Latest News

Presentation Dr Nonja Peters: Four M’s of Dutch-Australian history (16/10/2024)

At a recent DACC meeting Dr. Nonja Peters explored the rich maritime, World War II military, post-war migration, and trade...
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Letters from emigrant Jan de Vries – Tasmania 1949

Introduction The following are 29 letters, written by one of the first Dutch migrants to Tasmania, who settled in Penguin...
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What’s for dinner for Dutch emigrants

The chapter Bitterballen, snacks, nostalgie en Holland-promotie (Bitterballen, snacks, nostalgia, and Holland promotion) in the publication 'Wat schaft de pot'...
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Frederik de Houtman and the Naming of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands

Frederik de Houtman Frederik de Houtman, a Dutch navigator and explorer, played a pivotal role in the early European exploration...
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The Migration of Boers to Australia after the Second Anglo-Boer War

This article is produced with the assistance AI. Corrections and additions are welcome. Who Were the Boers? The Dutch surgeon...
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Claude Belloni-Dutch-Indonesian in Australia

The Sun in His Eyes, is book written by Renée Belloni. It explores the life of Claude Belloni, a Dutch-Indonesian...
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Dutch connection for Australian high jumper Nicola Olyslagers

Nicola Lauren Olyslagers (née McDermott) (born 28 December 1996) is an Australian high jumper. She won the silver medal at...
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Aircraft Transfers and Shifting Priorities: The Journey of Dutch-Ordered DB-7/A-20s During WWII

The Dutch government of the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) ordered several Douglas A-20 Havoc (DB-7) aircraft from the United States...
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Community music, identity and belonging among Dutchies in Australia.

This article discusses the experiences of Dutch identity and belonging to a music-making group in the Dutch migrant community in...
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The Life and Legacy of Dien Knol – Freese (1905 – 2001)

Born on December 15, 1905, in Groningen, the Netherlands, Berendina Annagena (Dien) Knol (née Freese) led a remarkable life marked...
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Dick Diamonde (1947-2024)

Dingeman Adriaan Henry van der Sluijs, better known by his stage name Dick Diamonde, was a Dutch Australian bass player....
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Dutch Soccer Legacy in Eastern Melbourne: From Wilhelmina to Ringwood City FC

Ringwood City logo in Dutch orange and Queen Wilhelmina's Crown The late 1950s and early 1960s marked a significant period...
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The history of Dutch Clubs in NSW

The following text is from a booklet published by the Federation of Netherlands Societies Ltd. in February 1985. The research...
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John Hackett: An Australian-Born Leader in Operation Market Garden

General Sir John Winthrop Hackett, better known as "Shan," was an Australian-born British soldier who played a pivotal role in...
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Werkspoor Australia

In 1952, Werkspoor Engineering Works, a Dutch construction company, was commissioned to construct the Shell refinery plant in Geelong, Australia....
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Pioneering Dutch settlers in the 1920s-In search of utopia

By Diane Gabb Introduction Much has been written about the large numbers of Dutch migrants who sought a new home...
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Northam/Holden Immigration Accommodation Centre

In Northam, the Northam Army Camp was converted for use as a reception and accommodation centre and the 118th General...
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Dutch involvement in the Allied Intelligence Bureau WWII

The following information comes from the website Australia@War. This service provides more in-depth info on several aspects mentioned in this...
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Impact of FIFA Transfer Ban on Australian Football and Dutch Influx: 1959

Following the 1957 Australian Football Coup Australian football clubs began recruiting players from European clubs like those in Austria and...
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Edgar Semmens founding member Netherlands Chamber of Commerce WA – 1903

Edgar Semmens was married to Anna Siebenhaar, who had arrived from the Netherlands in the 1890s, following her younger brother...
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The Dutch Australian Cultural Centre, established in 1983, is dedicated to a set of core objectives:

  • Preservation of Dutch-Australian Heritage: We are committed to safeguarding the rich history of Dutch interactions with and immigration to Australia.
  • Resource Accessibility: We provide comprehensive access to this historical treasure trove through both digital and physical resource facilities.
  • Research Institute: With a team of researchers, we engage in continuous research efforts focused on Dutch-Australian culture and heritage.
  • National and International Collaboration: We actively foster networks, both nationally and internationally, to facilitate collaboration and support for our mission.

Our organisation boasts a vibrant membership base spanning across Australia and the Netherlands. Our physical resources, including archives, a library, an office, and a meeting room, are located in Sydney. For easy access to archival materials we have developed our website (Digital Hub). We also curate a monthly e-newsletter featuring the latest additions to the Hub, which is accessible to all. Register your name below to receive this free newsletter.

Become a Friend of the DACC

We extend a warm invitation to anyone who shares our passion for heritage preservation to become a Friend of the DACC. For $20 per annum you can register as a Friend and support us in preserving Dutch Australian heritage and culture. Your support plays a pivotal role in demonstrating our robust support to organisations in both Australia and the Netherlands. Become a Friend of the DACC today by filling out this form:

Invitation to engage with us

DACC at Holland Festival Melbourne April 2024

We actively seek individuals who are enthusiastic about heritage preservation. For those intrigued by this cause, we offer an opportunity for deeper engagement. Please refer to this link to engagement opportunities to explore areas where your involvement can make a significant impact.

To express your interest, please email us at dutchaustraliancc@gmail.com. Join us in our mission to celebrate and preserve the vibrant Dutch-Australian cultural heritage!

Leave a lasting Legacy: Support the future of the DACC

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The Dutch Cultural History Hub

Dutch Artefacts

Dutch Artefacts

The Dutch Australian Cultural Centre hosts a large quantity of Dutch memorabilia. The collection is currently located at the Abel Tasman Village. The organisation also hosts an extensive book library.

Dutch Culture in Australia

Dutch Culture in Australia

There is a rich Dutch cultural heritage in Australia thanks to the over 250,000 immigrants who came to Australia over the years. They formed dutch clubs, retirement villages, sporting clubs and churches.

Dutch History in Australia

Dutch History in Australia

In 1602 the Vereenigde Oost Indische Compagnie (VOC, English: Dutch East India Company) was formed, the first international corporation. Their journeys brought them in contact with Australia. The Dutch-Australian relationship started over 400 years ago. The next chapter began during WWII when Australia hosted the Netherlands East Indies Government-in-Exile. Following the war large numbers of Dutch people migrated to Australia contributing to Australia’s multiculturalism and economic development. More recently new political and military relationships between the two countries have been established.

History of Dutch Businesses in Australia

History of Dutch Businesses in Australia

Already during the convict period Dutch companies and ships provided their services to the British colony. Australia and the Netherlands were neighbours in relation to the Netherlands East indies. Since the 1930s aviation was added to the mix. Globalisation saw many Dutch corporations opening their offices in Australia and the Netherlands became one of the major investors in the country. On a smaller scale Dutch retail shops started to emerge with the arrival of the immigrants.