Jan (John) Morcus represents the spirit of Dutch migration that helped shape Brisbane’s football and community life. His passion for football, dedication to community building, and tireless volunteer work left an enduring legacy that continues today. John was born in the Netherlands, where his father Cor Morcus was a farmer Read more…
Bunya Mountains Aboriginal Corporation Shannon is member of the Wakka Wakka Nation. This country is represented by several clan groups and encompasses the traditional land and waters that surround the Bunya Mountains region of Southeast Queensland, Australia. The Bunya Mountains held immense cultural and spiritual significance for Aboriginal people for thousands Read more…
A Legacy of Resilience: Dutch Heritage Jarrod Pieter Bleijie was born on January 25, 1982, in Griffith, New South Wales, to Pieter and Christine Bleijie. His paternal grandfather’s story is one of survival and determination. Born in the Dutch East Indies, he endured the hardships of a Japanese internment camp Read more…
On 23 June 2000, a deliberately lit fire engulfed the Palace Backpackers Hostel in Childers, Queensland, claiming the lives of 15 young travelers from around the world. Among them were two Dutch nationals: Joly van der Velden, 23, and Sebastian Westerveld, 22 The fire was started by Robert Paul Long, Read more…
When Erna Walraven began working at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo in 1983, she entered a world still heavily dominated by men. As a newly qualified zookeeper, the role was a dream come true—but some of her male colleagues didn’t share her enthusiasm. She faced resistance, exclusion, and open scepticism. Yet Erna Read more…
Founded in 1950 by Dutch immigrants led by Henk Beumer, the Windmills Soccer Club began as a recreational outlet for the local Dutch community in Perth. The club was accepted into the Third Division of the Western Australian Soccer Football Association (WASFA) in 1951 and steadily progressed, earning promotion to Read more…
By Beno Groothoff It was in the year 2000, a time when fears were widespread that computers would not be able to handle the transition from 1999 to 2000 and that the world might collapse, that I responded to an urgent call for volunteers to assist with Dutch-language radio programs Read more…
Wim Nicolaas Bolle (1917–2000) was a Dutch-born artist whose life and work bridged the cultural landscapes of the Netherlands and Australia. Born in the Netherlands, Bolle spent much of his early life immersed in Amsterdam’s vibrant art scene. His artistic journey was deeply influenced by personal experiences, including the profound Read more…
The article below is a brief resume of the life of Reg Doedens. It is structured on the ghosted auto-biography prepared by Anne Rand, with additional notes by the reviewer, (a neighbour, cadet, employee, hardware store co-owner, interviewer (for another book), family friend and fellow Christian). Some of Reg’s story Read more…
This again presents a story highlighting the integral connections between the Netherlands – Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia) and Australia. During World War II, the Dutch East Indies became a crucial battleground involving both Dutch and Australian forces. Jaap Bakker, a Dutch KNIL (Royal Netherlands East Indies Army) officer, and Read more…