-
Wool Export Begins
The first commercial batch of wool is shipped from Sydney to England. By the year 2000, 80% of the world's supply of merino wool will come from Australia. -
'Australia' is Named
Governor Macquarie suggests that the name 'Australia' is used to describe the continent, rather than 'New Holland' as it has previously been known. 'Australia' becomes the name used by everyone. -
Aborigines Taken into Captivity
Between 1830 and 1834, many Aborigines are persuaded to come into captivity in exchange for food, clothing and protection. They are placed on Flinders Island, in Bass Strait, where disease and isolation quickly take their toll. -
Melbourne Founded
Melbourne is founded by John Batman and John Fawkner, both sons of convicts. He promises to pay the local Wurundjeri people in an annual sum of knives, axes, blankets, scissors, handkerchiefs, mirrors, shirts and flour.
The British Government declare this agreement to be in disagreement with 'terra nullius', which states that there was no one who already owned land in Australia before European settlement. -
Victoria Becomes Separate Colony
Due to public pressure, the British Government agrees to separate Victoria from New South Wales by making it a new colony. -
Strking Gold!
Gold is discovered in Australia, with major strikes near Bathurst in NSW and Ballarat in Victoria (although the town itself did not exist yet). People flock to the goldfields in search of a fortune, including many migrants from Europe, the UK and Asia. -
Anti-Chinese Laws Passed
White Australians are incredibly racist and uneasy about the number of Chinese migrants chasing gold in Australia. The first anti-Chinese laws are passed, but this doesn't stop the numbers increasing rapidly. The number of Chinese people in the Australian colonies reaches 50,000. -
White Men Given Right to Vote
Men are given the right to vote - as long as they are white, own a home or are renting a property. -
All Children Must Attend School
A law is passed to say that all children over the age of six must attend school. -
First World War Begins
World War 1 begins. Australia immediately declares allegiance with the British Empire.
