Training Dutch officers in Australia for the Netherlands Indies and Papuan development

The Netherlands Indies Civil Administration (NICA)  was created in April 1944 in Australia by the Netherlands Indies Government-in-Exile. Its purpose was to prepare young Dutch and Indo-European officers to restore civil rule across the Netherlands East Indies after the defeat of Japan. NICA organised training courses in Brisbane, using Allied Read more

Bridging Borders: The Dutch–Australian Conference on Joint Development Policy for New Guinea, 1959–60

In the final years of Dutch administration in New Guinea, the Netherlands and Australia sought to establish a common development policy across the island. These conferences, held between 1959 and 1960, symbolised an ambitious vision of regional cooperation in health, education, infrastructure and administration. Yet they were also shaped by Read more