Overview of the Series
Title:“Dutch–Australian Connections”]
Produced by: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Radio Nederland
Format: 8 x 10-minute radio programs
Year: c. 1988
Theme: The series traces four centuries (from 1606 till 1988) of Dutch-Australian connections, covering early exploration, wartime alliances, migration stories, and shared cultural developments.
The ABC can supply this audio content as MP3 digital files for personal use/research purposes.
This Non Theatric use does not allow the content to be edited or published without conducting copyright checks, licencing it from the ABC, and paying associated costs.
As the series has been digitised they can supply 4 episodes for $85, so for the whole series the cost will be $170.
ABC Archives – Contact: Community Access Team: archive.communityaccess@abc.net.au
Episode titles
A New World Down Under
Explores early Dutch exploration, likely beginning with Willem Janszoon’s 1606 voyage—the first documented European landing on Australian soil—and how the Dutch mapped parts of the Australian coastline prior to British colonisation.
Coming Up From Down Under
Deals with modern diplomatic and cultural engagement, possibly including the post-WWII rebuilding of Dutch–Australian ties and the role of Dutch immigrants in Australia’s development.
An Uncivilised Wild Disturbing World
Offers a reflection on early European impressions of Australia and its Indigenous peoples, through Dutch archival records or comparisons between Dutch and British colonial attitudes.
We Saw What War Was About
Focuses on WWII and the Netherlands East Indies government-in-exile in Australia. This episode examines military cooperation and shared experiences of war.
Nasi Goreng For Everybody
A cultural episode, looking at the legacy of Dutch-Indonesian migration and the culinary/cultural influence of Dutch settlers of Indonesian heritage in Australia.
They Saw Other Possibilities
Explores how Dutch migrants adapted and contributed to Australian society, particularly in areas like urban planning, the arts, architecture, or social policy.
You Couldn’t See Them Any More
Reflect on assimilation, loss of heritage or fading visibility of Dutch culture in Australia over generations. Also relates to the older generation of migrants passing on.
The Creative Connection
Focuses on art, design, media, and the ways Dutch and Australian creatives have collaborated or influenced each other—including figures in visual arts, theatre, or literature.
