In 1952, Werkspoor Engineering Works, a Dutch construction company, was commissioned to construct the Shell refinery plant in Geelong, Australia. On 18 March 1954, the Geelong refinery became the first of Australia’s post-war refineries to come on stream. Its commissioning sent ripples of excitement throughout the Geelong community and was Read more…
The Role of Lend-Lease and Aircrew Training in the United States During World War II, the United States earned the nickname “the Arsenal of Democracy” due to its sheer productive output. The hardware turned out in US factories included over 3 million trucks and jeeps, 86,000 tanks, 6,750 naval platforms, Read more…
By Diane Gabb Introduction Much has been written about the large numbers of Dutch migrants who sought a new home in Australia after the devastation of World War II when over 200 000 citizens had lost their lives and the failed Netherlands economy had little to offer but emigration propaganda. Australia Read more…
In Northam, the Northam Army Camp was converted for use as a reception and accommodation centre and the 118th General Field Hospital was refurbished to become the Holden Holding Centre. The RAAF base at Cunderdin also became a reception and accommodation centre. It served as a pivotal hub for migrants Read more…
The Dutch plans to establish a settlement on the west coast of New Holland (modern-day Western Australia) in the 1820s were part of broader European colonial interests in the region. Although the Dutch explored the territory of New Holland since its discovery by Abel Tasman in the 17th century, their Read more…
The following information comes from the website Australia@War. This service provides more in-depth info on several aspects mentioned in this article and links have been provided to that information. Other links related to the Dutch activities are provided as well and point to information in the DACC data base. Allied Read more…
Following the 1957 Australian Football Coup Australian football clubs began recruiting players from European clubs like those in Austria and the Netherlands. Thirty-four players, including thirteen from Dutch clubs, migrated to Australia, sparking a dispute over transfer fees. In response, FIFA banned Australia from international competitions until transfer fees were Read more…
Edgar Semmens was married to Anna Siebenhaar, who had arrived from the Netherlands in the 1890s, following her younger brother the socialist and activist Willem Siebenhaar who had arrived in Perth a few years earlier. As a result of his marriage to Anna – who was active in the small Read more…
Abraham Leeman van Santwitz (Santwits, Santwijk), a 17th-century Dutch sailor, embodies the spirit of resilience and leadership in the face of overwhelming adversity. His experiences as a navigator with the Dutch East India Company (VOC) are a testament to the perils and challenges of maritime exploration during this era, particularly Read more…
Anton van den Hengel is likely the only person born in the Netherlands who is also a fourth-generation Port Adelaidian. His father’s family hails from Amsterdam, specifically from the Jordaan district. Before settling in Amsterdam, the van den Hengels originated from a small town near Utrecht. Anton’s grandparents owned a Read more…