Significant People Significant People inAUSTRALIA’S HISTORY Contents in Significant People Significant People in ’s History profiles the people who brought AUSTRALIA’S HISTORY History makers 4 about important events or changes to Australian society through their in New nation 5 knowledge, actions or achievements. Explore the fascinating story of Australia, AUSTRALIA’S HISTORY A snapshot of history 6 Edmund Barton, Prime Minister 8 from its ancient Indigenous past to the present day, through the biographies of Miles Franklin, Writer 10 these significant people. Octavius Beale, Entrepreneur 11 Helena Rubinstein, Entrepreneur 12 Vol H. V. Mackay, Inventor 13 ume 5 William Farrer, Scientist 14 Each volume focuses on a particular Special features include: Vida Goldstein, Activist 16 Volume 5 period in Australia’s history and includes: ‘life facts’ mini timeline Alfred Deakin, Prime Minister 18 background information about the of each person’s life Life Facts , Prime Minister 20 1580 Born in Holland 1901–1919 Judge 21 featured time period and achievements 1615 Becomes commander Henry Higgins,

a timeline of main events of the Eendrach 1901 Edmund Banfield, Writer 22 1616 Lands on the western ‘more about …’ Morecoast about of Australia ... Dorothea Mackellar, Poet 23 illustrated biographies of a wide range – information boxes Dirk Hartog1618 Island Returns to the 1919 , Prime Minister 24 Netherlands on the of significant people Hartog had landed in an area that was about related Eendrach King O’Malley, Politician 25 home to the Malkana people, near New Nation a glossary of terms * modern-day Shark Bay in Western Australia. Nellie Melba, Singer 26 events and places Nation New The place where Hartog left the metal a comprehensive index. plate is now called Cape Inscription and Walter Burley Griffin, Architect 28 ‘see also’ the island is called Dirk Hartog Island. Fanny Durack, Sportsperson 29 Annette Kellerman, Film star 30 cross-references to John ‘Simpson’ Kirkpatrick, Soldier 31 The nine volumes in the series are: relevant information in other entries. Albert Jacka, Soldier 32 Lawrence Bragg, Scientist 33 Keith Murdoch, Journalist 34 Les Darcy, Sportsperson 35 , Prime Minister 36 Daniel Mannix, Religious leader 38 Harry Chauvel, Military leader 39 John Monash, Military leader 40 Harry Thorpe, Soldier 42

Rees Barrett Henry Handel Richardson, Writer 43 Norman Lindsay, Artist 44 May Gibbs, Artist 45 John Shaw Neilson, Poet 46 Glossary 47 Index 48

Glossary words When a word is written in bold, click on Rees Barrett it to find its meaning. History makers New nation

Significant People in Australia’s History is about those men and women who have Volume 5: New Nation 1901–1919 consists of the biographies of those new contributed remarkably to Australia’s identity and heritage. They are significant Australians whose work in politics, business, science and war built the foundations because they were pioneers in their field or because their knowledge, actions or of the nation, as well as those who tried to capture what it is to be Australian. These achievements brought about important events or changes in Australian society. significant people include prime ministers,activists , entrepreneurs, military They represent the wide range of people who have contributed to the story leaders and soldiers, writers, artists and sportspeople. of Australia. This series describes the history A young nation grows up of Australia, from Indigenous Before 1901, the six colonies of Australia beginnings to modern-day acted separately, all governed by Britain. Australia, through the life On 1 January 1901, they formed a stories of these significant Federation, called the Commonwealth people. Each volume consists of Australia. The first 19 years in the new of biographies of people from nation’s history included much debate a particular period in Australia’s and hardship. At the end of this period, in history or descriptions of 1919, new Australians celebrated the end Indigenous Australian of their involvement in . cultural groups. They mourned the people who were killed but were proud of Australia’s contribution.

People celebrate the start of the Commonwealth of Australia at Centennial Park, Sydney, on 1 January 1901.

4 5 A snapshot of history 1901–1919

In 1901, the people of Australia were free to When World War I began, Australians were Anzac troops made elect Federal and State Parliaments to make deeply divided over the issue of conscription temporary shelters their own laws. These laws reflected the needs and sending their soldiers into a war on the in Gallipoli, Turkey, in 1915. and wishes of these new Australians, such as other side of the world. When the war ended, laws to protect local industry and to guarantee Australian society was changed forever by the fair wages for all. The new Australians started sacrifice of theAnzacs at Gallipoli and on the to build a fairer society – but only in some Western Front. ways. Women were given the vote in Federal elections, but the Federal Government also set up Protection Boards to control the travel, employment, property and children of Indigenous Australians.

1901–1919

1901 The six colonies of Australia are joined 1906 Australia takes over the administration of 1912 King O’Malley leads the building of the 1917 Archbishop of , Daniel Mannix, in Federation and the Commonwealth British New Guinea, now part of Papua capital in . Walter Burley Griffin campaigns against conscription and a of Australia is declared. Edmund Barton New Guinea designs the city. Fanny Durack becomes second referendum fails. Harry Chauvel is appointed the first Prime Minister. The the first Australian woman to win an leads the Light Horse Brigade to victory 1907 Henry Higgins makes the Harvester Immigration Restriction Act, based on Olympic gold medal. in the Middle East. John Monash leads Judgement and establishes the basic a policy of ‘white Australia’, is passed. Australian soldiers such as Harry Thorpe on wage for Australian workers. 1914 Annette Kellerman stars in the Hollywood Women are given the right to vote in the Western Front, the zone of fighting in film Neptune’s Daughter. World War I federal elections. Miles Franklin publishes 1908 Edmund Banfield’s writings and Dorothea Western Europe. Trans-Australian Railway begins. her successful novel My Brilliant Career. Mackellar’s poems describe the beauty is completed between Kalgoorlie, in of Australia. Andrew Fisher becomes 1915 Australian and New Zealand troops Western Australia, and Port Augusta, in 1902 Entrepreneurs Octavius Beale and Helena Prime Minister. (Anzacs), including John ‘Simpson’ . Rubinstein build their businesses. Kirkpatrick and Albert Jacka, land at 1909 The opera singer Nellie Melba tours Ethel Richardson publishes Australia 1903 The High Court of Australia is established Gallipoli. Journalist Keith Murdoch writes a outback Australia. Felix under the name Henry Handel to interpret Australia’s new constitution. letter to Prime Minister Hughes, criticising Richardson. William Farrer releases a variety of 1911 The Northern Territory is separated the ‘pointless slaughter’ of Australian wheat called Federation. Suffragette from South Australia and comes under diggers at Gallipoli. Scientist Lawrence 1918 World War I ends. Norman Lindsay and Vida Goldstein stands for election to the control of the Commonwealth Bragg wins the Nobel Prize for Physics for May Gibbs write and illustrate their own the Senate. Alfred Deakin becomes the Government. The Federal Capital his work with X-rays. children’s books. second Prime Minister. Territory, later called the Australian 1916 Billy Hughes holds a referendum, called a 1919 Poet John Shaw Neilson publishes Heart Capital Territory, is created. 1904 H. V. McKay, inventor of the Sunshine plebiscite, to introduce conscription, but of Spring. Australia joins the League of Harvester, becomes Australia’s largest it fails. Boxer Les Darcy leaves Australia Nations, and Prime Minister Hughes signs manufacturing exporter. Chris Watson to avoid conscription. Australian troops the Treaty of Versailles in France. becomes the first Labor Prime Minister. arrive in France.

6 7 Edmund Barton Prime Minister

Edmund Barton was a lawyer and John Forrest (Western Australia), Minister for High Court Judge Defence In 1903, Barton resigned as Prime Minister to politician who became Australia’s William Lyne (), Minister become one of the judges of the new High first Prime Minister. for Home Affairs Court of Australia. The High Court settles any After leaving school, Charles Kingston (South Australia), Minister disputes about the Constitution. Life facts Barton trained to for Trade and Customs 18 January 1849 Born in be a lawyer. He James Drake (Queensland), Postmaster- More about ... Sydney was elected to the General The public service 1871 Becomes a lawyer New South Wales Richard O’Connor (New South Wales), Vice 1879 Elected to New South Parliament in 1879. Barton started the Australian Public Service. The Wales Parliament President of the Executive Council public service is made up of government workers, 1891 Helps Samuel Griffith The idea of Phillip Fysh (), Honourary called public servants, who are responsible for draft Constitution carrying out the policies and laws made by the federating the Minister. Government. The public service is broken up into 1897 Leads Federal separate colonies departments, such as the Department of Foreign Convention grew popular in Barton is famous for saying: Affairs and Trade. 1900 Helps British Parliament At first, there was only one public servant in pass Federation Bill the 1890s, but it ‘For the first time in history, we have a nation for a continent and a continent for a nation.’ Barton’s Government. Robert Garran was secretary 1901 Becomes Australia’s first was difficult to to the Attorney-General. Today, there are many Prime Minister achieve agreement thousands of public servants. 1903 Joins the High Court of on how to do this. Barton’s policies Australia Barton supported Barton’s Government made immigration laws to 7 January 1920 Dies in Blue Federation and Mountains, New South ensure Australia remained European. These laws Wales spoke at nearly 300 became known as the White Australia policy. public meetings. One of these laws said any person wanting to He represented New South Wales at Federal come to Australia had to sit a language test. The Conventions and helped to write the Australian Barton was Australian Prime Minister from 1901 to 1903. test could be in any European language chosen Constitution. by the customs . Customs officers could keep out anyone they wanted by testing them First Prime Minister More about ... in a language they did not know. Another In recognition of his great contribution and the law was passed to return home 10 000 Pacific Protectionists and Free Traders importance of New South Wales, Barton was Islanders who had been brought to Queensland A cartoon from 1901, called ‘Arrival During the late 1800s, each colony acted as a made first Prime Minister. After the first Federal as cheap labour. of the New Baby’, separate unit and charged taxes on goods that elections in March 1901, Barton formed the first came from other colonies. These taxes protected Barton’s Government gave women the right to shows ‘Nurse local industries. Those that agreed with these Commonwealth Government. Barton’ holding vote and stand for Federal Parliament. New baby ‘Australia’. taxes were called Protectionists. Free Traders were Barton’s Government worked extremely hard to people who opposed these taxes. Zealand had been the first country to give At first, Barton supported Protectionism. As he get the nation started. Its members were: suffrage to women in 1893, but Australia was See also worked for Federation, however, he changed to Edmund Barton (New South Wales), Prime the first country to allow women to both vote Henry Parkes (Federation movement), Volume 4 support Free Trade between the colonies and Minister and stand for election. Indigenous Australians Samuel Griffith (Australian Constitution), Volume 4 Protection from overseas trade. Charles Kingston, Volume 4 George Turner (), Treasurer were not given the vote. They had no say in the laws that governed them. John Forrest, Volume 4 Alfred Deakin (Victoria), Attorney-General Alfred Deakin, Volume 5

8 9 Miles Franklin Octavius Beale Writer Entrepreneur

Stella Franklin, known as Miles Australian publishers were not interested in Octavius Beale was an entrepreneur the novel. Franklin finally found a publisher in Franklin, was a feminist writer Scotland and My Brilliant Career was published who started Australia’s first piano who wrote novels about women and in 1901. It was a bestseller for many years. It was factory in Sydney. He patented a life in Australia. made into an Australian film in 1979. new piano-tuning system. Franklin finished Feminist writer After he left school, Life facts her first novel when Franklin was a feminist. She worked as a nurse Life facts Beale worked in 14 October 1879 Born near she was 20 years and housemaid as research for her writing. She 23 February 1850 Born in hardware stores. He Tumut, New South Wales old. Based on her wanted to demonstrate that all forms of work Ireland started a business 1901 Publishes My Brilliant own experiences, done by women were valuable. She also wrote 1854 Migrates to Van importing sewing Career Diemen’s Land My Brilliant Career articles for Sydney newspapers. Other feminists, machines and pianos 1906 Moves to the United 1859 Goes to school in States tells the story of such as Rose Scott and Vida Goldstein, became Ireland from Germany. 1915 Moves to England Sybylla Melvyn, her friends. Franklin worked for over 20 years in 1866 Starts work in hardware The Industrial 1927 Returns to Australia a girl growing up the United States and England helping women shop Revolution in 1936 Publishes All That in Australia in fight for equal rights. 1884 Starts importing Europe meant that Swagger the 1890s. When business in Sydney machines in factories 19 September 1954 Dies in Sybylla meets Harry Encouraging Australian literature 1893 Starts piano factory in now made goods in Sydney Sydney Beecham, she has Franklin supported Australian literature. Other 1902 Invents piano-tuning large numbers and to choose between famous Australian writers, such as Norman system the goods became becoming a writer or becoming a wife. Lindsay and Henry Lawson, were her friends. 16 December 1930 Dies cheaper. Franklin did not repeat the success of her first near Stroud, New South novel, but she wrote plays and essays and had Wales Famous piano Beale was a business leader who supported another 14 novels published. When she died, her factory Australian factories and businesses. will provided for an award for a novel or play In Sydney, Beale started Australia’s first piano about Australian life, called the Miles Franklin factory. Pianos had become a popular form of Protectionist leader Literary Award. Patrick White was the first home entertainment. The factory grew very Beale became a leader in business and charity. winner in 1957. large. Every part of the piano was made in the He was a fair employer and had good relations with trade unions. Beale became the first In her novel My Brilliant Career, Franklin wrote: factory and many people from different trades president of a national manufacturer’s ‘There is no plot in this story, because there has were employed. Workers in the factory: federation. He also led the Protection League, been none in my life or in any other life which made brass and iron which helped protect local industries from has come under my notice. I am one of a class, made metal and timber parts cheaper imports. Australian workers demanded the individuals of which have not time for plots in their life, but have all they can do to get their made keyboards a fair wage, so Beale’s pianos were more work done without indulging in such a luxury.’ assembled, painted and polished expensive than imported pianos. The factory relied on government protection. See also designed improvements. Vida Goldstein (feminism), Volume 5 The factory became famous all around the Norman Lindsay, Volume 5 world when it introduced a new tuning system See also Franklin was a writer and activist who encouraged Germaine Greer (feminism), Volume 8 in 1902. Beale patented the invention. Edmund Barton (Protectionists and Free Traders), and supported other Australian writers. Patrick White, Volume 8 Volume 5

10 11 Helena Rubinstein H. V. McKay Entrepreneur Inventor

Chaja Rubinstein, known as Helena Hugh Victor McKay was a famous Rubinstein, was a pioneer of the inventor and businessman who international cosmetics industry. She made and sold Sunshine Harvesters. started her first salon in Melbourne. McKay left school Life facts Rubinstein to work on his Life facts immigrated to 21 August 1865 Born near family’s farm in Elmore, Victoria northern Victoria. 25 December 1870 Born in Australia from 1878 Leaves school to work Krakow, Poland The Victorian Poland. She started on family farm 1896 Migrates to Australia Government offered making a face cream 1885 Invents stripper- 1903 Opens salon in for her neighbours, harvester a reward for local Melbourne who found that the 1890 Starts McKay Harvesting inventors to design 1907 Becomes Australian Machinery Company a combine harvester. citizen harsh Australian 1893 Makes Sunshine In 1884, James McKay was a very successful businessman. 1908 Moves to London, sun dried their skin. Harvester England Morrow invented a It was such a hit 1895 Builds 12 harvesters 1915 Moves to the United stripper-harvester that she opened a 1901 Builds 500 harvesters States and won the reward. Sunshine Harvester cosmetics shop in 1904 Moves company to 1917 Starts manufacturing Rubinstein wore a white coat and called herself a McKay’s invention became famous. A long Melbourne The following year cosmetics Melbourne. ‘Beauty Scientist’. drought in the 1890s forced farmers to expand 21 May 1926 Dies in McKay also invented 1953 Starts Helena Rubinstein Melbourne a stripper-harvester. their crop areas to survive. They needed Foundation Creating Each of the men machines for harvesting. McKay listened to the 1 April 1965 Dies in New glamour More about ... York, United States patented his machine and started companies to farmers’ ideas for improvements. He improved his Convincing people Cosmetics make and sell them. machine and named it the Sunshine Harvester. to buy her cream was Rubinstein’s special talent. Cosmetics are preparations that are applied to By 1901, the McKay Company was making France was the world leader of fashion and beautify the body, especially the face. Rubinstein’s decision to open a cosmetics shop was risky. At and selling 500 harvesters each year. Sunshine glamour, so Rubinstein used French words to More about ... the time, most people thought only actors used Harvesters were also exported to South Africa make her products more glamorous. She called cosmetics. Combine harvesters and Argentina. The company moved from her shop a salon, changed her name from Chaja Wheat farming needed many workers. The crop Ballarat to Melbourne to be close to the port. to Helena and named her Polish face cream had to be stripped and harvested. Harvesting Sunshine Harvesters were manufactured on Crème Valaze. International cosmetics empire involves three tasks: assembly lines in the Melbourne suburb of Soon Rubinstein had enough money to open • threshing, in which wheat grains are beaten off Rubinstein advertised that Crème Valaze was the plant Braybrook Junction, which was renamed salons in Sydney, London and Paris. By 1927, she made from a secret European recipe. In fact, • winnowing, in which grain and the rest of the Sunshine. The factory became the largest in had 10 American salons and was manufacturing it was oil from sheep’s wool, called lanolin, plant, called chaff, are separated Australia in 1904, and it employed 3500 workers 70 cosmetic products for a global market. She • bagging, in which grain is put in heavy bags. perfumed with lavender, pine bark or water lilies. at its peak. McKay became famous for his became very wealthy and started a foundation Machines that combined stripping and harvesting tasks were invented in North America, but it was business success and also his battles with the Rubinstein’s salon, called the Valaze Institute, to help people and the arts. expensive to import these combine harvesters into trade unions. looked like a doctor’s surgery. After examining Australia. the customer’s skin, she prescribed her See also See also product and applied it in an ‘operating room’. Octavius Beale (entrepreneur of the early 1900s), William Farrer (wheat farming), Volume 5 Rubinstein’s business was a runaway success. Volume 5 Henry Higgins (Harvester Judgement), Volume 5

12 13 William Farrer Scientist

William Farrer was a scientist Experimenting with wheat Federation wheat who created new varieties of wheat Each summer morning, Farrer went to his small In 1901, Farrer created a new wheat variety that that were suited to Australian plots of wheat. He would pollinate selected he named Federation. Federation wheat: plants using a hairpin. He looked at the quality produced more grain, which earned more environments. His work helped of the grain and kept detailed records. He spent money for farmers Australia’s wheat industry expand years doing this with no payment. Many people thought he was crazy. matured early, so was able to escape rust rapidly after 1901. needed less moisture, so could grow in drier Gradually, Farrer created new wheat inland areas When Farrer was varieties that were better suited to Australian Life facts at university, he environments. People started to talk about his had short straw, making it more suitable for harvesting by machine 3 April 1845 Born in England found out he had success. The New South Wales Department of 1870 Migrates to Australia tuberculosis. This Agriculture employed him to travel to farms made good quality flour for baking and 1875 Works as a surveyor was a lung disease all over the colony. His partnership with food nourishment. 1886 Moves to farm on that killed many scientist Frederick Guthrie encouraged Farrer to Federation wheat contributed to the rapid Murrumbidgee River people, including his create varieties that would make the best flour. expansion of the Australian wheat industry. In 1889 Starts crossbreeding wheat mother. His doctor New South Wales, wheat areas tripled between recommended he 1901 and 1918. Farrer became known as the 1898 Joins Department of Farrer conducted his wheat experiments at Agriculture move to Australia. ‘father of the Australian wheat industry’. Lambrigg Farm. 1901 Breeds Federation Many English wheat people immigrated 1903 Releases Federation to Australia for wheat health reasons. 16 April 1906 Dies at Lambrigg Farm, New Farrer worked as a South Wales tutor on Duntroon sheep station. He enjoyed living in the Australian bush. He trained as a surveyor and worked for the New South Wales Lands Department. Farrer’s work helped the wheat industry in Australia Problems growing wheat grow stronger. Farrer talked with farmers and learned about Rust attacked the wheat and ruined many the problems they had growing wheat. From farms. the time of colonisation, wheat was the most important crop in Australia. Seed was brought Farrer thought he could crossbreed different from countries such as Britain and South Africa. varieties of wheat to create new ones that Australian farmers used the seed of the plants were suited to local conditions. In 1886, Farrer that seemed to grow best. This resulted in many and his wife Nina moved to his farm, called See also different varieties of wheat, some of which Lambrigg, on the Murrumbidgee River. He H. V. McKay (wheat harvesting), Volume 5 developed diseases, such as wheat rust, easily. began conducting wheat experiments there. Henry Higgins (Harvester Judgement), Volume 5

14 15 Vida Goldstein Activist

Vida Goldstein was an activist and Goldstein said: feminist who was the first woman ‘I accepted nomination because I saw what a splendid educational value the campaign in the British Empire to stand for would have. I knew I would attract much national parliament. larger audiences as a candidate than if I were advertised to give a lecture on women’s part in When she was the federal elections, or some such subject.’ Life facts growing up, 13 April 1869 Born in Goldstein was Campaigning for peace Portland, Victoria encouraged by her During World War I, Goldstein started the 1899 Makes first speech parents to work for supporting women’s Women’s Peace Army, a group that worked suffrage the community. for peace and opposed the war. Goldstein 1900 Starts The Australian Her mother was campaigned against conscription and against Woman’s Sphere a suffragette who newspaper Australian troops being sent to Europe. She believed that women also helped women and children who were left 1902 Speaks at an needed to be strong international behind to live in poverty when their sons and conference in the and free. husbands went to war. United States Throughout her life, 1903 Stands for election to Some people believed that Goldstein was Senate Goldstein worked a traitor for speaking out like this. In 1919, 1908 Celebrates women to make Australia Goldstein (right) took part in a large demonstration Goldstein travelled to Europe to attend the getting the vote in a fairer place. She for women’s rights in London, England, in 1911. Women’s Peace Conference. Victoria did voluntary work 1909 Starts Woman Voter to help women and newspaper children, campaign 1914 Opposes World War I Standing for Federal Parliament for fair wages for Goldstein (right) sits for a portrait with her friend 1919 Represents Australia Miles Franklin. Goldstein thought another way to make people workers and raised at Women’s Peace aware of women’s rights was to stand for Federal Conference money for a women’s Parliament. She did this five times between 1903 15 August 1949 Dies in hospital. Her research Goldstein was leader of the women’s suffrage and 1917. Each time, she was unsuccessful in Melbourne on poor families was movement in Victoria and became famous winning a seat, but she was gradually changing used in the Harvester in other parts of the world, too. In 1902, she people’s attitudes towards women. Judgement. represented Australia and New Zealand at the International Woman Suffrage Conference in When Goldstein ran for the Senate in 1903, Demanding the right to vote the United States. She was one of the main she was one of four women seeking election. During the 1890s, Goldstein joined other speakers at the conference. They were the first women to run for national See also Mary Lee (suffrage in Australia), Volume 4 people demanding the right of women to vote. In Goldstein’s opinion, educating the public parliament anywhere in the British Empire. Goldstein gained 51 497 votes, which was Miles Franklin (feminism), Volume 5 Proposals for women’s suffrage were defeated was essential. She carried protest signs in public Henry Higgins (New Protection policy and seven times in the Victorian Parliament. Debate to get her views across. In 1900, she started a remarkable achievement considering the Harvester Judgement), Volume 5 was fierce and it took courage for Goldstein to a newspaper called The Australian Woman’s opposition to her in the newspapers. This Edith Cowan (first female Member of Parliament), speak out. Many people considered it wrong for Sphere. Nine years later, she started another achievement added to her fame. Huge crowds Volume 6 women to express their views in public. newspaper, called Woman Voter. welcomed her when she visited England in 1911. Germaine Greer (feminism), Volume 8

16 17 Alfred Deakin Prime Minister

Alfred Deakin was a politician who An independent Australian Briton Prime Minister three times led the Federation movement. He During the Federation movement, Deakin was Deakin joined the first Federal Parliament as was also one of Australia’s greatest an important leader. He was good at helping the Member for Ballarat. He was the Attorney- people reach agreement. He described himself General, which is the minister in charge of the Prime Ministers. as an ‘independent Australian Briton’. This nation’s legal affairs. When Barton resigned meant he believed Australia had to govern itself Before he was to join the High Court of Australia, Deakin but also remain loyal to Britain. Life facts elected to the became Prime Minister. 3 August 1856 Born in Victorian Deakin joined and became a leader of the Deakin was elected Prime Minister three times. Melbourne Parliament, Deakin Australian Natives’ Association, which was Changes introduced by Deakin’s governments 1877 Starts work as a lawyer worked as a an important group supporting Federation. included: 1878 Starts writing for The teacher, lawyer and Only white men born in Australia could be introducing Australian currency Age journalist. He loved members. Deakin argued for two popular ideas 1879 Elected to Victorian reading and writing that were supported by this group. The first introducing strict quarantine laws Parliament 1885 Introduces law on many different was the White Australia policy and the second establishing a ‘New Protection’ policy for on better working subjects. Religion was protection for Australian industries against Australian industries, forcing companies conditions was important to cheap imports. to pay fair wages in return for taxes, called 1886 Introduces law starting him and he became tariffs, being placed on imported products irrigation a spiritualist, creating the Northern Territory in 1911 1900 Helps British Parliament More about ... pass Federation Bill believing that the establishing British New Guinea, now Papua 1903–04 Serves as Prime spirits of dead Political parties in the early 1900s New Guinea, as a territory of Australia Minister for the first time people could be When Deakin became Prime Minister, there were forming an Australian Navy. 1905–08 Serves as Prime contacted to provide three main political parties: • the Protectionist Party, led by Deakin Minister for the second guidance for the At first, Australia had paid Britain for protection time • the Free Trade Party by the British Royal Navy. Deakin believed 1909–10 Serves as Prime living. • the Labor Party. After many changes of government, the Australia should have its own navy, but Britain Minister for the third Deakin was a very time Protectionist Party split up. Some of the opposed the idea. Deakin started the Royal successful politician 7 October 1919 Dies in Protectionists joined the Labor Party. Some joined Australian Navy. This was one of the things he Melbourne in Victoria for over with the Free Traders when Deakin started the meant by ‘an independent Australia that was 20 years. He led Fusion Party. The Fusion Party was a forerunner to the modern Liberal Party. still loyal to Britain’. many important changes in the colony. One change was a law that brought better working conditions to workers in factories and shops. Another was a fair way to share water in the rivers. This resulted in the first irrigation Deakin was a Victorian politician who became scheme in Australia. Prime Minister three times. See also Edmund Barton (White Australia policy, Protectionists and Free Traders), Volume 5 Henry Higgins (New Protection policy and Harvester Judgement), Volume 5 Arthur Calwell (White Australia policy), Volume 7

18 19 Chris Watson Henry Higgins Prime Minister Judge

John Christian Watson, known Henry Higgins was a Victorian as Chris Watson, was the first politician and High Court Judge. Australian Labor Prime Minister. He made the famous Harvester Watson’s father Judgement, which required Life facts was from Chile employers to pay their workers a 9 April 1867 Born in and had a German ‘sufficient wage’. Valparaiso, Chile background. When 1886 Migrates from New Watson’s parents Higgins was a Zealand to Australia separated, he Life facts lawyer who became 1894 Elected to New South Wales Parliament migrated to New 30 June 1851 Born in Ireland interested in politics. 1900 Leads formation of Zealand with his 1870 Migrates to Victoria He was elected to the mother. Watson left with family Victorian Parliament 1901 Becomes leader of the school and started 1894 Elected to Victorian and was then elected Parliament Labor Party work when he was to the first Federal 1904 Becomes Prime Minister 1897 Represents Victoria at only ten years old to Federal Convention Parliament as a 1907 Resigns as Labor leader help his family. 1901 Elected to Federal Protectionist. When 1910 Leaves Federal Watson became Prime Minister for four months Parliament Chris Watson became Parliament in 1904. 1906 Becomes High Court the firstL abor 1916 Expelled from Labor Forming the judge Prime Minister, he As a High Court Judge, Higgins made many Party important decisions, called judgements. Labor Party 1907 Makes Harvester 18 November 1941 Dies in Many people feared a government run by asked Higgins to be Judgement Sydney Watson worked people who represented the working class. Attorney-General in the printing 1916 Loses only son in World They believed it would make too many changes War I and run the legal Higgins said that each worker had to be treated industry and was a trade union member. In the and ruin the country. Watson was careful and 13 January 1929 Dies in system, even though ‘as a human being in a civilised community’. 1890s, trade unions decided to form a political won the respect of the people. Melbourne Higgins was not part Workers’ families provided important evidence party. Massive strikes by maritime workers and about their cost of living. Higgins decided that Watson was only in office for four months of the Labor Party. shearers had failed to gain better conditions 7 shillings a day was ‘a fair and reasonable before Free Traders and Protectionists voted for working families. Watson helped start the The Harvester Judgement wage for an unskilled labourer to maintain together in Parliament and defeated him. Australian Labor Party. In 1894, he was elected Higgins was appointed as a judge on the High himself and family’. to the New South Wales Parliament. Watson resigned as Labor leader in 1907 Court of Australia and then President of the At the time, 7 shillings was a big increase on the because he was worried about his wife’s health. Arbitration Court. The Arbitration Court was Watson was one of 24 Labor candidates wages that were being paid. Many employers He retired from Parliament in 1910, and he was started by the Federal Government to solve elected in the first Federal Parliament and he were angry with Higgins. The Australian idea of expelled from the Labor Party in 1916 because industrial disputes and to prevent workers became Labor leader. Although Labor was the a basic wage was created and used for the next he supported conscription. striking. The first case Higgins had to judge smallest political party, Barton’s Protectionist 60 years. involved the Sunshine Harvester factory. Government relied on its support. See also Higgins had to decide whether H. V. McKay’s Watson became Australia’s third and youngest William Spence (Labor Party), Volume 4 See also factory paid fair wages. Under Deakin’s New Prime Minister in 1904. His Government Edmund Barton (Protectionists and Free Traders), Edmund Barton (Protectionists and Free Traders), Volume 5 Protection policy, imported goods would only was the first Labor government anywhere in Volume 5 Alfred Deakin (political parties), Volume 5 be taxed if Australian companies paid ‘fair and H. V. McKay (Sunshine Harvester factory), Volume 5 the world. Billy Hughes (conscription), Volume 5 reasonable’ wages to their workers. Alfred Deakin (New Protection policy), Volume 5

20 21 Edmund Banfield Dorothea Mackellar Writer Poet

Edmund Banfield was a writer who Dorothea Mackellar wrote poems promoted the natural beauty of celebrating the unique beauty of northern Queensland and the Great Australia. Her poem My Country Barrier Reef. helped to build national pride. Banfield’s family Mackellar was Life facts immigrated to the Life facts educated at home 4 September 1852 Born in Victorian goldfields. 1 July 1885 Born in Sydney and travelled the Liverpool, England After training as 1908 Publishes Core of My world with her 1854 Migrates to Victoria a reporter on his Heart (later called My family. She learned Country) 1882 Moves to Townsville, father’s newspaper, many languages Queensland 1911 Publishes first book of he worked as and loved writing, 1897 Moves to Dunk Island, poems Queensland a journalist in 1914 Publishes third novel painting and acting. 1908 Publishes The Melbourne, Sydney 1926 Publishes fourth book of Mackellar enjoyed Confessions of a and Townsville. poems visiting family Beachcomber 14 January 1968 Dies in properties in the 1911 Publishes My Tropic Isle Passion for the Sydney Hunter Valley and 2 June 1923 Dies on Dunk at Gunnedah, New Island, Queensland natural world South Wales. Banfield’s passion for Mackellar wrote about her love for the sunburnt country of Australia. the natural world developed when he was a boy. Poems about her country He filled his spare time with field trips in the She helped establish a Zonta Club in Sydney. This Grampians, also called Gariwerd, in Victoria. On a trip to England, Mackellar felt homesick. She wrote a poem about Australia called Core was a community group that helped women. While working in Townsville, Banfield went of My Heart. It was published in an English Mackellar had four books of poems and three on a camping trip and fell in love with Dunk magazine. Three years later, it was included novels published by 1926. Her father died in 1926 Island. When his health failed, he moved in her first book of poems and renamedMy and she wrote little after that. there with his wife. They built a house and a Banfield was an author and journalist who lived on Country. plantation of fruit trees and vegetables. A weekly Dunk Island, Queensland. The second verse of Mackellar’s My Country reads: steamship was their only connection to the The poem starts by describing England, which ‘I love a sunburnt country, Australian mainland. is a land ‘Of ordered woods and gardens’. In contrast, Mackellar says, ‘I love a sunburnt A land of sweeping plains The Queensland Government asked Banfield to Promoting the beauty of Australia country’. She describes the beauty of the Of ragged mountain ranges write a tourist guide to the area. The Confessions different environments in Australia and says Of droughts and flooding rains. Banfield filled his time by reading books and of a Beachcomber was published in 1908. It they are the ‘core of my heart’. My Country I love her far horizons recording his observations of Dunk Island. made Banfield famous in Australia and overseas. became a very popular poem in Australia. I love her jewel-sea, He wrote articles for a northern Queensland Fans loved the idea of leaving the pressures of Her beauty and her terror – newspaper, promoting the beauty of Australia. living in a city for life in an island paradise. Politics and community life were other interests The wide brown land for me!’ He wrote about the plants, animals and birds for Mackellar. In 1902, she wrote in her diary of Dunk Island. His dream was to preserve the See also about her excitement that women in New South See also natural beauty of northern Queensland. Peter Lalor (Victorian goldfields), Volume 4 Wales had been given the right to vote. Mary Lee (suffrage in Australia), Volume 4

22 23 Andrew Fisher King O’Malley Prime Minister Politician

Andrew Fisher became Australia’s King O’Malley was a politician who fifth Prime Minister in 1908. He led the start of the Commonwealth was Prime Minister three times and Bank and the city of Canberra. made many changes. O’Malley was a Life facts When he was ten salesman in the Life facts years old, Fisher left 4 July 1858 Born in Kansas, United States before United States he migrated to the 29 August 1862 Born in school in Scotland to 1888 Migrates to Victoria Scotland work in the mines. Australian colonies. 1896 Elected to South 1872 Starts mining People found him an Thirteen years later, Australian Parliament 1885 Migrates to Queensland interesting character. he immigrated to 1901 Elected to Federal 1893 Elected to Queensland Parliament He dressed and Parliament Queensland and became involved in 1908 Leads start of spoke in a way that 1901 Elected to Federal Commonwealth Bank attracted attention. Parliament the miners’ union. Fisher sits for a formal portrait with his wife and 1912 Leads building of 1908–09 Serves as Prime He was elected family in 1910. Canberra and Trans- Minister for the first time to Queensland Australian Railway Popular 1910–13 Serves as Prime Parliament as the introducing worker’s compensation, which 20 December 1953 Dies in politician Minister for the second Adelaide time Member for Gympie. supported people injured in the workplace After living in four 1914–15 Serves as Prime He was elected to building the Trans-Australian Railway, which different colonies, Minister for the third Federal Parliament was completed in 1917 O’Malley was elected to the South Australian time in 1901. Parliament in 1896. Only British subjects could 1916 Becomes Australian establishing Canberra as the national capital O’Malley lays the first stone in the building of be elected to Parliament, so he told people High Commissioner starting the government-owned Parliament House in Canberra. Achievements he was born in Canada, which was part of 22 October 1928 Dies in Commonwealth Bank. London, England of the Fisher the British Empire. O’Malley received a lot of governments During the 1914 elections, the World War I broke out. support from women, who were voting for the Building Canberra In 1908, Fisher became Australia’s fifth Prime Fisher said that Australia would: first time in Australia. He supported women’s After Federation in 1901, it took some time Minister. After eight months, Deakin’s Fusion ‘stand beside the mother country to help and rights and was opposed to alcohol, which he for Australians to build a national capital. Party forced him from office. defend her to the last man and the last shilling’. called ‘stagger juice’. O’Malley led the politicians who chose the site of Canberra. He also organised a competition to Fisher led the Labor Party to victory again In 1901, O’Malley was elected as a Tasmanian High Commissioner in London find the best design for the city. in the 1910 Federal elections. Labor held the representative in the first Federal Parliament. majority of seats and was able to pass 113 laws Fisher resigned from Parliament and became He joined the Labor Party and became a When O’Malley died, he left money to fund in three years. Achievements made by Fisher’s Australian High Commissioner in London. Minister in 1910. He led important national university scholarships for home economics Government included: When World War I ended, he visited Australian projects, such as: students. troops in France and made a report on the introducing old age and invalid pensions, . starting the Commonwealth Bank, which was which supported people when they could owned by the Government for the people See also not work See also building the Trans-Australian Railway John Forrest (Trans-Australian Railway), Volume 4 introducing maternity allowance to support John Forrest (Trans-Australian Railway), Volume 4 between Kalgoorlie, in Western Australia, and Walter Burley Griffin(design for Canberra), families raising children King O’Malley (Canberra), Volume 5 Port Augusta, in South Australia. Volume 5

24 25 Nellie Melba Singer

Nellie Melba was an opera singer Melba mixed with European royalty and other Doing a Melba rich and famous people. She was involved in In 1924, Melba announced that she planned to who became an international scandals and there were rumours about her retire. Her farewell performances stretched over temper tantrums. Chefs created dishes and superstar. Her success in the the next four years. glamorous world of opera helped named them after her, such as Melba toast and peach Melba. ‘Doing a Melba’ became an Australian way build national pride. of describing someone who keeps on doing Touring Australia something after they said they would stop. Helen Mitchell’s Life facts parents were both Huge crowds gathered to greet Melba 19 May 1861 Born Helen musically talented. when she returned to Australia in Mitchell in Melbourne They helped develop 1902. Her train journey to Melbourne 1881 Moves to Queensland her love of singing. was like a royal procession. She toured with her father The year she left every State capital city as well as New 1884 Starts singing career in Zealand. One Sydney concert set a Melbourne school, however, her new world record for ticket sales. 1887 Starts opera career in mother and one of Europe her sisters died. She When Melba returned again in 1909, 1902 Tours Australia as a moved to Mackay, she toured outback Australia, covering world superstar Queensland, where 16 000 kilometres. This tour helped to 1909 Tours outback Australia her father ran a build Australia’s national pride. Melba 1920 First world star to sing sugar mill. on live radio had shown that Australians could be 1927 Sings at opening of After marriage, she the best at singing, as well as at sport. Parliament House, was unhappy with People even called her ‘our Nellie’. Canberra her new life as a 23 February 1931 Dies in Sydney wife and mother. World War I begins She returned to When the war started, Melba was Melbourne to start a singing career. When her living at Coombe Cottage, the grand father had to travel to London, England, for his home she built in Lilydale, Victoria. work, she decided to join him. From there, she It was too risky to travel to Europe travelled to Paris, France. during the war, but she did make three Melba sings ‘God Save the King’ at the opening of concert tours to North America. In Australia, Parliament House, Canberra, in 1927. Leading a glamorous life Melba ran singing classes and performed to In Paris, she trained to be an opera singer. She raise money for the war effort. changed her name to Nellie Melba. Melba is a Melba poses for a publicity photograph in 1915. After the war, Melba returned to Europe’s opera shortened version of her hometown, Melbourne. houses. She recorded her songs to be played on In 1889, Melba became a star after performing in Opera was very popular with wealthy people in a newly invented machine called a gramophone. operas in Paris and London. Her high-pitched, Europe and North America. In the 1890s, Melba She was the first opera star to sing live on radio, See also soprano voice was described as angelic and she became a glamorous celebrity. Australians were and she sang at the opening of Parliament Jimmy Clements (opening of Parliament House), was called ‘the Voice’. proud that she was a superstar. They followed House in Canberra in 1927. Volume 6 closely the many news reports on her success. Joan Sutherland (opera singer), Volume 8

26 27 Walter Burley Griffin Fanny Durack Architect Sportsperson

Griffin designed the city Walter Burley Griffin was an of Canberra. Sarah Durack, known as Fanny American architect who won the Durack, was the first Australian competition to design Canberra. Griffin came to woman to win an Olympic gold Australia and was Griffin trained as an made the Director of medal. Life facts architect, which is a the building project. Durack was an 24 November 1876 Born in designer of buildings He ran into problems Life facts excellent swimmer Chicago, United States and landscapes, straightaway. The biggest 27 October 1889 Born in from a young age. 1912 Wins competition to in Chicago in the design Canberra problem was the start of Sydney When Durack and United States. 1913 Moves to Australia to World War I in 1914. Money 1906 Wins her first State her friend Mina lead Canberra project He entered the was needed for the war, which swimming title Wylie heard that 1920 Leaves Canberra competition to was more important than the new 1912 Wins gold at Stockholm women were being project Olympics design Canberra capital city. People criticised Griffin’s plan and allowed to swim in 11 February 1937 Dies in India 1918 Tours the United States at the last minute. said it was too expensive. the Olympic Games Griffin said, ‘I have 1921 Retires from swimming There were many arguments between Griffin, Dies in for the first time in planned a city that is not like any other in the 20 March 1956 the politicians and public servants. Griffin Sydney 1912, they started world … I have planned an ideal city.’ was determined that his ideas would not be training. They forgotten. He relied on King O’Malley’s support trained in freestyle swimming and began setting Durack (left) and Mina Wylie competed at the Olympic Games in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1912. More about ... to keep the project going. In 1920, Griffin left world-class times. The 100 metres freestyle was the only individual event for women at the Competition to design Canberra the project. The lake, named after him, was not Public support In 1911, King O’Malley started a worldwide completed until 1964. Stockholm Olympic Games in 1912. Swimming officials decided to send five men competition to design Australia’s capital city. Some people were opposed to women Politicians had finally agreed on a site for the new Griffin’s plan and no women to the Stockholm Olympic swimming at the Olympic Games. They city. The site chosen was in the Molonglo River included a Games. There was public uproar from those valley in the Brindabella Ranges, New South Wales. man-made believed a woman’s place was in the home. The Ngunawal people had lived in this area for at lake, later who wanted women to compete. Women from least 21 000 years. called Lake all over Australia sent letters of protest. Some There was a lot of interest in the competition and Burley Griffin. More about ... sent money, and a fund was started to pay for 137 people entered. O’Malley announced that Durack and Wylie to attend. Swimming officials Griffin had won. The Australian crawl changed their decision. The freestyle swimming event can be swum in any style. Most people use the front crawl because it is Durack set a world record of 1 minute 19.8 seconds Controversial plans the quickest style. in the heat of the 100 metres freestyle. She went on Different cultures in many parts of the world Griffin’s plan for Canberra was based on three used a version of the front crawl. When South to win the final and Wylie came second. centres. Wide avenues joined the three centres, American Indians showed the British how it was Durack and Wylie returned home to a hero’s done, people said it was ‘un-British’ and it did not forming a triangle across the Molonglo River welcome. Their success helped change the role valley. Griffin wanted the river to be dammed to become popular. After about 1873, however, it became popular in Australia, and it was called the of women in Australia. They also helped to make make a lake in the middle of the city. The judges See also Australian crawl. sport an important part of Australian culture. believed that Griffin’s plan was a grand design Traditional custodians (Ngunawal people), that fitted in with the natural setting. His wife’s Volume 1 See also drawings helped him win. King O’Malley (Canberra), Volume 5 Annette Kellerman (female swimmers), Volume 5

28 29 Annette Kellerman John ‘Simpson’ Kirkpatrick Film star Soldier

Annette Kellerman was a John Kirkpatrick was an Australian When Australia joined World War I, Kirkpatrick enlisted in the Medical Corps as John long-distance swimmer who became soldier who became known as Simpson. With other members of the Australian an international film star. ‘Simpson’, the man with the donkey. and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzacs), Kirkpatrick stopped in Egypt for training. A childhood illness Kirkpatrick joined Life facts Life facts meant Kellerman the merchant navy ‘Simpson’ and his donkey 6 July 1886 Born in Sydney could only walk 6 July 1892 Born in England when he was 17 years Kirkpatrick took part in the first landing on 1892 Starts swimming to with painful steel 1910 Jumps ship at old. He jumped ship strengthen legs braces. Swimming Newcastle, NSW in Australia and the beaches of Gallipoli, Turkey, on 25 April 1905 Becomes first woman helped strengthen 1914 Enlists in the Army worked for four years 1915. Among the dying and wounded diggers, to attempt to swim Medical Corps he managed to capture a donkey. He used it English Channel her legs. Kellerman in New South Wales, 1915 Lands at Gallipoli, to carry fresh water from the beach up to the 1905­–06 Wins major races in mastered all the Queensland and Turkey soldiers in the trenches. On the way back down Europe strokes and set 19 May 1915 Dies at Western Australia. 1907 Arrested in Boston, swimming records. Gallipoli, Turkey to the beach, he would carry wounded men. He United States Her other love worked day and night for nearly a month and 1911 Starts making films was performing. saved many lives. Every trip he made was under 1914 Stars in Neptune’s heavy gunfire fromT urkish soldiers. Daughter Her mermaid act, 5 November 1975 Dies in swimming in a tank On the morning of 19 May, Kirkpatrick was Southport, Queensland full of fish, was a hit. killed by machine gun fire. He was buried on Kellerman was a swimmer, actress and feminist. the beach at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli. Making headlines Kellerman started swimming in long-distance More about ... More about ... races in Europe. She shocked Londoners by The Anzac legend swimming 42 kilometres down the Thames river Changing attitudes ‘Simpson’ and his donkey became part of the In the early 1900s, women were required to in five hours. She finished third, racing 17 men Anzac legend. Their story captured people’s wear swimming costumes with long sleeves, long imagination. It showed the Anzac spirit of mateship down the Seine River in Paris. She won a race underwear and a heavy woollen skirt. The sight and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. down the Danube River, and became the first of a woman swimming was a scandal to some It represented the courageous soldiers who died people. woman to attempt to swim between England fighting to defend the British Empire. Big changes, however, were happening in society. and France across the English Channel. Nearly 9000 Australian soldiers were killed in eight Some women, such as Kellerman, wanted the months of fighting in Gallipoli. In Australia, these freedom to be active in the community. Kellerman When Kellerman went to the United States, she men were seen as heroes. After the sacrifice at said swimming in a women’s swimming costume made headlines for wearing a one-piece bathing Gallipoli, people said that Australia had grown up was ‘like swimming in a ball gown’. Her boldness as a nation. suit on a Boston beach. She was arrested and started to change public attitudes. charged with indecent exposure. People flocked to see Kellerman’s underwater ballet. She started making Hollywood films, See also such as Neptune’s Daughter, and became an See also Miles Franklin (feminism), Volume 5 Albert Jacka international star. She made people think about (Gallipoli), Volume 5 Vida Goldstein (feminism), Volume 5 ‘Simpson’ helps a wounded soldier being carried by Keith Murdoch (Gallipoli Letter), Volume 5 the role of women. Germaine Greer (feminism), Volume 8 his donkey. (the Anzac spirit), Volume 6

30 31 Albert Jacka Lawrence Bragg Soldier Scientist

Albert Jacka was the first Australian Lawrence Bragg was an Australian to win the in scientist who won the Nobel Prize World War I. His bravery was used for Physics in 1915. to inspire other Australians to Bragg’s father contribute to the war effort. Life facts was Professor of 31 March 1890 Born in Mathematics and Jacka was a Victorian Life facts Adelaide Physics at Adelaide forestry worker 1908 Completes university University. When degree in mathematics 10 January 1893 Born in when World War I he was five years Winchelsea, Victoria started. He quickly 1909 Moves to England old, Bragg broke his 1915 Wins Victoria Cross at joined men from 1915 Wins Nobel Prize for Gallipoli arm. Bragg’s father all over Australia Physics 1916 Fights on the Western had built an X-ray who volunteered to 1 July 1971 Dies in Ipswich, Front in France and England machine and he wins fight for the British used it to examine 1917 Wins second Military Empire. Cross on Western Front the injury. It was the first recorded medical use 1918 Wounded in a mustard In the trenches of X-rays in Australia. gas attack at Gallipoli 1919 Returns to Australia Jacka’s photograph was used on posters to Gifted scientist In 1915, Jacka fought 1929 Elected to St Kilda promote the Australian war effort. Bragg was a gifted student. He completed Council, Victoria at Gallipoli. At a university degree in mathematics by the Bragg’s research helped Australia’s war efforts in 17 January 1932 Dies in Courtney’s Post on After recovering from his wounds, Jacka time he was 18. When his father returned to both World War I and World War II. Melbourne 19 May, all the men was promoted to captain. He won a second England to work in 1909, Bragg went with him around him were Military Cross for bravery. He became known as and started physics research on X-rays. He In 1953, his work helped in the discovery of the killed or wounded in a Turkish attack. Jacka Australia’s greatest warrior. structure of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), the single-handedly killed seven Turkish soldiers made an important discovery about the way chemical building block of life. Bragg received and defended the trench through the night. He crystals break up X-rays. Bragg worked with More about ... many honours for his research work and survived and was evacuated. He was awarded his father and found ways to study many scientific discoveries. the Victoria Cross for bravery. Military awards different crystals. Jacka won a Victoria Cross and two Military Bragg and his father shared the Nobel Prize in Crosses. The Victoria Cross is the British Empire’s More about ... Fighting on the Western Front highest award for bravery. It was named after Physics in 1915 for their work. They attended On 7 , Jacka’s platoon was trapped Queen Victoria. The second-highest award is the the Swedish Academy of Science in Stockholm, The Nobel Prize Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. The Military Cross in a trench. Leading the seven survivors, he Sweden, to receive their prize. About the same Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, is the third-highest award for bravery on the attacked 60 German soldiers. He was wounded Literature and Peace were first awarded in 1901. A battlefield. time, Bragg received news that his brother, an seven times but led his men to victory. Anzac soldier, had been killed at Gallipoli. Prize for Economics was added in 1969. The Physics Prize recognises important discoveries that help the Many witnesses believe that Jacka deserved a See also world’s people. second Victoria Cross for his actions, but he was John ‘Simpson’ Kirkpatrick (the Anzac legend), Research and the war effort awarded the Military Cross instead. People said Volume 5 Bragg used his research skills to help the war See also that he was given the lesser award because he Keith Murdoch (Gallipoli letter), Volume 5 efforts during World War I and World War II. John ‘Simpson’ Kirkpatrick (the Anzac legend), argued with his superior officers. Billy Hughes (the Western Front), Volume 5 He used soundwaves to locate enemy guns. Volume 5

32 33 Keith Murdoch Les Darcy Journalist Sportsperson

Keith Murdoch was a journalist James Leslie Darcy, known as Les who wrote about British mistakes Darcy, was a champion boxer who at Gallipoli. He also built a media was smuggled out of Australia empire. during the conscription debate. Murdoch was an Darcy trained as Life facts ambitious journalist. Life facts a blacksmith after 12 August 1886 Born in When World War I 31 October 1895 Born near leaving school. He Melbourne started, he applied Maitland, Hunter Valley, had a powerful body 1915 Writes the ‘Gallipoli to be Australia’s New South Wales and started winning Letter’ war correspondent. 1915 Becomes Australian boxing contests 1921 Appointed Editor of the Middleweight Melbourne Herald Charles Bean was Champion when he was 14 years 1931 Controls Adelaide selected instead. 1916 Becomes Australian old. Boxing was newspapers Murdoch decided to Heavyweight very popular at the Champion, and leaves 1933 Starts Brisbane Courier- work in England. Australia to avoid time and he became Mail conscription the leading fighter 1935 Runs national media Murdoch asked 24 May 1917 Dies in the at Sydney Stadium. empire for permission to United States After losing a world 4 October 1952 Dies near visit the Anzac Melbourne troops in Gallipoli, championship fight, Turkey, on his way he came back to win 22 fights in a row. to London in 1915. He was given permission on People from the Hunter Valley regarded Darcy the condition that anything he wrote had to be as a local hero. He used his winnings to support approved by the army. People were starting to his family. criticise decisions made by the British generals. Murdoch visited Gallipoli as a journalist in 1915. Many men were being killed and the Gallipoli Avoiding conscription campaign seemed poorly planned. Darcy wanted to box in the United States, Darcy was one of Australia’s greatest boxers. During his four days in Gallipoli, Murdoch Building a media empire but World War I affected his plans. Many Murdoch became a successful newspaper editor met another journalist who was angry with the Australians believed Darcy should be fighting Newspapers called Darcy a traitor. His fight after the war. He bought newspapers, magazines British generals. The journalist gave Murdoch in the war for Britain. They thought a famous in New York was cancelled. He became an and radio stations around Australia. He created a letter to smuggle back to London, but the sporting hero in the army would encourage American citizen and joined the army. Soon a national media empire. Murdoch was called army found out. Instead, Murdoch wrote his others to volunteer. People accused him of not after, he collapsed and died. own letter to Australian Prime Minister Billy a ‘media mogul’ and had a lot of influence on volunteering because of his Irish background. His tragic death made Darcy a folk hero again. Hughes. He criticised the pointless slaughter politicians and public opinion. Darcy said he would volunteer after he had Half a million people paid their respects when of Australian soldiers. His ‘Gallipoli letter’ boxed in the United States. his body was returned home to Australia. became famous and resulted in the Anzac See also Darcy was refused permission to leave Australia. troops being evacuated. John ‘Simpson’ Kirkpatrick (the Anzac legend), He left secretly by ship from Newcastle, New Volume 5 See also South Wales, on the night before the 1916 Charles Bean (the Anzac spirit), Volume 6 Daniel Mannix (the Irish in Australia), Volume 5 Rupert Murdoch (family), Volume 9 conscription referendum. Billy Hughes (conscription), Volume 5

34 35 Billy Hughes Prime Minister

William Hughes, known as Billy Hughes’ trip to Britain in Signing the Treaty of Versailles 1916 affected him greatly. After the war, Hughes demanded that Australia Hughes, was in Federal Parliament British leaders believed be represented at the Paris Peace Conference. young Australia should for its first 50 years. He was Prime Australia had lost a greater proportion of its do what it was told, but Minister during World War I. small population than other larger countries. Hughes fought hard to When international leaders argued that Hughes Hughes came from a ensure Australia was spoke for only 5 million people, he said, ‘I speak Life facts Welsh background. represented at wartime for 60 000 dead’. 25 September 1862 Born in After he immigrated meetings. He also visited London, England to Queensland, he Australian soldiers on This was the first time Australia signed an 1874 Becomes a teacher became a bush- the Western Front. international treaty. Hughes demanded and 1884 Migrates to worker. In the early won many things for Australia in the Peace Queensland 1890s, he organised Changing the Conference’s Treaty of Versailles, such as: 1894 Elected to New South Wales Parliament unions and helped conscription laws German payment of half of the £364 million 1915 Becomes Prime Minister start the Labor Party. Australia already had that Australia spent on the war He served in the 1916 Leads first referendum compulsory military a seat on the League of Nations, which was on conscription New South Wales training, called a group of countries that was promoting 1917 Leads second Parliament for seven conscription, that international peace and cooperation referendum on years. conscription was used to defend the end of Germany’s control of its colony in 1919 Signs Treaty of Versailles the nation’s borders. New Guinea 1923 Ends record term as A long career Hughes wanted to send Prime Minister and many conscripts to the Western preventing Japan from starting a colony in 28 October 1952 Dies in Front. This was very New Guinea. Sydney parties controversial, especially Hughes was elected Rebuilding Australia in the Labor Party. to the first Federal Parliament and remained When Hughes held a Hughes led the difficult task of rebuilding in Parliament until his death 51 years later. He Hughes was devoted to the Australian soldiers, and referendum to extend the conscription law, he Australia. Returning soldiers had to be was a Minister many times and he was Prime they called him ‘Little Digger’. was expelled from the Labor Party, even though resettled. There was little money and Australian Minister from 1915 to 1923. he was Prime Minister. Hughes and 24 other communities had lost many young men. To During his career, Hughes belonged to six he joined the new United Australia Party in Labor members started a new party. Twice, make matters worse, an influenza epidemic different political parties: 1931, was leader from 1941 to 1944, and was the people narrowly voted against the change called Spanish flu started in 1919 and killed then expelled Hughes wanted. 12 000 people. he was a member of the Labor Party between 1901 to 1916, until he was expelled because he he joined the new Liberal Party led by in 1944. supported conscription More about ... he started the National Labor Party, with 24 Wartime Prime Minister The Western Front other ex-Labor members, in 1916 Hughes took over from Andrew Fisher as The main battles of World War I were fought on the he started the new Nationalist Party in 1916, wartime Prime Minister in 1915. Wartime Western Front, in muddy trenches in France and See also but was expelled in 1929 leadership meant Hughes had to face many Belgium. More than 290 000 Australians fought on the Western Front and 46 000 Australians died there. Keith Murdoch (Gallipoli letter), Volume 5 he started the Australian Party in 1930 controversial issues, such as conscription. Daniel Mannix (the conscription debate), Volume 5

36 37 Daniel Mannix Harry Chauvel Religious leader Military leader

Daniel Mannix was a Catholic Henry Chauvel, known as Harry Archbishop of Melbourne who Chauvel, was a military leader who opposed conscription. commanded the Australian Light Mannix was a Horse Brigade in the Middle East. Life facts devout Catholic Chauvel grew up 4 March 1864 Born in Ireland and he trained to be Life facts on cattle stations. 1890 Becomes Catholic priest a priest in Ireland. 16 April 1865 Born in He was a good 1913 Arrives in Australia He was sent to Tabulam, New South horseman and joined Opposes conscription Wales 1916 Melbourne, which the Queensland during first referendum 1899 Fights in Boer War, was a major centre mounted soldiers. He 1917 Becomes Archbishop for Irish Catholic southern Africa of Melbourne and 1914 Takes Light Horse fought in the Boer campaigns against immigrants. When Brigade to Egypt War in southern conscription Mannix became 1915 Lands at Gallipoli, Africa. When he 6 November 1963 Dies in Archbishop of Turkey Melbourne returned home, he Melbourne, there 1916 Leads defence of Suez Canal, Middle East helped start the was great tension Australian Army. between Catholics and Protestants in Australia. 1917 Leads Light Horse Chauvel was the first Australian to become Brigade to victory in -General. His opposition to conscription increased Mannix was Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne Beersheeba, Middle Leading the the tension. East from 1917 to 1963. In Palestine, Chauvel led the Light Horse 1940 Becomes Inspector Light Horse Brigade in many battles. He became famous He fought for government funding for Catholic General of Australian Brigade Speaking out against conscription Volunteer Defence for his daring tactics and his careful planning. schools. After World War II, he spoke out Chauvel became When the war started, Mannix supported 4 March 1945 Dies in Mounted troops were very important in desert against communism. Britain. He started, however, to speak out Melbourne commander of warfare. They moved around much more easily against innocent men being slaughtered to the 1st Australian than infantry or vehicles. At Beersheba, Chauvel More about ... protect Britain’s Empire. Light Horse Brigade when the war started. won victory after a famous cavalry charge by the The Irish in Australia The Brigade trained in Egypt, then landed Australian 4th Light Horse Brigade. Later, he Prime Minister Billy Hughes wanted to send at Gallipoli in May 1915. The soldiers more Australians to fight for Britain.T here During the early 1900s, many Irish Catholic captured Jerusalem and Damascus. immigrants believed that people from English and respected Chauvel. He spent time with them were not enough volunteers. In 1916 and again Scottish Protestant backgrounds were running in the trenches and helped lead a successful After returning to Australia, Chauvel continued in 1917, Hughes asked Australians to vote in Australia. Catholic Church leaders such as Mannix evacuation out of Gallipoli. to lead in the Australian Army. By the time a referendum to support sending conscripts were very important to these people. World War II started, Chauvel had retired The struggle for Irish independence from British rule overseas. Both times, the referendum was Turkey had invaded the Middle East and and was 75 years old. He became leader of in Ireland peaked in Easter 1916 with a rebellion. threatened to take the Suez Canal. The Suez narrowly defeated. World War I had started in 1914, and many people the Volunteer Defence Corps, however, and believed the Irish had betrayed Britain by rebelling. Canal was a waterway that had opened in 1869, defended Australia at home. Mannix was one of the strongest opponents This increased tensions in Australia. making it quicker to travel between Europe against conscription. Many people admired and Australia. Chauvel led the Australian Light See also Mannix and many disagreed with him. Horse in defending the canal. They soon had See also John ‘Simpson’ Kirkpatrick (the Anzac legend), Mannix was Archbishop of Melbourne until Samuel Marsden (Irish rebellion), Volume 3 the Turks retreating. Volume 5 1963. He was involved in politics until he died. Billy Hughes (conscription), Volume 5 Albert Jacka (Gallipoli), Volume 5

38 39 John Monash London THE NETHERLANDS Military leader UNITED KINGDOM Passchendaele Dover l FLANDERS n e Broodseinde a n Ypres h Monash was an C John Monash was the military s h Messines GERMANY engineer and a war l i g n BELGIUM leader who commanded the leader. E Australian soldiers in World War I. N W E

Monash was born S Life facts R H in Melbourne. i v i e r n S d o e 27 June 1865 Born in His parents were m n m Pozières b Melbourne e u r Jewish immigrants Amiens g Starts engineering work Hamel L 1885 i

from Prussia, n Villers-Bretonneux e 1894 Starts a business which later became building bridges Germany. Monash Monash could also 1908 Leads Victorian section FRANCE of Intelligence Corps was brilliant at think for himself in 1915 Leads 4th Infantry mathematics and desperate situations. Brigade in Gallipoli, trained to be an He led the evacuation Turkey engineer. He built of his men from 0 40 80 Km 1917 Leads Australians on Paris Western Front important bridges Gallipoli without 1918 Leads major victories and railways in any loss of life. He against Germans Melbourne. He believed that the Important battle sites on the Western Front 1920 Leads Victorian also started his top priority for Electricity Commission own engineering commanders was to The well-planned Battle of Hamel Many were retrained in work in England. Other 8 October 1931 Dies in business. ensure the wellbeing armies experienced violence and riots as their Melbourne One of the turning points of World War I came of their troops. soldiers became frustrated, but Monash’s plan In his spare time, at the Battle of Hamel, in northern France succeeded. Monash joined the army. He was a good leader Battles on the Western Front in 1918. It was here that Monash gained his and he was given command of the Victorian reputation as a brilliant military thinker. He Back in Melbourne, Monash became General section of the Australian Intelligence Corps and, After Gallipoli, Monash was made Commander planned the battle, paying great attention to Manager of the State Electricity Commission later, an Infantry Brigade. of the 3rd Australian Division. After training in every detail. Infantry, tanks, aircraft and major of Victoria. He led the use of brown coal from England, he led Australian soldiers in battles guns were all used together. This had never been the La Trobe Valley to produce cheap power. Monash wrote about World War I: on the Western Front at Messines, Broodseinde done before, and this was the first time tanks He was a community leader and was involved ‘From the far off days of 1914, when the first call and Passchendaele. Monash was promoted to had been used in battle. The Battle of Hamel in building the Shrine of Remembrance in came, until the last shot was fired, every day Lieutenant-General and now commanded all was over in 93 minutes. It was described as ‘the Melbourne. When Monash died, an estimated was filled with loathing, horror and distress. I Australian troops. perfection of teamwork’. 250 000 people paid their respects at his funeral. deplored all the time the loss of precious life, and the waste of human effort.’ More about ... After the war See also John ‘Simpson’ Kirkpatrick (the Anzac legend), Brave and undisciplined Anzacs The war ended with the German surrender on Leading at Gallipoli Armistice Day, 11 November 1918. Monash now Volume 5 Many British Generals respected the bravery of the Albert Jacka (Gallipoli and the Western Front), Monash led the 4th Infantry Brigade of the Anzac soldiers but saw them as undisciplined and had to lead his soldiers through the difficult difficult to lead. The Anzacs had a reputation for Volume 5 Australian Imperial Forces at Gallipoli. process of returning to their normal life in Billy Hughes (the Western Front), Volume 5 He earned a reputation for his ability to speaking their mind. Monash won the respect of these outspoken soldiers. Australia. He led an education scheme to help Harry Thorpe (the Western Front), Volume 5 organise and communicate with his men. the Australian soldiers rebuild their lives. Charles Bean (the Anzac spirit), Volume 6

40 41 Harry Thorpe Henry Handel Richardson Soldier Writer

Harry Thorpe was an Australian Ethel Richardson, known as Henry soldier who fought courageously Handel Richardson, was a writer. and died on the Western Front. Her novels, based on her early life in Thorpe was born at Australia, made her famous. Life facts Lake Tyers Aboriginal Richardson’s father 7 October 1886 Born near Mission, Victoria. Life facts was a doctor who Sale, Victoria He belonged to the 3 January 1870 Born in immigrated to the 1916 Joins Australian army, Brabuwooloong Melbourne and sent to the Western Victorian goldfields. Front people. He was a 1888 Moves to Germany to He invested in study 1917 Injured on the good sportsperson mining and the and worked as a 1908 Publishes Maurice Guest family became 9 August 1918 Dies on the labourer. In 1916, he Western Front, France 1910 Publishes The Getting of wealthy. When joined the army and Wisdom mining slumped, was sent to fight in 1912 Returns to Australia for they lost a lot of France. research their money. 1917 Publishes Australia Felix Wounded on the Western Front 20 March 1946 Dies in When Richardson England Thorpe was seriously wounded at the Battle was nine years old, of Pozières on the Western Front. He returned her father died. to fierce fighting on the Hindenburg Line Her mother worked as a postmistress to support three months later. The Hindenburg Line was the family. a barbed-wire barrier the Germans had built. Richardson received a good education and was They had dug the wire 100 metres deep and Thorpe fought and died on the Western Front talented at music and writing. She went to live This portrait of Richardson was painted in the 1920s. believed nobody could get past it. in Europe. in Germany to study piano. Thorpe was wounded again, but recovered Richardson spent most of her adult life in and fought at the third battle of Ypres. He was More about ... Writing about her childhood England, but she travelled back to Australia for awarded the Military Medal for his courageous Indigenous Australian soldiers in World War I Richardson found that she was not suited several weeks to research her novel Australia fighting. His commander said his bravery Harry Thorpe was one of about 300 Indigenous to a professional music career. She turned to Felix. It was the first in a trilogy calledThe ‘inspired those fighting under him’. Australian soldiers who volunteered to join the writing instead. Her husband was an expert on Australian army in World War I. Three of these literature and supported her work. At the time, Fortunes of Richard Mahoney. The three novels Push for victory soldiers, including Thorpe and his friend William female writers often used male names. Ethel were published between 1917 and 1929. They Rawlings, were awarded the Military Medal for were based on her father’s life and explored bravery. Both Thorpe and Rawlings were killed in used the name Henry Handel Richardson. By the middle of 1918, Thorpe was fighting in Australian society. the Somme region. The Australian troops were the Battle of Lihons in 1918. Richardson’s novels were based on her an important part of a huge attack to defeat childhood. The first novel that won her fame the Germans. During fighting at the Battle See also was Maurice Guest. Her second novel, The of Lihons, Thorpe received serious stomach Albert Jacka (the Western Front), Volume 5 Getting of Wisdom, was a novel about growing wounds. He died shortly afterwards and was Billy Hughes (the Western Front), Volume 5 up in Australia. See also buried nearby. Charles Bean (Pozières battlefield), Volume 6 Thomas Mitchell (Australia Felix), Volume 3

42 43 Norman Lindsay May Gibbs Artist Artist

Norman Lindsay was a talented Cecilia May Gibbs, known as and controversial artist, cartoonist May Gibbs, wrote and illustrated and writer. children’s books. She created A childhood illness characters from the Australian bush. Life facts forced Lindsay to Gibbs immigrated 22 February 1879 Born at stay indoors. He Life facts to South Australia Creswick, Victoria used the time to 17 January 1877 Born in 1895 Works in Melbourne when she was four learn how to draw. Kent, England 1901 Works for The Bulletin years old. Drought His family was 1881 Migrates to South forced her father to 1912 Moves to the Blue artistically talented. Paintings Australia with her family Mountains give up farming and Three of his brothers by Lindsay 1885 Moves to Western 1918 Publishes The Magic was used to Australia move to Adelaide Pudding and one sister encourage men 1901 Goes to art school in but, later, the family 21 November 1969 Dies at became well-known to join World England moved to a farm Springfield, New South artists and writers. War I. Settles in Sydney Wales 1913 on the banks of the Lindsay left school 1916 Publishes The Gumnut Harvey River in Talented and scandalous Babies and went to Melbourne with one of his brothers. Western Australia. 1918 Publishes Snugglepot They drew pictures and cartoons for newspapers. Working in his studio in the Blue Mountains, Gibbs described Lindsay became one of Australia’s most famous and Cuddlepie Lindsay went to Sydney and drew for The 27 November 1969 Dies in this as the happiest Bulletin. He travelled in Europe and America. artists. He was talented at drawing and etching, Sydney time of her life. which is making designs on metal. He made She wandered in sculptures and painted in watercolours and oils. the bush, swam in the river, fished and hunted Lindsay was also a talented writer. His children’s for frogs. After two years, the Gibbs family left book The Magic Pudding was first published in farming and moved to Perth. 1918. It tells of the adventures of the sailor Bill Gibbs was a writer and artist who was inspired by the bush. Barnacle, the koala Bunyip Bluegum and the Creating children’s books penguin Sam Sawnoff. They own a pudding that Gibbs was a talented artist. She had a drawing Her childhood memories of the Western walks and talks, and that can be eaten and never published in a Perth newspaper when she was Australian bush gave her these ideas. runs out. Lindsay’s drawings brought the story 12. In 1901, Gibbs travelled to England to attend

to life. It became Lindsay’s most famous work. art school. She started to write and illustrate Gibbs said of the ‘banksia men’: children’s books. She finally settled in Sydney. Many of Lindsay’s paintings were of nude ‘I was out walking, over in Western Australia, women, which created a lot of disagreement The Gumnut Babies was Gibbs’ first book about with my cousins. We came to a grove of Banksia about his art. One of his novels was banned. Australian bush fairies. She also drew a comic trees and sitting on almost every branch In World War I, however, some of Lindsay’s strip for Sydney newspapers and illustrated were these ugly little, wicked little men that I drawings were used by the government to books for the author Ethel Turner. discovered and that’s how the Banksia Men were encourage men to volunteer to fight. thought of.’ Gibbs published many books but Snugglepot was her bestseller. It is about two See also and Cuddlepie See also bush blossom babies and bad ‘banksia men’. Lindsay was one of Australia’s most famous artists. Banjo Paterson (The Bulletin), Volume 4 Ethel Turner, Volume 4

44 45 John Shaw Neilson Glossary Poet

John Shaw Neilson was a Bush-worker and poet activists people who work to bring about political manufacturer’s federation organisation formed or social change by businesses that make products bush-worker who was called ‘the Moving around country areas cutting timber, and working on roads and farms became the Anzacs soldiers who are members of the Australian manufacturing making products or goods in large chief of Australian poets’. pattern of Neilson’s life. He was a poor bush- and New Zealand Army Corps numbers using machinery Neilson led a hard worker, but he wrote poems that expressed his basic wage lowest amount of money that can be parliaments bodies of elected representatives that Life facts life in the country love of nature and people. paid to a worker make laws 22 February 1872 Born in areas of South Writing poetry was a talent that Neilson had Boer War war from 1899 to 1902 in which Britain patented gained a licence to be the only person to Penola, South Australia Australia and inherited. His father wrote verses and a song fought in southern Africa make or sell an invention 1881 Moves to Lake Victoria. He grew up Minimay, Victoria that became popular in the shearing sheds. campaigns works in an organised way to achieve pioneers people who lead the way forward for at a time when there 1889 Moves to Nhill, Victoria Both Neilson and his father won prizes in a a goal others were few schools in 1893 Wins first poetry prize competition run by the Australian Natives these areas, so he Catholic Christian who belongs to the Roman policy course of action proposed by a government 1896 Publishes poems in The Association. Catholic Church Bulletin attended only on and Protestants members of Western Christian Over time, many people came to appreciate 1916 Publishes Old Granny off over three years. communism system of government in which churches, separate from the Roman Catholic Sullivan Neilson’s poems. He wrote poetry about all property is owned by the people and all Church In 1881, Neilson’s 1919 Publishes Heart of Spring emotions, using words to paint images of nature. business is run by the government father moved the quarantine laws laws to place people or animals 12 May 1942 Dies in Melbourne family to a small The first and third verses of Neilson’s poem The Poor, conscription making people join the armed in isolation so they do not spread diseases services farm in the Victorian Poor Country are: rebellion violent resistance Mallee region. They struggled to clear some constitution document stating the rules for ‘Oh ’twas a poor country, in Autumn it was bare, referendum general vote on a political question government land and plant wheat. They tried farming in the The only green was the cutting grass and the by all voters in Australia Wimmera region of Victoria, too. They battled sheep found little there. diggers Australian soldiers, especially those who Senate upper house in Federal Parliament, made dust storms, dingoes, and plagues of rabbits Oh, the thin wheat and the brown oats were fought in World War I and mice. never two foot high, up of State representatives entrepreneurs people who organise and operate But down in the poor country no pauper was I shillings old unit of Australian money … new businesses suffrage the right to vote in political elections I waded out to the swan’s nest – at night I heard evacuated moved away because of danger suffragette woman seeking the right to vote by them sing, person trying to change unfair treatment feminist protesting I stood amazed at the Pelican, and crowned him of women in the community for a king; surveyor person who examines, measures and piece of land in Europe, now part of I saw the black duck in the reeds, and the Gallipoli records the features of an area of land spoonbill on the sky, modern-day Turkey, where Anzacs and other trade unions organisations formed by workers to And in that poor country no pauper was I.’ soldiers fought between 25 April 1915 and January 1916 bargain with employers heritage traditions and objects that have been Western Front zone of fighting in western passed down from previous generations Europe, across France and Belgium, during World War I infantry groups of soldiers on foot See also working class group of people in society who taking of water from a storage area to Banjo Paterson (The Bulletin), Volume 4 irrigation work for wages, especially in factories or doing spread over the land Alfred Deakin (Australian Natives’ Association), manual work Neilson was a bush poet who lived a hard life. Volume 5

46 47 John Shaw Neilson Glossary Poet

John Shaw Neilson was a Bush-worker and poet activists people who work to bring about political manufacturer’s federation organisation formed or social change by businesses that make products bush-worker who was called ‘the Moving around country areas cutting timber, and working on roads and farms became the Anzacs soldiers who are members of the Australian manufacturing making products or goods in large chief of Australian poets’. pattern of Neilson’s life. He was a poor bush- and New Zealand Army Corps numbers using machinery Neilson led a hard worker, but he wrote poems that expressed his basic wage lowest amount of money that can be parliaments bodies of elected representatives that Life facts life in the country love of nature and people. paid to a worker make laws 22 February 1872 Born in areas of South Writing poetry was a talent that Neilson had Boer War war from 1899 to 1902 in which Britain patented gained a licence to be the only person to Penola, South Australia Australia and inherited. His father wrote verses and a song fought in southern Africa make or sell an invention 1881 Moves to Lake Victoria. He grew up Minimay, Victoria that became popular in the shearing sheds. campaigns works in an organised way to achieve pioneers people who lead the way forward for at a time when there 1889 Moves to Nhill, Victoria Both Neilson and his father won prizes in a a goal others were few schools in 1893 Wins first poetry prize competition run by the Australian Natives these areas, so he Catholic Christian who belongs to the Roman policy course of action proposed by a government 1896 Publishes poems in The Association. Catholic Church Bulletin attended only on and Protestants members of Western Christian Over time, many people came to appreciate 1916 Publishes Old Granny off over three years. communism system of government in which churches, separate from the Roman Catholic Sullivan Neilson’s poems. He wrote poetry about all property is owned by the people and all Church In 1881, Neilson’s 1919 Publishes Heart of Spring emotions, using words to paint images of nature. business is run by the government father moved the quarantine laws laws to place people or animals 12 May 1942 Dies in Melbourne family to a small The first and third verses of Neilson’s poem The Poor, conscription making people join the armed in isolation so they do not spread diseases services farm in the Victorian Poor Country are: rebellion violent resistance Mallee region. They struggled to clear some constitution document stating the rules for ‘Oh ’twas a poor country, in Autumn it was bare, referendum general vote on a political question government land and plant wheat. They tried farming in the The only green was the cutting grass and the by all voters in Australia Wimmera region of Victoria, too. They battled sheep found little there. diggers Australian soldiers, especially those who Senate upper house in Federal Parliament, made dust storms, dingoes, and plagues of rabbits Oh, the thin wheat and the brown oats were fought in World War I and mice. never two foot high, up of State representatives entrepreneurs people who organise and operate But down in the poor country no pauper was I shillings old unit of Australian money … new businesses suffrage the right to vote in political elections I waded out to the swan’s nest – at night I heard evacuated moved away because of danger suffragette woman seeking the right to vote by them sing, person trying to change unfair treatment feminist protesting I stood amazed at the Pelican, and crowned him of women in the community for a king; surveyor person who examines, measures and piece of land in Europe, now part of I saw the black duck in the reeds, and the Gallipoli records the features of an area of land spoonbill on the sky, modern-day Turkey, where Anzacs and other trade unions organisations formed by workers to And in that poor country no pauper was I.’ soldiers fought between 25 April 1915 and January 1916 bargain with employers heritage traditions and objects that have been Western Front zone of fighting in western passed down from previous generations Europe, across France and Belgium, during World War I infantry groups of soldiers on foot See also working class group of people in society who taking of water from a storage area to Banjo Paterson (The Bulletin), Volume 4 irrigation work for wages, especially in factories or doing spread over the land Alfred Deakin (Australian Natives’ Association), manual work Neilson was a bush poet who lived a hard life. Volume 5

46 47 Index

A I Protection Boards 6 activists 5 Indigenous Australian groups Protectionists 8, 11, 19, 20, 21 Goldstein, Vida 10, 16–17 Brabuwooloong 42 R Anzacs 30, 34, 40 Indigenous Australian religious leaders architects soldiers 42 Mannix, Daniel 38 Griffin, Walter Burley 28 Rawlings, William 42 artists 5 Thorpe, Harry 42 S Gibbs, May 45 inventors scientists Lindsay, Norman 10, 44 Mackay, H. V. 13, 21 Bragg, Lawrence 33 Australian public service 9 Irish immigrants 38 Farrer, William 14–15 J singers B Melba, Nellie 26–7 journalists basic wage 21 soldiers 5 Bulletin, The 44, 46 Banfield, Edmund 22 Deakin, Alfred 18 Kirkpatrick, John ‘Simpson’ 31 C Murdoch, Keith 34 Jacka, Albert 32 Canberra 24, 25, 28 judges Rawlings, William 42 combine harvesters 13 Barton, Edmund 9 Thorpe, Harry 42 conscription 6, 17, 20, 35, 36, 37, Higgins, Henry 21 sportspeople 5 38 Darcy, Les 35 L cosmetics 12 Durack, Fanny 29 Labor Party 19, 20, 24, 25, 36, 37 Commonwealth Bank 24, 25 suffrage 9, 16 League of Nations 37 communism 38 Sunshine Harvester factory 13, 21 Liberal Party 19, 36 swimming 29, 30 E Light Horse Brigade 39 T entrepreneurs 5 M Trans-Australian Railway 24, 25 Beale, Octavius 11 military awards 32 Treaty of Versailles 36, 37 Rubinstein, Helena 12 military leaders 5 F Chauvel, Harry 39 V Federation 5, 8, 18 Monash, John 40–1 Victoria Cross award 32 Federation wheat 14, 15 N W feminists New Guinea 19, 37 Western Front 6, 32, 36, 37, 40, 42 Franklin, Miles 10 O wheat farming 13, 14, 15, 46 Goldstein, Vida 10, 16–17 Olympic Games 29 writers 5 film stars opera 26, 27 Banfield, Edmund 22 Kellerman, Annette 30 Franklin, Miles 10 Free Traders 8, 19, 20 P Richardson, Henry Handel 43 poets G Mackellar, Dorothea 23 Gallipoli campaign 6, 24, 31, 32, Neilson, John Shaw 46 33, 34, 39, 40 politicians H O’Malley, King 25, 28 Harvester Judgement 16, 21 prime ministers 5 Barton, Edmund 8–9 Deakin, Alfred 8, 18–19 Fisher, Andrew 24, 36 Hughes, Billy 34, 36–7 Watson, Chris 20

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