Aviation and Shipping
Gus Winckel: from the defence of Broome to No. 18 Squadron
Willem Frederik August “Gus” Winckel was a pilot with the Military Aviation service of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army—ML-KNIL—and one of the best-known Dutch airmen to serve in Australia during the Second World War. He participated in the evacuation of Java, defended Broome during the devastating Japanese air raid Read more
Maritime History
History of the Dutch in South Australia
Although the Dutch seem to be the first Europeans to have discovered Australia, including parts of Tasmania and South Australia, they have never made a great impact as a group of settlers. As there was never any real religious persecution or high unemployment in Holland, there never was the kind Read more
Military and Political History
Dutch-Ambonese woman created first crack in the White Australia Policy – 1949
This story starts with Samuel Jacob he was a headmaster in Merauke in Dutch New Guinea, a job he combined with being a local civil administrator. Samuel and his family while having the Dutch nationality, were all born in Ambon. Together with his family he was evacuated in August 1942 Read more
Dutch – Australian History
Dutch representatives at the opening of Australia’s First Federal Parliament – 1901
Captain von Bosch and Consul General of Netherlands Mr. Bosschardt The First Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia was opened at the Melbourne Exhibition Building on 9 May 1901. The new King of England, Edward VII, sent his son and heir, the Duke of Cornwall and York, to Australia as Read more
Cultural Events and Activities
Compagnie Batavia – 73rd Living History Reenactment group
The group was formed in 2016 and is Australia’s only 80 years war living history group. The group has around 40 members across the Eastern seaboard and has a very strong focus on an immersive living history impression. Winterfest at the Hawkesbury -2021 The Group participated in the Winterfest at Read more
Military and Political History
Grondwet wordt gewijzigd voor stemmen voor Eerste Kamer vanuit buitenland
Wat in 2015 met een motie op het D66 congres begon, eindigde in juli 2022, zeven jaar later, met een overwinning voor en erkenning van de rechten van de Nederlanders buiten Nederland: nota bene in de Eerste Kamer zelf werd vanmiddag de laatste horde geslecht om de grondwet te wijzigen. Read more
Dutch Organisations
The Dutch Australian Society “Abel Tasman” Inc.
By Kees Wierenga The Dutch Australian Society “Abel Tasman” Inc existed from 1969 till approx 2010. The Dutch Australian Society “Abel Tasman” Inc began in 1969.There was a Dutch Australian Society in the 1950s, but it faded away after approx. five years due to lack of interest. Beginning in 1952, Read more
Dutch Organisations
Dutch Australian Society in Illawarra
The Dutch Australia Society in the Illawarra (DASI) was founded in 1952 and is affiliated with the Federation of Netherlands Societies. The club publishes a monthly newsletter “De Stuw”. The aim of DASI is to provide and maintain traditional Dutch cultural functions and provide activities for the elderly Dutch and Australian members. Read more
