A little-known historical fact: When the First Fleet sailed into Sydney Harbour on the 26th of January 1788, to establish a new British colony, they were shocked to find that someone had already built the Sydney Harbour Bridge. A few experts have put this down to the work … [Read more...] about Imagine their surprise! [1st April 2025]
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The White Australia Policy: The Rise and Fall of Australia’s Racial Ideology
[Editor: This is the contents list for The White Australia Policy: The Rise and Fall of Australia’s Racial Ideology (2025). This document looks at various historical aspects of the White Australia Policy. A list of various articles, letters, and poems regarding White Australia is … [Read more...] about The White Australia Policy: The Rise and Fall of Australia’s Racial Ideology
The Light on the Hill [speech by Ben Chifley, 12 June 1949]
[Editor: This speech by Ben Chifley (1885-1951) was made whilst he was Prime Minister of Australia (1945-1949); it was given at the annual conference of the New South Wales Labor Party on 12 June 1949. Chifley’s speech is regarded as an iconic part of the history of the … [Read more...] about The Light on the Hill [speech by Ben Chifley, 12 June 1949]
White Australia
The movement to have a “White Australia” began in colonial times, with the Australian colonies passing legislation to restrict non-white immigration, with some legislation specifically targeting Chinese immigrants. When the six colonies federated in 1901, a “White Australia … [Read more...] about White Australia
Gertrude Lawson
Gertrude Lawson, sometimes known as “Gertie”, was an author, and the sister of Henry Lawson. She wrote articles and short stories, and for a short period managed the Dawn magazine. Gertrude Eloise Lawson was born in Mudgee, New South Wales, on 30 April 1877 (along with her … [Read more...] about Gertrude Lawson
Drop Bears
Drop Bears are a native Australian mammal, which can be found in bushland areas, especially in those habitats with a dense distribution of trees and a high level of canopy cover. The vernacular name for these animals can be somewhat deceptive, in terms of their taxonomic … [Read more...] about Drop Bears
Weston Phillips
Weston Phillips (1835?-1883) was a chemist, explorer, and drover. He was part of the 1862 expedition, led by Alfred Howitt, to search for the missing Burke and Wills expedition. Weston was born in England in about 1835. His father, Dr. Charles Phillips, was a surgeon, although … [Read more...] about Weston Phillips
Christmas in Australia
As a day commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas Day (25 December) is very important to those of the Christian faith. However, the day encompasses more than Christianity, with many non-Christians partaking in celebrations on Christmas Day and during the Christmas … [Read more...] about Christmas in Australia
Grammar: It’s and Its
Matters of grammar can become an issue on any website which deals with large amounts of text. It seems that this is especially the case when the historical usage of certain terms differ from the modern usage. The spelling of it’s/its, as used in a possessive sense, is one of … [Read more...] about Grammar: It’s and Its
NightCafé AI art
NightCafé Studio is an Australian company which provides people with the tools to create lots of AI-generated images. NightCafé is one of the best AI art sites in the world. And it’s free to join and use! Australian content There are many Australians on the NightCafé site, so … [Read more...] about NightCafé AI art
Institute of Australian Culture icon (koala and wreath)
This is a new icon, created for use on the Institute of Australian Culture website. It features a koala, with a wreath of wattle blossoms and leaves. The image was created in several sizes: 1000x1000 pixels 500x500 pixels 250x250 pixels 150x150 pixels (for use in the … [Read more...] about Institute of Australian Culture icon (koala and wreath)
Thomas Richard Roydhouse
Thomas Richard Roydhouse was a journalist, editor, and author. He wrote articles for newspapers in New Zealand, Victoria, and New South Wales. His authorship of The Labour Party in New South Wales (1892) and The Coloured Conquest (1904) were particularly significant contributions … [Read more...] about Thomas Richard Roydhouse
The Bastard from the Bush [bawdy poem, circa 1900]
[Editor: This is an anonymously-authored bawdy poem, apparently from the early 1900s (or possibly the 1890s).] [Warning: This poem contains swearing and adult topics, and may therefore be considered NSFW (not safe for work).] The Bastard from the Bush As the night was … [Read more...] about The Bastard from the Bush [bawdy poem, circa 1900]
Significant events and commemorative dates
A list of commemorative dates and historical events which are significant in terms of Australia’s national identity and culture. These are dates which are celebrated or commemorated Australia-wide (or have been in the past), or which are significant to Australia’s historical … [Read more...] about Significant events and commemorative dates
The Institute of Australian Culture: An introduction
Welcome to our website! The Institute of Australian Culture aims to provide a wealth of Australian cultural assets, so as to enable Australians to gain access to a wide range of resources about their nation’s history and heritage, and thereby gain a wider appreciation of … [Read more...] about The Institute of Australian Culture: An introduction