This document from the Netherlands Emigration Service was of course in Dutch. We have made an English translation underneath. It is interesting to consider how people at that time looked at Australia and also at the way this was portrayed by the officials. However some of its still resonates. The Read more…
The battle against CSR’s corporate responsibility began in the 1970s, with former Wittenoom workers contesting the company’s use of the corporate veil as protection. Initially, legal actions were directed at Midalco Pty Ltd, a CSR subsidiary, shielding the parent company from direct litigation. Cornelius Maas was among the first to Read more…
Following the extensive naval presence during WWII, the more peaceful years of the 1960s, saw a new approach emerged where Naval Visits were amalgamated with a national ‘Holland Promotion’. This represented a distinct new form of ‘Flying the Flag’, showcasing the national flag by sending one or more warships abroad. Read more…
The Laidlaw World Cup Down Under, nestled amidst the post-war resurgence of football fervor in Victoria, stands as a testament to the multicultural tapestry woven into the sport’s fabric. Its origins traced back to 1949 with a diverse array of teams taking to the field, including representatives from Great Britain, Read more…
Born on September 18, 1934, in the Netherlands, Van Alphen left an indelible mark on Australian soccer, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations. Dick passed away on May 21, 2009, at his home in Hervey Bay, Queensland. Van Alphen’s journey in soccer began in his native Amsterdam, Read more…
The physical environment of a Japanese prisoner camp serves as more than mere confinement; it becomes a stage for survival and adaptation. Whether situated in remote jungles, barren deserts, or urban centers, each camp presents its own set of challenges and opportunities. Natural features like harsh climates, rugged terrain, and Read more…
Changi Prison, originally designed to hold 600 inmates, was overwhelmed with around 2,400 internees, including civilians associated with the British and Dutch colonial administrations. Among them were women and children, housed alongside male prisoners of war. Despite being overcrowded, Changi was relatively modern, boasting amenities like flushing toilets, though hygiene Read more…
The Battle of Ambon, which raged from January 30 to February 3, 1942, in the Netherlands East Indies during World War II, held significant strategic implications due to its potential for facilitating air attacks on Australia. The Dutch garrison, ill-equipped and understaffed, found itself confronting Japanese aggression alongside Allied forces, Read more…
The following information is from the Australian War Memorial. Anton van Beurden was born in 1912. He joined the Dutch merchant navy as a young man, specialising in radio telegraphy. In 1933, he was selected for officer training in the Royal Netherlands Naval Reserve (RNNR). After attending the Royal Naval Read more…
The following text is from a booklet published by the Federation of Netherlands Societies Ltd. in February 1985. The research for this booklet was done by Mijntje Hagen. The Dutch NSW Nursing Committee is actively carrying out a feasibility study regarding the establishment of a nursing home or, alternatively, the provision of Read more…