One of the great mysteries of history is - just when did China discover Australia and what happened after Chinese people arrived here? We will explore the following questions: When and why did the Chinese come to New South Wales and what were the aims and work of the sojourners and immigrants? How did they respond to the often savage treatment by the broader community and how did the Chinese community survive in colonial and 20th century Australia? We will explore the stories of Quong Tart, Billy Sing and Victor Chang and the Chinese-Australian presence in Sydney and how is that evolving in the 21st century.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

COURSE OUTLINE

• The earliest arrivals: We start by looking at the evidence for when Chinese people first set foot in Australia, followed by those who came after 1788, particularly John Shiying, and the Chinese indentured labourers.
• Gold Rushes: This was the time of large waves of Chinese immigration to Australia, which was followed by racially based legislation and violence.
• Chinese communities: While most of the people arriving in Australia from China were only staying a few years as “sojourners”, communities and “Chinatowns” rose around market gardening, furniture making, and railway building in the eastern cities and following the railway lines of Central Australia.
• Immigrations Restriction Acts: Poor wages and conditions offered to Chinese workers resulted in their high rates of employment, leading to retaliation by workers, not against the employers, but against the Chinese. The various articles of anti Chinese legislation became national following Federation.
• 20th century: The White Australia Policy kept the Chinese communities small and marginalised, while contributing in specific industres, until the 1970s.
• Cultural contributions: A significant proportion of Australians have Chinese heritage and this is proudly displayed in various festivals, restaurants, and buildings. In recent years the Chinese Australian Historical Society has been able to establish a museum in Haymarket.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Explain the context and sequence of the waves of migration from China
• Describe some of the significant individuals
• Discuss the Chinese contributions to Australia