The HNLMS Abraham Crijnssen, a Dutch minesweeper famed for its remarkable escape from the Japanese-occupied Netherlands East Indies by disguising itself as a tropical island, reached Australia in March 1942. After a refit and the installation of new ASDIC equipment, the vessel was commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) as HMAS Abraham Read more…
Prof Dr Hinze Hogendoorn is a leading Dutch cognitive neuroscientist whose research explores how the brain constructs real-time conscious experiences. With an academic journey spanning the Netherlands, the UK, the US, and Australia, he has become a global expert in the field of timing and perception. Now based in Australia, Read more…
With a hat tip to Tony Cunneen in Sydney, we were made aware of a folder in the National Archives of Australia: Netherlands Legation – Tasman Tercentennial (NAA: A6661.180). It begins with suggestions made in April 1942 to find an appropriate way to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Abel Tasman’s Read more…
Peter Sitsen (Bergen op Zoom, November 1, 1885 – Sydney, January 21, 1945) , a Dutch architect and civil administrator, played a pivotal role in establishing the Netherlands Indies Civil Administration (NICA) in Brisbane during World War II. Known for his skill in organisational leadership and his dedication to the Dutch Read more…
Sailors Boesidien and Samanuddin were members of the Netherlands Merchant Navy during World War II and are interred at Toowong Cemetery in Brisbane. Their service highlights the significant role of Dutch merchant vessels in the Allied efforts in the Pacific. Boesidien (1909–1942): Born in Bengkalan, Java, Boesidien served aboard the Read more…
HNLMS K XI was a Dutch submarine commissioned into the Royal Netherlands Navy in 1925. Built at the Fijenoord shipyard in Rotterdam, she was designed for patrol duties in the Dutch East Indies. Before departing for her station, K XI participated in a Baltic Sea exhibition tour, visiting ports in Read more…
The Holland Festival has been held in Melbourne each year for 40 years until 2014. After a three years hiatus, the Festival returned in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2023, 2024 and 2025. It is managed by the Rotary Club of Casey under the leadership of Paul Rubens. Holland Festival Management Committee Read more…
If you’re searching for information about family members or friends who migrated to Australia and lived in hostels after World War Two, Dr. Karen Agutter has compiled a guide to help navigate state and national archives. Getting started Tracing migrant hostel records can be challenging, but Australia’s archives and libraries Read more…
Flinders University, one of Australia’s leading institutions in maritime archaeology, announced in November 2024 an exciting new PhD scholarship aimed at advancing research in this specialised field. This initiative presents a significant opportunity for students interested in maritime heritage, underwater archaeology, and historical shipwreck studies. A boost for maritime heritage Read more…
For many Dutch migrants who have lived abroad for extended periods, the idea of returning to the Netherlands may seem both exciting and daunting. The experience of remigration, or returning to one’s home country after years abroad, comes with its own unique set of challenges. Dutch author Norman D. Jansen Read more…