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Cook Claims Australia - Captain James Cook
Lieutenant James Cook claimed a portion of Australia for the British Crown and named it NSW. It Is retold as part of our history today. Australia would go on to be colonised and European settlement began. This was the beginning of making Australia what it is today. It was terrifying for the Aboriginal people, the traditional owners of the land. -
Convict Settlement at Sydney Cove - Captain Arthur Phillip
Captain Arthur Phillip sailed 11 ships into Botany Bay to establish a convict settlement. It was Australia’s 1st colony. It is commenorated by a statue at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Sydney. This was the beginning of European settlement and many people migrated to Australia thereafter. -
Small Pox Epidemic
Smallpox was one of the worlds deadliest diseases in its time. Smallpox has infected hundreds of millions of people. Approximately 3/10 people with it died. Aboriginal people had no resistance to this disease. Smallpox has been eradicated over time due to vaccination which in turn has led to immunity. This epidemic was particularly terrifying for the the Aboriginal people. -
Matthew Flinders
Matthew Flinders was an English navigator and cartographer who mapped the coastline of Australia. Matthew Flinders used the term Australia in his maps and writings. Britain went on to formally name what was originally known as Terra Australis to Australia. Matthew Flinders name is used in some of our landmarks such as Flinders Street Station, Flinders University and Flinders Ranges. -
Gold Rush
During the gold rush many people migrated to Australia from Asia and Europe. Places like Sovereign Hill had large amounts of gold. The population grew and gold rush towns were established. Australia became more multicultural and some people got rich while others died because of poor conditions and disease. -
Eureka Stockade -Peter Lalor
The Eureka Stockade was a battle that took place in Ballarat in 1854. It was a fight against oppression and the government during the gold rush led by Irish born Peter Lalor. The battle was seen as a pathway to democracy. The Eureka flag is still flown to this day. It was terrific as people stood up to bullying and being treated unfairly. -
Australian Rules Football
In 1858 students from different grammar schools competed against each other in games of football. Over time formal rules were drawn up and regular games became common. It has become the national sport of Australia and a big part of our culture today. The sport is much loved by children and adults alike and has grown into 18 teams nationally. The sport has become an institution which benefits players, clubs, spectators and industry. -
Melbourne Cup
On the 7th November 1861, 4000 people gathered at Flemington to watch a horse race. This race went on to be one of Australia’s most important sporting event. The Natural Museum holds important objects related to the cup including Phar Laps heart. Each year on the second Tuesday in November people gather from here and overseas to watch the race that stops the nation. -
Ned Kelly
On the 28/06/1880 police captured bush ranger Ned Kelly. The gang led by Ned Kelly had killed three police at Stringybark Creek. Their crimes were stealing food and animals to help the poor. Ned Kelly has become Australian folk legend despite his crimes and is celebrated for his stance against corruption in movies, art, cinema and poetry. -
Australia’s First Olympian - Edwin Flack
The first Olympic Games were held in Athens in April 1896. Australian Edwin Flack a champion runner was in the 800m and 1500m sprints. He is considered our first Olympian. Today the Olympics is helped every four years with athletes and spectators attending from all over the world. The Olympics are terrific and are the most popular televised sporting event in Australia.
