill,
Jacob Jansen/Johnson – (grand)father of famous Australian Footballers and Cyclists
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Was there a Dutch colony in Central Australia in the 18th century?
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The extremely tough life of the Lubbs family in the Pilliga Scrub (NSW)
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Fokke Jacob de Jong – jumped ship and settled in Victoria
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Graham Gosewinckel – director of Australia’s first satellite company.
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Van Alkemade’s Major Plains Limekiln in Lara Victoria
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An 1855 proposal for a Dutch Settlement in Moreton Bay (Brisbane)
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Dutch Migrants and the gold rush of the 1850s.
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Jan Vennik – and other Dutchmen at the Eureka Stockade (1854)
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Queen Wilhelmina Benevolent Trust Funds
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Colonial Dutch Consul-General to Victoria – J. W. Ploos Van Amstel – 1864
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Photo collection Evert Herman van Hummel – Flight Engineer Royal Dutch Airforce – KLM
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Cornelis Antoine Trijssenaar was born on 2 January 1909 in Arnhem. ‘Keesje’ grew up in an international family originally coming from Strassbourg to The Hague. He had family in Monaco, Austria and Switzerland where summer
Overfishing and Dutch regulations saw an increase of Makassar fisherman in Australia.
Makassar centre of the trepang fishing Trepang fishing, also known as sea cucumber fishing, is a type of fishing that involves the collection of sea cucumbers, which are a type of marine invertebrate. Sea cucumbers
First contact between the Dutch and the Aboriginal People
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Napoleonic Wars – British captured Dutch ship Swift and sold it in Sydney.
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Dutch persons among convicts transported to Australia
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Reis naar Nieuw-Zuid-Wallis. Uit het dagboek van een scheepsdokter – 1840.
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Dr. Edward Duyker, historian, author.
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The American-British-Dutch-Australian Command – 1942
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By Susanne Ruijs I arrived with my family in Australia in July 1980. Our family consisted of my husband Hein and me and our four children Eva (12), Saskia (11), Thomas (9) and Christine (6).
Dutch Commandos – WWII Intelligence Service – Born in Australia
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Evert Herman van Hummel survived a Catalina Crash in 1945
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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
Jan Hendrik Scheltema Dutch-Australian Painter (1861-1941)
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Jan Hendrik Scheltema Dutch-Australian Painter
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WWII Netherlands Forces Intelligence Service – Operating from Australia
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Kun je nog zingen zing dan mee – WWII book published in Melbourne
The first edition of the song book ” Kun je nog zingen zing dan mee” (If you can still sing, sing along) was published in 1906 and the book has had numerous editions since. It
Bible Restoration Project
The Bible was donated to the DACC by Ellie Zinsmeester. It dates from 1768 and was deaccessioned (officially disposed off) by the church around 1940. It was brought to Australia when Ellie’s father migrated to
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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
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
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
The Batavia and its many stories
Latest developments Wreck of the Batavia brought back to life in forensic reconstruction by Flinders University The Batavia – 1629 The Batavia, built in Amsterdam in 1628 was the company’s new flagship, she sailed that
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The history of Shell in Australia – since 1901
Shell Australia is the Australian subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell. Shell has operated in Australia since 1901, initially delivering bulk fuel into Australia, then establishing storage and distribution terminals, oil refineries, and a network of
Dutch Art Import Committee (Dutch Consulate) – early 1900s
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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
Archive files 1953 North Sea Flood ‘Watersnoodramp’
This post contains articles from newpares and magazines and archoval material from The DACC. Go back to the main article. Newspapers and magazines with pictures from the Flood You can open each newspaper in a
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
David Groenteman Auschwitz survivor, ice hockey champion, restaurateur and Dutch community leader
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Australia on the Map 1606-2006
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Guillaume Daniel Delprat (1856-1937) Metallurgist at BHP
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Evacuees 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
Personal recollections Camp Columbia – Jean van Schilfgaarde
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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.
Akky van Ogtrop – Art Curator
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Dr Ray Kerkhove Historian specialising in Aboriginal history
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‘The Oasis’ famous (WWII) Brisbane resort frequented by the Dutch military.
‘The Oasis’ in the Brisbane suburb of Sunnybank was created by Mrs Mabel Pottinger and her two sons, Norman and Lewis. They had a flower, fruit, vegetable and poultry farm and turned that into a tourist attraction
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
Dr. Cas Jeekel Dutch zoologist and entomologist – expert in Australian millipedes
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A fascinating link between the Boven Digul Camp, the 18th NEI Squadron and the Cowra WWII Cemetery
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Long agriculture history between Australia and the Netherlands
Being the 2nd largest export of agriculture products, The Netherlands has a very long relationship with Australia in relation to agriculture. Already in the 1970 the Netherlands participated in agriculture events in Orange NSW. Further
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
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
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
The history of the Dutch Australian Weekly
The Sydney-based Dutch Australian Weekly (DAW) w was founded in 1951 by Alfred Schuurman with the assistance of Cumberland Newspapers. The paper was established to serve the Dutch community in Australia, providing news, features, and
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)
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,
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
In 1854, the Dutch vessel ‘Bato’ rescues survivors of the three shipwrecks along the Queensland coast.
The ‘Fatima’ was bound from Melbourne to Batavia (Jakarta). On the 26th of June 1854 the vessel was wrecked on the Great Detached Reef, twelve miles south of Raine’s Island. The shipwrecked crew and passenger
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
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
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
Applying for a passport and Double Nationality
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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
The Brisbane Borrelclub and Borrel Boomers
The Borrelclub (a club of Dutch gin drinkers) had its foundation in 1964, when the Officer-in-Charge of the local Dutch Emigration Service, Mr Cees Mossel, invited a few prominent expatriate Dutch businessmen for an after
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
Can you assist the DACC with our Digital Hub?
We are looking for people to join this team so we can make the right selections for our Hub and can assist with the various elements of the digitisation process. While the physical archives are in Sydney, we also are looking at cloud-based projects which can be done from home.
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
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
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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
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.
Philips Electronics Pty Ltd was the largest company from The Netherlands in Australia
Pierre van der Eng The predecessor of Philips Electronics Pty Ltd in Sydney was one of the largest Dutch companies that operated in Australia. In 1970 when it had 13,000 employees in various locations in
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.
Heineken Tennis Tournament – Sydney 11 December
Back on! After missing out on two Heineken Tennis Tournaments in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid and the renovations of Primrose Park Tennis, Dutchlink is very pleased to invite you to the Dutchlink Heineken
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
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.
The 18 Netherlands East Indies Squadron RAAF – WWII – List of casualties added.
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.
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
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,
Dutch immigrant ships to Australia
More individual information is available on the DACC database (see links below). The major ships bringing Dutch migrants to Australia include: Remembering the Dutch Ships contribution for the defence of Australia. Dutch passenger liners such
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
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,
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.