Australian History
On This Day …
On This Day in Australian History
‘On This Day in Australian History covers major Australian events and happenings occurring on a daily basis. Not only is the series of events noted, but the stories behind the events are also included. This section will continue to be updated as we provide additional events and stories on a monthly basis.’.
In covering the history of Australia, there are distinct periods and influences. A number of these are covered below. In a number of cases, e.g. Political Events, you may need to access more than one page to gain the best overall understanding of it.
For further information related to Australian History, check the ANZAC Day, Famous Australians, Indigenous Australia and History of Education pages on this site.
There are also two prizes in Australian History. The first of these is The Prime Minister’s Prize for Australian History and the National History Challenge [a second page. about this is found here.]. These are for school students and all details can be found on these pages.
The links provide access to information on different periods and areas of history. Click on the Title to go to the appropriate web page.
| Australian Exploration | Both land and sea exploration are covered. Sea exploration covers both pre and post European settlement. Major figures are listed. |
| Australian Identity & Culture | Looks at the Australian identity and how this is defined, language, Mateship, myths and stereotypes, role of sport, multiculturalism, social and cultural features, values, media presentations, humour, art & culture and a selection of educational activities. |
| Australians at War | From involvement in the Sudan in the 1880s to Iraq and Afghanistan at present. All major, and some lesser, involvements are detailed. ANZAC Day information can be gained through the link provided in the introduction above. |
| Australia Since 1945 | Covers the period from the end of World War II. Political and social events of significance. This section still requires significant further development. |
| Convicts & Colonies | Convicts and transportation, Irish Convicts and more. Information on the beginning of each of the colonies, major figures, special factors and more. |
| Indigenous History | Historical archaeology, documentation, timelines, modern Indigenous history including areas such as Native Title, Land Rights, The Stolen Generations, Mabo, Indigenous massacres, The National Apology, the 1967 Referendum and more. Major events and major figures. |
| Minerals & Industrialisation | Discovery and development of major minerals in Australia from coal to uranium. Major figures and groups involved. Where discoveries occurred. Data and research on industrialisation, union involvement and influence, major figures and groups, cultural effects. |
| Nationalism & Federation | A brief section on Nationalism and what it means. Major figures involved in Federation, the Federation process, documents, States and Federation, The Australian Constitution, life at the time of Federation and further general information. |
| Primary Documents | Specific sources where primary documents can be accessed. Documents by/about an individual of note. Note that other pages include primary document information specifically related to that topic. |
| Settlers & Immigration | Includes 19th Century immigration, Post-war immigration, Refugees and immigration, The White Australia Policy and what it meant, information databases, present day immigration and a look at some of the major immigration groups. Several student learning activities are also included. |
| The Beginnings of Self-Government | Looks at the beginnings of self-government in all states, several influences including the Chartists and Benthamites, the Indigenous and Female Franchise, plus general resources and information. |
| The Depression | Major figures during the Depression in Australia, e.g. J T Lang, Prime Ministers and other. Other information from oral histories to Working for The Dole, images, speeches, research and more. |


