In 1920, several major Dutch shipping companies joined forces to create the Vereenigde Nederlandsche Scheepvaartmaatschappij (United Netherlands Shipping Company), known by its initials VNS. Their aim was to streamline operations and strengthen global maritime links — including important routes to Australia. Over the following decades, the member lines of the Read more
A major maritime discovery has brought to light a remarkable episode in Dutch-Australian history. In March 2025, after more than 160 years hidden beneath the shifting sands of Long Beach near Robe, South Australia, the wreck of the Koning Willem de Tweede was found. The Dutch merchant ship had sunk Read more
scroll down for: New research challenges the Batavia mutiny narrative The Batavia – 1629 The Batavia, built in Amsterdam in 1628 was the company’s new flagship, she sailed that year on her maiden voyage for Batavia. On 4 June 1629, the Batavia was wrecked on the Houtman Abrolhos, a chain Read more
Author: J.A. Hempel (Jan Andrzej Hempel)Published: 1960Publisher: Department of Demography, Australian National UniversityLength: 100 pages Overview: This publication is a demographic and sociological study of Dutch post-war migrants in Queensland, Australia. It was part of a broader research program undertaken by the ANU’s Department of Demography to understand post-war migration 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
In the early days of the Pacific War, one ship with strong Dutch connections played a crucial role in the shifting Allied strategy — the M.S. Bloemfontein. Her journey across the Pacific, her arrival in Brisbane, and her later transformation into a dedicated troopship highlight her remarkable contribution to the Read more
YEAR NAVIGATORS VESSELS LOCATIONS KEY EVENTS KEY REFERENCES 1616 Dirk Hartog Eendracht Dirk Hartog Island 1st recorded sighting of west coast of Australia. Arrived 25 October, sailed 27 October. Left Hartog Plate. Major pp.ixxxi-xxxiv; Heeres pp.8-10 1618 Haevik Claesz. van Hillegom Zeewolf North West Cape Sighted North West Cape on 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 were shaped by the cultural and emotional landscapes of the post-war era. Raised amidst Amsterdam’s vibrant artistic milieu, Bolle developed a visual language deeply informed by both his surroundings and his personal history. His artistic journey was profoundly Read more
Camp Meeandah and the United States Army S.O.S. Depot Located in the Pinkenba riverside area on Brisbane’s north-eastern fringe, Camp Meeandah was established in 1943 as part of the United States Army’s Service of Supply (USASOS) operations under Base Section 3, the logistical arm of General MacArthur’s Southwest Pacific Area Read more