The catholic history of Australia By elle11 Apr 21, 1782 cathlic settlers petition the governor for a priest history Jan 26, 1788 first fleet arives in australia first fleet Period: Feb 26, 1788 to Dec 31, 1848 The cathlic church history of australia Jun 28, 1797 catholics in australia history Sep 2, 1798 The first 2 priests arive in australia james dixon Nov 29, 1803 First mass allowed to be celebrated holy church Aug 23, 1817 first free priest arrived Mar 1, 1820 first official catholic priest arrive Dec 7, 1828 Catholics in New South Whales May 14, 1829 Emancipation Act in England Jun 8, 1830 First Important Officials in New South Wales who were Cathlics arrived history of new south wales Oct 9, 1835 Bishop Polding aapointed bede poldingH Aug 18, 1836 Church act church act Sep 2, 1838 Caroline Chrisolm championed the cause of women ane emigrants caroline Nov 13, 1842 Polding appointed archbishop May 11, 1843 First priest arrives in brisbane Jul 26, 2015 Myall Creek Massacres - white settlers killed a group of Aboriginals at Myall Creek myall creek