Framework Icon

Our History

A past that shapes our story as a nation.

Stories of our past reveal how the lingering injustices of colonisation continue to affect First Nations people in Australia, despite determined efforts to resist and overcome this adversity
Learn more
What about history header image web

What about history?

Have you heard someone ask, "Why can’t Indigenous people just get over it? After all, it happened ages ago..."
flags 2

Voice to Parliament

Australia's opportunity to decide what kind of nation we are, uncovering our core principles and values.
130303 AT Healesville Reconciliation Sportsday

After the Voice

On 14 October 2023, Australians voted ‘no’ to the proposed Voice to Parliament.
Colonisation header image

Colonisation

The colonisation of this land we now call Australia had a devastating impact on First Nations people, who have lived…
Protection header image

In the name of protection

As a result of forcible removal, many Indigenous people were robbed of the culture and language specific to their…
131121 SoS Illustration by Chamath 00015

Busting the myth of peaceful settlement

First hand accounts, newspaper articles and diaries to reveal the tragically violent and bloody nature of…
Stolen Generation header image

The Stolen Generations

Between 1910 and the 1970s*, many First Nations children were forcibly removed from their families as a result of…
Stuarts party threatened by blacks

Early colonial attitudes

Newspapers and journals shed light on 19th century attitudes which regarded Indigenous people as inferior.
Screenshot 2023 07 13 at 12.01.50 pm

Early missionaries to Australia

Who were the early missionaries, and what impact did they have?
Assimilation header image

A white Australia

The devastating effects of assimilation policies.
Aus day header image

What's the fuss about Jan 26?

Australia Day claims to be about unifying all people who call Australia home, and yet ironically, it’s a divisive…
Screenshot 2023 07 13 at 10.39.10 am

The civil rights movement in Australia

By the mid 1960s, opposition to assimilation by First Nations people was strengthening and a civil rights movement…
1967 Referendum image header

The 1967 Referendum

What was it and what did it achieve?
Mabo and Native Title header image

Mabo and Native Title

The momentous Mabo case finally acknowledged the history of First Nations dispossession in Australia.
170825 Kalkarindji Walk Off 1DXii 00003 web1

Wave Hill Walk-off

A landmark event that inspired national change
PD237 AustraliaDayCampaign LandingPage WebsiteBanner 4000x1830px

Australia Day

What’s Australia Day? Why do we celebrate it? How can we approach January 26 respectfully?
answerstotrickyquestions 690219 unsplash crop web

Australia Day: answers to tricky questions

There are many different opinions about Australia Day. Here are some answers to the most common questions you’ll…
ANZAC Day header and hero

Anzac Day - Lest we forget

Anzac Day, 25 April, is an important day for all Australians when we remember the sacrifice and contribution made…
Ruths Story header image lighter

Separation - Ruth's story

As a young child, Ruth was separated from her mum on Cherbourg mission, Queensland.
Iris Story header image lighter

Losing home – Iris's story

Growing up on Cherbourg mission, Aunty Iris's family was under the complete control of government authorities.
Iris losing home card image2

Stolen wages – Iris's story

Aunty Iris is one of hundreds of First Nations people whose wages were stolen.
Dougs story placeholder image

Doug's story

Racism has been a constant part of Uncle Doug’s life. Advance Australia Fair?
Bobs Story header image edit

Bob's story

Bob has struggled to let go of the resentment he feels towards the government, church and society for the role they…