Key Events
1770 - Captain Cook Takes Possession
Captain James Cook left in 1768 in the Endeavour on a mission to establish an astronomical observatory in Tahiti, record natural history, and search for the rumoured Great South Land. Cook first saw the Australian Continent near Point Hicks in Victoria, and first contacted indigenous people at Botany Bay on 29 April 1770. Cook sailed north along the eastern coast till he reached Cape York where he claimed the continent for Great Britain at Possession Island on 22 August 1770. His meticulous mapping and positive accounts of the continent paved the way for the 1stFleet eight years later.Â
1788 - Founding of Australia
The American Revolution denied Great Britain the option to send convicts to the Americas resulting in the decision to establish a penal colony in Australia. Lead by Captain Arthur Phillip, the First Fleet of 11 ships arrived in Botany Bay with 1,373 people including 732 convicts and 20 newborns. 67 people died during the voyage. Botany Bay proved unsuitable for settlement, and the fleet moved to Sydney Cove located in ‘the finest harbour in the world’ arriving 26 January 1788 to establish a permanent settlement. Overcoming harsh conditions, unfamiliar environment, limited supplies, and disease, this group laid the foundations for the Australian nation.
1901 - Federation of Australia
Australian Federation was achieved on 1 January 1901 when the first Governor General Lord Hopetoun read the Queen’s proclamation announcing the Commonwealth of Australia at Centennial Park in Sydney. Up to 500,000 people lined the route of the Federation parade as it travelled from the Domain to Centennial Park and around 100,000 spectators witnessed the ceremony. Key advocates included Sir Henry Parkes, Premier of NSW, Edmund Barton, Australia's first Prime Minister. Federation aimed to strengthen national defense, promote economic unity, and foster a common national identity. This event signalled Australia's emergence as a sovereign nation, independent from British governance, subject to the will of the Australian people.
1967 - Vote
On 27 May 1967, Australia held a ground-breaking referendum to remove discriminatory references to Indigenous Australians from the constitution. The proposed changes sought to include Indigenous people in the national census and grant the federal government power to legislate for them. Led by advocates like Faith Bandler and Jessie Street, the referendum achieved an overwhelming mandate, with 90% approval. On this historic day, Australians voted for inclusivity and equality, transcending racial barriers. The resounding support reflected a collective commitment to justice and unity, paving the way for advancements in Indigenous rights and fostering a more harmonious, inclusive nation, with all citizens having equal standing before the law.