Catholic Church in Australia By shariwatson_01 Jan 26, 1788 Convicts arrive in the colony Oct 21, 1798 The Irish rebellion Oct 21, 1803 First public mass in Sydney Oct 21, 1804 William Johnston transported for taking part in the rebellion Oct 21, 1820 Fr. Therry arrives in the colony Oct 21, 1826 Fr. Therry dismissed form the colony for protests Oct 21, 1828 The first official census Oct 21, 1833 Reverend Ullathorne sent to Australia as its first vicar- general Oct 21, 1835 Benedict John Polding is the first bishop Oct 21, 1836 The church act Oct 21, 1860 Aboriginals were segregated Oct 21, 1861 Rome sent Irish bishops to Australia Oct 21, 1872 State governments passed a series of education acts Oct 21, 1967 Aboriginals were given the right to vote