Operation Slipper involved more than 33,000 members of the Defence Force, Public Service and Federal Police who have been deployed to Afghanistan and the Middle East. On 20 November 2002, Australian Prime Minister John Howard said that Australia would begin withdrawing its 150 commandos from Afghanistan later that month. The Australian contribution to the war in Afghanistan has … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 2002, John Howard said that Australia would begin withdrawing its 150 commandos from Afghanistan
On this day (Australia): In 1941, all 645 aboard the HMAS Sydney died in a battle with the German ship Kormoran off Western Australia
HMAS Sydney On 19 November 1941, the cruiser HMAS Sydney was involved in a mutually destructive battle with the German ship Kormoran off Western Australia. All 645 aboard Sydney died. The battle between the Australian light cruiser HMAS Sydney and the German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran ("cormorant') was a single-ship action that occurred on 19 November 1941, off the coast of Western Australia. Sydney, … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1941, all 645 aboard the HMAS Sydney died in a battle with the German ship Kormoran off Western Australia
On this day (Australia): In 1941, Operation Crusader, the successful attempt to relieve the Siege of Tobruk, began
Australian Crusader Tank at El Alamein On 18 November 1941. Operation Crusader, the third, and ultimately successful attempt to relieve the Siege of Tobruk, began. Operation Crusader was a military operation of the Western Desert Campaign during the Second World War by the British Eighth Army (with Australian, Comonwealth, Indian and Allied contingents) against the Axis forces (German and Italian) in North … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1941, Operation Crusader, the successful attempt to relieve the Siege of Tobruk, began
On this day (Australia): In 1954, Melbourne underworld criminal figure, writer, and actor Chopper Read was born
Mark "Chopper" Read On 17 November 1954, Melbourne underworld criminal figure, writer, and actor Chopper Read was born. Mark Brandon "Chopper" Read was an Australian convicted criminal, gang member and author. Read wrote a series of semi-autobiographical fictional crime novels and children's books. The 2000 film Chopper is based on his life. Read was born on 17 November … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1954, Melbourne underworld criminal figure, writer, and actor Chopper Read was born
On this day (Australia): In 1952, Lang Hancock discovered iron ore deposits in the Pilbara region of Western Australia
Lang Hancock On 16 November 1952, Lang Hancock discovered iron ore deposits in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Langley Frederick George "Lang" Hancock was an Australian iron ore magnate from Western Australia who maintained a high profile in the spheres of business and politics. Famous initially for discovering the world's largest iron ore deposit in 1952 and becoming one … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1952, Lang Hancock discovered iron ore deposits in the Pilbara region of Western Australia
On this day (Australia): In 1972, Ansett Airlines flight 232 from Adelaide to Alice Springs was hijacked
Ansett Australia Fokker F-27 VH-FNB, sister ship of the hijacked aircraft On 15 November 1972, the first aircraft hijacking in Australia happened on Ansett Airlines flight 232 from Adelaide to Alice Springs. Ansett Australia Flight 232 was a trip from Adelaide, South Australia aboard a Fokker Friendship bound for Alice Springs, Northern Territory. It was Australia's first aircraft hijacking (after an attempted … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1972, Ansett Airlines flight 232 from Adelaide to Alice Springs was hijacked
On this day (Australia): In 2005, bomb threats shut down Brisbane’s public transport system and Brisbane’s CBD was evacuated
Brisbane's Central Station at Peak Hour, 14 November 2005 On 14 November 2005, bomb threats were made to the Brisbane public transport system. As a result, Brisbane's CBD was evacuated and public transport systems throughout Brisbane were shut down. On the 14th, three calls were made to police warning of bombs on buses and trains … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 2005, bomb threats shut down Brisbane’s public transport system and Brisbane’s CBD was evacuated
On this day (Australia): In 1934, singer and recording artist Kamahl was born in Malaysia
Kamahl On 13 November 1934, singer and recording artist Kamahl was born in Malaysia. Kandiah Kamalesvaran CM, AM, better known by his stage name Kamahl, is a Malaysian-born Australian singer and recording artist. His highest charting Australian single, "Sounds of Goodbye" (1969), reached the top 20 on the Kent Music Report singles chart. Another single, "The Elephant Song" (1975), peaked at … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1934, singer and recording artist Kamahl was born in Malaysia
On this day (Australia): In 1919, Keith and Ross Macpherson Smith set out to fly a Vickers Vimy from England to Australia
Vickers Vimy G-EAOU On 12 November 1919, Keith and Ross Macpherson Smith set out to fly a Vickers Vimy, G-EAOU, from England to Australia, the first flight between these two places. They arrived in Darwin on December 18. In early 1919, the Commonwealth Government of Australia offered a prize of £A10,000 for the first flight … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1919, Keith and Ross Macpherson Smith set out to fly a Vickers Vimy from England to Australia
On this day (Australia): In 1975, Gough Whitlam was dismissed as Prime Minister by Governor-General Sir John Kerr
Gough Whitlam On 11 November 1975, Prime Minister Gough Whitlam was dismissed by Governor-General Sir John Kerr during the Australian constitutional crisis and Malcolm Fraser was appointed the twenty-second Prime Minister of Australia. The 1975 Australian constitutional crisis, also known simply as the Dismissal, culminated on 11 November 1975 with the dismissal from office of the Prime Minister, Gough … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1975, Gough Whitlam was dismissed as Prime Minister by Governor-General Sir John Kerr
On this day (Australia): In 1960, Don Chipp entered federal politics as the Liberal member for Higinbotham
Don Chipp On 10 Nevember 1960, Don Chipp entered federal politics in a by-election as the Liberal member for Higinbotham. He would go on to be one of the most recognisable figures in Australian political history. Donald Leslie Chipp, AO was born on 21 August 1925 in Melbourne. He was an Australian politician who was the inaugural … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1960, Don Chipp entered federal politics as the Liberal member for Higinbotham
On this day (Australia): In 1942, serial killer Edward Leonski was hanged at Pentridge Prison in Melbourne
Edward Leonski On 9 November 1942, serial killer Edward Leonski was hanged at Pentridge Prison in Melbourne. Edward Joseph Leonski was an American soldier and serial killer responsible for the strangling murders of three women in Melbourne, Australia. Leonski was known as The Brownout Strangler, given Melbourne's wartime status of keeping low lighting (not as stringent as a wartime blackout). His self-confessed motive … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1942, serial killer Edward Leonski was hanged at Pentridge Prison in Melbourne
On this day (Australia): In 1907, the Harvester Judgment gave rise to the legal requirement for a basic wage
Henry Bournes Higgins On 8 November 1907, the Harvester Judgment was delivered by H. B. Higgins, giving rise to the legal requirement for a basic wage which dominated Australian economic life for the next 60 to 80 years. Ex parte H.V. McKay, commonly referred to as the Harvester case, is a landmark Australian labour law decision of the Commonwealth Court … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1907, the Harvester Judgment gave rise to the legal requirement for a basic wage
On this day (Australia): In 1940, Bass Strait was closed to shipping following the sinking of British steamer Cambridge by a mine
The SS Cambridge On 7 November 1940, Bass Strait was closed to shipping following the sinking of British steamer Cambridge by a mine. On 15 June 1940 a Nazi raider named the Pinguin embarked on a mission to capture and destroy as many allied merchant ships as possible. Between June 1940 and May 1941 the … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1940, Bass Strait was closed to shipping following the sinking of British steamer Cambridge by a mine
On this day (Australia): In 1999, Australians voted to keep the British monarch as their head of state in the Australian republic referendum
Australian Flag On 6 November 1999, Australians voted to keep the British monarch as their head of state in the Australian republic referendum. The Australian republic referendum was a two-question referendum to amend the Constitution of Australia. The first question asked whether Australia should become a republic with a President appointed by Parliament following a bi-partisan appointment model which had been approved by a half-elected, half-appointed Constitutional … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1999, Australians voted to keep the British monarch as their head of state in the Australian republic referendum
On this day (Australia): In 1950, 3RAR successfully assaulted and held crucial hill during the Battle of Pakchon in the Korean War
3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment On 5 November 1950, 3RAR successfully assaulted and held crucial hill during the Battle of Pakchon in the Korean War. The Battle of Pakchon, also known as the Battle of Bochuan, took place ten days after the start of the Chinese First Phase Offensive, following the entry of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army (PVA) into … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1950, 3RAR successfully assaulted and held crucial hill during the Battle of Pakchon in the Korean War
On this day (Australia): In 1930, Phar Lap won the Melbourne Cup for the first time
Phar Lap On 4 November 1930, Phar Lap won the Melbourne Cup for the first time. Phar Lap is a legend of Australian sporting history. His sensational rise from humble beginnings captured the public’s imagination during the difficult years of the 1930s Great Depression. Phar Lap won 37 races from 51 starts, including the 1930 Melbourne … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1930, Phar Lap won the Melbourne Cup for the first time
On this day (Australia): In 1995, David Harold Eastman was convicted of the assassination of AFP Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester
David Eastman On 3 November 1995, after a six month trial, David Harold Eastman was convicted by a jury of the assassination of AFP Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester. On 10 January 1989, at about 9:15 pm, Colin Winchester was shot twice in the head with a Ruger 10/22 .22-calibre semi-automatic rifle fitted with a silencer. Winchester was murdered as he parked … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1995, David Harold Eastman was convicted of the assassination of AFP Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester
On this day (Australia): In 1922, QANTAS bagan its first scheduled flights, between Charleville and Cloncurry
Replica of QANTAS first plane, the Avro 504K On 2 November 1922, QANTAS bagan its first scheduled flights, between Charleville, Queensland and Cloncurry, Queensland. Qantas Airways Limited is the flag carrier of Australia and its largest airline by fleet size, international flights and international destinations. It is the world's third-oldest airline still in operation, having been founded in November 1920; it … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1922, QANTAS bagan its first scheduled flights, between Charleville and Cloncurry
On this day (Australia): In 1945, Australia became a founding member of the United Nations
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Frank Forde, signing the UN Charter at a ceremony held at the Veterans’ War Memorial Building in San Francisco on 26 June 1945 On 1 November 1945, Australia became a founding member of the United Nations. Australia played an important role in the establishment of the United Nations. The countries involved … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1945, Australia became a founding member of the United Nations
On this day (Australia): In 1851, the NSW Legislative Council voted unanimously against transportation to any part of Australia
Convicts being transported On 31 October 1851, the New South Wales Legislative Council voted unanimously against transportation "in any form whatsoever, to any part of Her Majesty's Australian possessions". The anti-transportation movement was one of the first and strongest political movements that bound the people of Sydney. Henry (later Sir Henry) Parkes cut his political teeth … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1851, the NSW Legislative Council voted unanimously against transportation to any part of Australia
On this day (Australia): In 1988, Expo ’88 drew to a close after running for six months
Expo '88 Closing Day On 30 October 1988, Expo '88 drew to a close after running for six months. Australia was approaching its bicentennial celebrations, and after Brisbane’s success hosting the 1982 Commonwealth Games, Brisbane City Council and the Queensland State Government were confident they could win the bid to hold the next World Exhibition. Brisbane … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1988, Expo ’88 drew to a close after running for six months
On this day (Australia): In 1914, the War Precautions Act, which gave the government special powers for the duration of World War I, was passed by the parliament
War Precautions Act 1914 On 29 October 1914, the War Precautions Act, which gave the Government of Australia special powers for the duration of World War I and for six months afterwards, was passed by the Parliament of Australia. It was held by the High Court of Australia in Farey v Burvett that during wartime, the scope of the … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1914, the War Precautions Act, which gave the government special powers for the duration of World War I, was passed by the parliament
On this day (Australia): In 1834, up to 40 Aborigines were killed by British colonists at the Battle of Pinjarra in the Swan River Colony
Pinjarra Massacre Site On 28 October 1834, the Battle of Pinjarra took place in the Swan River Colony in present-day Pinjarra, Western Australia. Between 14–40 Aborigines were killed by British colonists. The Pinjarra massacre, also known as the Battle of Pinjarra, occurred on 28 October 1834 at Pinjarra, Western Australia when a group of Binjareb Noongar people were attacked by a … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1834, up to 40 Aborigines were killed by British colonists at the Battle of Pinjarra in the Swan River Colony
On this day (Australia): In 1980, the Great Barrier Reef was listed as a World Heritage Site
The Great Barrier Reef On 27 October 1980 – The Great Barrier Reef was listed as a World Heritage Site. The Great Barrier Reef is a site of remarkable variety and beauty on the north-east coast of Australia. It contains the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1980, the Great Barrier Reef was listed as a World Heritage Site
Craig Hill 