Key events in the Catholic history of Australia

By daniellesaadd

  • 1801

    1801
    Fr James Dixon and Fr James Harold arrive in Australia as convicts.

  • 1803

    1803
    Governor King legalised Catholicism in Australia. Father James Dixon arrived in Australia as a convict and was permitted to conduct the first public mass and wedding.

  • 1820

    1820
    A meeting is held in Sydney to raise money for a Catholic chapel.

  • 1821

    1821
    The total number of Catholics in Australia reaches and surpasses 9000, most of whom were poor Irish people.

  • 1828

    1828
    The first census in NSW is conducted, revealing that 69% of the white population Protestant and 30% Catholic. The Catholic church is growing.

  • 1830

    1830
    The Catholic Emancipation act is promulgated, allowing Catholics to take a position in parliament, however, reduced the amount of Irish peasants entitled to vote. This act demonstrates the growing influence Catholicism had on Australia society; including social life and politics.