The Turbulence at Burrangong A Timeline of the Lambing Flat Riots and Beyond
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The Lambing Flat diggings were formally declared a goldfield and renamed Burrangong. Early on, violence flared, attacking both Chinese and European miners.
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A public protest of some 1,500 European miners turned into a riot and led to the exclusion from the field of some 1,500 Chinese miners. They fled in large part to Currawong Station.
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A full report of the January riot was published in the "Lambing Flat Miner," giving a sanitized account of the events
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When some of the Chinese miners came back to the region, the further riots broke out to drive them away.
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Sydney newspapers began to feature analysis of the riots, emphasizing the role played by lawless elements among the diggers
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Early March 1861: Small fights between Chinese miners—precise day not recorded. Mid-March 1861: Activities of the Miners' Protection League—precise day not recorded.
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Submission of a petition by Chinese miners detailing their grievances.
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New South Wales government discussions on immigration control—specific day not recorded.
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Burrangong diggings recorded activity during this unrest.
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Prominent display of the "Roll Up" banner—specific day not recorded.
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One of the most notorious riots occurred, wherein a crowd of 2,000–3,000 men assaulted Chinese miners at Lambing Flat. The "Roll Up" banner became a symbol of the anti-Chinese movement.
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Another major riot took place, further escalating violence against Chinese miners
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the New South Wales government passed a law to stem Chinese immigration, reflecting the general anti-Chinese sentimen
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The aftermath of the riots saw continued arguments and actions taken to limit Chinese miners, setting the stage for later policies like the White Australia Policy