An amazing amount of material related to Chinese Australian history is scattered around local museums and in private hands. Due to the “whitewashing” of Australian history much is misinterpreted or seen as an “exotic” element in Australian history.
Issues to consider
Mapping: What is out there in private or public hands?
Interpretation: Is it adequately labelled? Do the owners know what they have?
Translation: This relates specifically to where Chinese writing is present. Is it adequately translated if at all?
Context: Random “Chinese” items without some historical context just appear as exotic objects rather than inherent elements of Australian history.
Practical: What can or should be done about it?
Preliminary database
New South Wales – Victoria – Queensland – Northern Territory – West Australia – Tasmania – South Australia – Canberra
Temples – Headstones – Objects – Documents – Intact Buildings – Memorials – District Societies – Masonic – Other
Mis-labeled items
Private collections
Please add suggestions in the comment box below (location, contact if any – the more information the better. Or email directly)