By Dr Nonja Peters This paper examines the complex experiences of Dutch, Eurasian, and Indonesian evacuees who fled the Japanese occupation of the Netherlands East Indies during the Pacific War and found temporary refuge in Australia. Drawing on archival sources and eyewitness accounts, it explores their reception, living conditions, and Read more
When the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) collapsed under Japanese attack in early 1942, hundreds of Dutch airmen, sailors, and soldiers found themselves in Australia. Among the many military units reconstituted there was the 18 (Netherlands East Indies) Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), a unique Dutch–Australian squadron flying Read more
In 1705, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) launched an exploratory expedition to the Tiwi Islands, north of Arnhem Land in what is now the Northern Territory of Australia. The expedition, led by Commander Maerten van Delft, was one of several early attempts by the Dutch to chart the coastline Read more
In early 1942, as Japanese forces overran the Netherlands East Indies (NEI), Dutch authorities faced the urgent task of preserving their financial and sovereign assets. Among the most critical was the colony’s reserve of gold bullion—essential not just for wartime logistics, but for sustaining the legitimacy of the Dutch government-in-exile Read more
This series is a tribute to Dr. Jack Ford who passed away in June 2025 Symposium: Allied co-operation in Brisbane during WWII: Australia, USA, Netherlands, UK – 30–31 August 2025 at UQ- Bus Tour Brisbane WWII sites – 1 September More info. This article series explores the evolving relationship between Read more
Haskoning, part of the Dutch-based Haskoning group, is a globally recognised engineering and project management consultancy with over 140 years of experience. In Australia, Haskoning has established itself, since 2011, as a key player in maritime, water, coastal and environmental infrastructure—applying Dutch water management expertise to local conditions across the Read more
By Paul Budde, Chair, Dutch Australian Cultural Centre I was recently invited to address the event Future of Queensland Maritime and Ports, organised by the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Queensland and supported by Haskoning. My contribution was to provide a brief overview of Dutch maritime history in relation to Read more
This compelling first-person account, written by her daughter Claire Smith-Burns, traces the remarkable wartime journey of Anna Wiebrigje Beetstra, a Dutch-Canadian woman who served in the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) during the final years of World War II. Born in Friesland in 1923 and raised in British Columbia, Read more
The Migration Museum in Adelaide is Australia’s oldest museum dedicated to the history of migration. Opened in 1986 and operated by the History Trust of South Australia, the museum explores the diverse stories of immigrants who helped shape South Australia and the nation. Through permanent and changing exhibitions, it documents Read more
This in-depth military study by Major Rene W. A. van den Berg of the Royal Netherlands Army explores the rise and rapid collapse of the American-British-Dutch-Australian Command (ABDACOM), the first multinational Allied command in the Pacific during WWII. Often overlooked in mainstream histories, the Netherlands East Indies played a central Read more