Trials and tribulations

Queensland’s early Chinese migrants

Event details

Events and Exhibitions

Date & time

17 June 2025

Tuesday
10 to 11 am

Location

National Archives of Australia
Queensland Office
16 Corporate Drive
Cannon Hill QLD 4170

Price

Free

Join author and historian Elizabeth Nunn as she explores the trials and tribulations of Queensland’s early Chinese migrants.

By the mid-nineteenth century, thousands of Chinese migrants had made their way to the Australian colonies. Their experiences were frequently influenced by restrictive policies and cultural barriers, all of which are captured in a variety of government records.

This fascinating seminar will examine documents from the national archival collection that shed light on the lives of Queensland’s early Chinese migrants, including the infamous Certificate of Exemption from the Dictation Test.

Discover how these records reveal the resilience and contributions of Chinese Australians, who played a vital role in shaping the state during its early years.