On This Day
On this day: Phar Lap’s death shocks the racing world
The death of the champion Australian racehorse was mourned by the nation – and shrouded in mystery.
Tag: on this day
On This Day
A history of Sydney’s Mardi Gras
This year is the 40th anniversary of Sydney’s annual Mardi Gras and follows on from the official legalisation of marriage equality in Australia.
History & Culture
On this day: Queen Victoria Building’s first block laid
It was a modest outdoor market that became one of Sydney’s grandest buildings.
On This Day
On this day: Happy birthday Sir Doug Nicholls, Governor of South Australia
Yorta Yorta man, Sir Doug Nicholls was one of the most powerful voices for indigenous civil rights in Australia.
On This Day
On this day: The birth of Qantas
In 1920, two Gallipoli veterans decided remote Australian communities needed an air service, and Qantas was born.
On This Day
On this day: former PM Alfred Deakin was born
Among the things you might not know: is that Alfred Deakin helped create the first minimum wage and was prime minister three times
On This Day
On this day in history: Albert Namatjira was born
After taking up painting aged 33, pioneering artist Albert Namatjira shaped indigenous Australian art forever.
On This Day
On this day: The world first sees a live platypus
Stuffed platypus specimens had been viewed with incredulity for more than a century until a live animal was exhibited outside of Australia
On This Day
On this day: Tragic lighthouse first lit
At Bustard Head lighthouse – the site of suicide, drowning, tragic accidents and murder – the light has not been enough to stop endless waves of misfortune.
On This Day
On this day: Australia’s first indigenous MP born
Neville Bonner would go on to become our first indigenous MP and an Australian of the Year.