The Kilmore district in Victoria suffered devastating bushfires in April 1888 and again in December 1888, events that are etched in local memory for their ferocity and widespread destruction. A prolonged period of drought dried out the landscape, creating Read more

The Federal Council of Australasia was a short-lived political organization that existed from 1885 to 1890. It was established in response to the growing need for inter-colonial cooperation in the Australian colonies, which were at the time separate entities Read more

In February 1888, the burgeoning town of Geraldton, Western Australia, faced a devastating natural disaster as torrential rains caused widespread flooding. The Greenough and Chapman Rivers, normally docile waterways, swelled to unprecedented levels, inundating surrounding farmland and reaching into Read more

The Adelaide Jubilee International Exhibition, held in 1887, was a grand affair celebrating the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign. It showcased South Australia’s progress and prosperity while also attracting exhibits from across the globe. Meant to highlight advancements Read more

In 1888, two tragic accidents cast a shadow over the Kapunda marble quarries in South Australia, resulting in two fatalities. Mining accidents were, unfortunately, not uncommon during this period due to the often-hazardous working conditions and limited safety regulations. Read more

This information references Australian newspapers from the period 1830 onwards. You can click the link to view the original publication. The lists are not exhaustive and multiple reports of the same event appearing in different publications is usual, however Read more

Like today, the process of registering Australian births was subject to legislation during the colonial era. Up to 1890, each state was responsible for setting its own rules relating to time limits, penalties and process, all of which were Read more

Old texts often make reference to units of measurement that have long since fallen into disuse. To help researchers put these measures into context, below is a quick list of some of the more widely used in the 19th Read more