Australia II On 26 September 1983, Australia II won the America's Cup, ending the New York Yacht Club's 132-year domination of the race. Australia II (KA 6) was an Australian 12-metre-class America's Cup challenge racing yacht that was launched in 1982 and won the 1983 America's Cup for the Royal Perth Yacht Club. Skippered by John Bertrand, she was the first successful Cup challenger, ending a … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1983, Australia II won the America’s Cup
Category: Australian History
On this day (Australia): In 1998, there was an explosion at the Esso natural gas plant at Longford in Gippsland
Longford Gas Explosion On 25 September 1998, there was an explosion at the Esso natural gas plant at Longford in Gippsland. Two workers were killed and eight injured. The Esso Longford gas explosion was a catastrophic industrial accident which occurred at the Esso natural gas plant at Longford in the Australian state of Victoria's Gippsland region. On 25 September 1998, an explosion took place at the plant, killing two workers and injuring … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1998, there was an explosion at the Esso natural gas plant at Longford in Gippsland
On this day (Australia): In 1903, Alfred Deakin became the second Prime Minister of Australia
Alfred Deakin On 24 September 1903, Alfred Deakin became the second Prime Minister of Australia, following the resignation of Edmund Barton. He was Prime Minister three times from 24 September 1903 to 27 April 1904, 5 July 1905 to 13 November 1908, 2 June 1909 to 29 April 1910. He was one of two prime … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1903, Alfred Deakin became the second Prime Minister of Australia
On this day (Australia): In 1856, Perth was proclaimed a city by Queen Victoria
Perth 1856 On 23 September 1856, the town of Perth in Western Australia was proclaimed a city by letters patent from Queen Victoria. Perth was founded by Captain James Stirling in 1829 as the administrative centre of the Swan River Colony. It gained city status (currently vested in the smaller City of Perth) in 1856 and was promoted to … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1856, Perth was proclaimed a city by Queen Victoria
On this day (Australia): In 1918, the first direct radio message between London and Sydney was sent
First direct radio message between London and Sydney On 22 September 1918, the first direct radio message between London and Sydney was sent. "Send reinforcements, we are going to advance". That through being "altered in transit" was relayed as "Send three and four pence, we are going to a dance". Same principle as the parlour … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1918, the first direct radio message between London and Sydney was sent
On this day (Australia): In 2000, French athlete Marie-José Pérec fled the Sydney Olympic village claiming threats and insults
Marie-José Pérec On 21 September 2000, French athlete Marie-José Pérec fled the Olympic village without competing in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. Pérec claimed that she had been threatened and insulted several times since arriving in Australia and that the Australian press, who were supporting Australian athlete Cathy Freeman, had been trying to sabotage her … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 2000, French athlete Marie-José Pérec fled the Sydney Olympic village claiming threats and insults
On this day (Australia): In 1999, Australian troops arrived in East Timor as a part of peacekeeping operations
Australian Soldiers INTERFET On 20 September 1999, Australian troops commanded by Peter Cosgrove arrived in East Timor as a part of INTERFET peackeeping operations. The International Force East Timor (INTERFET) was a multinational non-United Nations peacemaking task force, organised and led by Australia in accordance with United Nations resolutions to address the humanitarian and security crisis that took place in East Timor from … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1999, Australian troops arrived in East Timor as a part of peacekeeping operations
On this day (Australia): In 2003, construction of Alice Springs to Darwin rail link was completed.
The Ghan On 19 September 2003, construction of the Alice Springs to Darwin rail link was completed. This completed the link for the Ghan, a train trip connecting Adelaide to Darwin, nd the line was opened in January 2004. The Ghan is known for travelling through remarkable scenery on its transcontinental journey The Ghan is an Australian experiential … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 2003, construction of Alice Springs to Darwin rail link was completed.
On this day (Australia): In 1981, Australian motorcycle stuntman Dale Buggins died in Melbourne
On 18 September 1981, Australian motorcycle stuntman Dale Buggins died in Melbourne. He had built a national and international reputation by the age of 20. At 17, Buggins broke a world record previously held by American stuntman Evel Knievel when he jumped 25 cars with a Yamaha dirt bike, in 1978. Buggins was born in 1961 to parents Jan … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1981, Australian motorcycle stuntman Dale Buggins died in Melbourne
On this day (Australia): In 1950, the first Australian forces landed in Korea, during the war
Australian soldiers arriving in Korea On 17 September 1950, the first Australian forces landed in Korea, during the war. Australian casualties numbered more than 1,200, of whom 340 were killed. Only five years after the end of the Second World War, Australia became involved in the Korean War. Personnel from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1950, the first Australian forces landed in Korea, during the war
On this day (Australia): In 1956, Australian television began
First television program in Australia is broadcast On 16 September 1956, Australian television began. Television in Australia began experimentally as early as 1929 in Melbourne with radio stations 3DB and 3UZ, and 2UE in Sydney, using the Radiovision system by Gilbert Miles and Donald McDonald, and later from other locations, such as Brisbane in 1934. Mainstream television was launched on 16 September 1956 in Willoughby, New South Wales with Nine Network station TCN-9-Sydney. The … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1956, Australian television began
On this day (Australia): In 1870, work began on the Australian Overland Telegraph Line linking Port Augusta to Darwin
Planting the first pole On 15 September 1870, work began on the Australian Overland Telegraph Line linking Port Augusta to Darwin. The Australian Overland Telegraph Line was a 3,200 km (2,000 mi) telegraph line that connected Darwin with Port Augusta in South Australia. Completed in 1872, the Overland Telegraph Line allowed fast communication between Australia and the rest of the world. An additional section was added … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1870, work began on the Australian Overland Telegraph Line linking Port Augusta to Darwin
On this day (Australia): In 1957, the second phase of British nuclear tests at Maralinga began
Operation Antler On 14 September 1957, the British nuclear tests at Maralinga entered their second phase as Operation Antler began. These were the last British tests on mainland Australia. British nuclear tests at Maralinga were conducted between 1956 and 1963 at the Maralinga site, part of the Woomera Prohibited Area in South Australia about 800 kilometres (500 mi) north west of Adelaide. A total … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1957, the second phase of British nuclear tests at Maralinga began
On this day (Australia): In 2001, Ansett airlines collapsed
Ansett Airlines On 13 September 2001, Ansett airlines collapsed. The company was founded by Reginald "Reg" Ansett in 1935 as Ansett Airways Pty Ltd. This was an offshoot of his road transport business, which had become so successful it was threatening the freight and passenger revenue of Victorian Railways. This led the state government to legislate to put … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 2001, Ansett airlines collapsed
On this day (Australia): In 1854, Flinders Street Station, the first city railway station in Australia, was opened
Flinders Street Station 1854 On 12 September 1854, Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria Charles Hotham opened Flinders Street Station, the first city railway station in Australia. Flinders Street railway station is located on the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets in the central business district (CBD) of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Opened in 1854, the historic station serves the entire metropolitan rail network, as well as some country … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1854, Flinders Street Station, the first city railway station in Australia, was opened
On this day (Australia): In 1914, Australian troops landed in German New Guinea
1st Battalion RAR, who landed in German New Guinea on 11 September 1914 On 11 September 1914, Australian troops land in German New Guinea at Bita Paka (near Rabaul). On 21 September, all German forces in the colony surrendered. German New Guinea consisted of the northeastern part of the island of New Guinea and several nearby island groups … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1914, Australian troops landed in German New Guinea
On This Day (Australia): In 1996, Pauline Hanson made her first speech to the House of Representatives, and was widely condemned
Pauline Hanson On 10 September 1996, Pauline Hanson made her first speech to the Australian House of Representatives. After securing a victory in the Queensland lower house seat of Oxley, Hanson shot to prominence in her first speech when she said: "I believe we are in danger of being swamped by Asians." Pauline Hanson was … Continue reading On This Day (Australia): In 1996, Pauline Hanson made her first speech to the House of Representatives, and was widely condemned
On This Day (Australia): In 1969, former Australian Democrats leader and senator Natasha Stott Despoja was born
Natasha Stott Despoja On 9 September 1969, former Australian Democrats leader and senator Natasha Stott Despoja was born. Natasha Jessica Stott Despoja AO is an Australian politician, diplomat, advocate and author. She is the founding Chair of the Board of Our Watch, the national foundation to prevent violence against women and their children, and was previously … Continue reading On This Day (Australia): In 1969, former Australian Democrats leader and senator Natasha Stott Despoja was born
On This Day (Australia): In 2006, motor racing champion Peter Brock died in a race in Perth
Peter Brock On 8 September 2006, motor racing champion Peter Brock died in a race in Perth. He was often known as "Peter Perfect", "The King of the Mountain", or simply "Brocky". Peter Geoffrey Brock AM was born on 26 February 1945 at the Epworth Hospital, Richmond, Victoria, the son of Geoff and Ruth Brock (née Laidlay). The family … Continue reading On This Day (Australia): In 2006, motor racing champion Peter Brock died in a race in Perth
On This Day (Australia): In 1996, National Threatened Species Day was first held on the anniversary of the death of the last Thylacine
Tasmanian Tiger On 7 September 1996, National Threatened Species Day was observed for the first time. The date was chosen in memory of the last Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) in 1936. On 7 September each year, many people stop and reflect on the fact that on that same date in 1936, Australia’s Tasmanian tiger, also known … Continue reading On This Day (Australia): In 1996, National Threatened Species Day was first held on the anniversary of the death of the last Thylacine
On This Day (Australia): In 1990, the Royal Australian Navy commenced contributions to Operation Damask in the 1991 Gulf War
Operation Damask Task Force On 6 September 1990, the Royal Australian Navy commenced contributions to Operation Damask in the 1991 Gulf War. This was part of a larger international task force that was already underway. On 18 July 1990, following a build-up of diplomatic tension, the President of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, charged that neighbouring Kuwait … Continue reading On This Day (Australia): In 1990, the Royal Australian Navy commenced contributions to Operation Damask in the 1991 Gulf War
On This Day In Australia: In 1994, politician John Newman was murdered outside his Cabramatta home
Phuong Ngo and John Newman On 5 September 1994, politician John Newman was murdered outside his Cabramatta home. Newman's death has been described by the media as Australia's first political assassination. John Paul Newman was an Australian politician who served as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 1986 until his death. He was … Continue reading On This Day In Australia: In 1994, politician John Newman was murdered outside his Cabramatta home
On This Day In Australia: In 2006, Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, died after being stung by a stingray
Steve Irwin On 4 September 2006, Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, died after being stung by a stingray off the coast of Port Douglas, Queensland. Stephen Robert Irwin was born on 22 February1962 in Essendon, Victoria, Australia. He was an Australian wildlife conservationist, television personality, and educator who achieved worldwide fame as the exuberant host … Continue reading On This Day In Australia: In 2006, Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, died after being stung by a stingray
On This Day In Australia: In 1901, the Flag of Australia and Australian Red Ensign were adopted by the Government of Australia as official flags
Australian Flag On 3 September 1901. the Flag of Australia and Australian Red Ensign were adopted by the Government of Australia as official flags, following a national design competition. The flag was first flown from the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne. Australia′s first ′Federal′ flag was chosen from a national flag competition held in 1901. Initially … Continue reading On This Day In Australia: In 1901, the Flag of Australia and Australian Red Ensign were adopted by the Government of Australia as official flags
On This Day In Australia: In 1984, seven people were shot dead in bikie shootout in the Sydney suburb of Milperra
Milperra Massacre On 2 September 1984, seven people were shot dead in a shootout between rival bikie gangs the Bandidos and Comancheros in the Sydney suburb of Milperra. The Milperra Massacre, Milperra bikie shoot-out or Father's Day Massacre was a firearm battle between rival motorcycle gang members on 2 September (Father's Day in Australia) 1984, in Milperra, a south-western suburb of Sydney, New South … Continue reading On This Day In Australia: In 1984, seven people were shot dead in bikie shootout in the Sydney suburb of Milperra
Craig Hill 