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 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. Read more
Prof Dr Frans Verstraten is a leading Dutch experimental psychologist whose career spans multiple continents and academic institutions. From his early education in the Netherlands to his influential role in Australia, his work has shaped the field of psychology, particularly Read more
Following the fall of Singapore in February 1942, Japanese forces advanced into the Netherlands East Indies (NEI), marking a significant turning point in World War II and signaling the decline of British colonial influence in the region. Aware that the Read more
The Dutch submarine K IX, later known as HMAS K9, was a K VIII-class vessel constructed for the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNN) in the early 20th century. Ordered on 27 June 1917, she was laid down at the Koninklijke Maatschappij 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 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 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 Read more
The novel Fleur and Avril 2 Far by Maria van Loon is an addition to the broader narrative of Dutch migration to Australia and offers a deeply personal perspective on the challenges and triumphs of those who left the Netherlands 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 Read more