When Erna Walraven began working at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo in 1983, she entered a world still heavily dominated by men. As a newly qualified zookeeper, the role was a dream come true—but some of her male colleagues didn’t share her Read more…
DAF Trucks, with its origins in Eindhoven in the Netherlands, represents one of the great Dutch industrial success stories of the 20th century. While widely recognised across Europe for its engineering quality and reliability, DAF has also carved out a Read more…
The Dutch aircraft manufacturer Fokker has maintained a significant presence in Australian aviation history, from pioneering flights in the early 20th century to modern-day operations. This article explores the evolution of Fokker’s involvement in Australia, highlighting key milestones and the Read more…
In 1987 Dutch Australian author Lolo Houbein published her book Wrong Face in the Mirror. Among other topics, this book deals with the author’s emigration to Australia in the 1950s as a twenty-four-year-old. Houbein describes the challenges of adapting to Read more…
While walking through Roma Street Parkland, just next to where we live in Brisbane, I stopped once again at the Netherlands – Netherlands East Indies Memorial. It’s a peaceful and thoughtfully designed place, set amidst the gardens, and a rare Read more…
The Uiver Memorial Community Trust – a not-for-profit organisation – is devoted to restoring Albury’s Uiver Memorial DC-2 aircraft. In 1934 the MacRobertson Air Race proclaimed itself as the greatest international air race devised, and history has confirmed that bold Read more…
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 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 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, 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 Read more…