November in Australia
1. Lambing Flat Riots – November 1860
Between November 1860 and September 1861, intense anti-Chinese violence broke out on the Burrangong (Lambing Flat) goldfields in New South Wales. The unrest was fueled by competition for gold, racial tensions and political agitation over restricting Chinese immigration.
This episode is a stark reminder of the frontier conflicts and racial hostility tied to Australia’s gold rush era.
2. Eureka Stockade Prelude – Late November 1854
On 27 and 29 November 1854, miners at Ballarat in Victoria gathered—at Bakery Hill and elsewhere—to protest gold-licence fees and mining administration. On 29 November, they unfurled the famous “Southern Cross” flag.
Although the main battle occurred in early December, these November meetings marked the escalation towards one of Australia’s most symbolic democratic-rights protests.
3. Battle of Oivi‑Gorari – 10 November 1942
During the Pacific campaign in WWII, Australian forces successfully pushed back Japanese troops from Oivi in Papua New Guinea on 10 November 1942.
This was part of the broader campaign through the Owen Stanley Range, a crucial phase in Australia’s wartime history.
4. Armistice Day/Remembrance Day – 11 November (various years)
On 11 November each year, Australians commemorate the end of WWI’s major fighting and all those who served. In 1997 the Australian Government formally proclaimed 11 November as Remembrance Day.
This observance underscores Australia’s connection to global conflict and remembrance culture.
5. 1955 Cocos Islands transfer – 23 November 1955
On this day, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands officially came under Australian governmental control.
It illustrates Australia’s expanding administrative sovereignty in its surrounding islands and strategic region.
6. Hume Dam Opening – 21 November 1936
The Hume Dam (on the Murray River between NSW and Victoria) was officially opened on 21 November 1936.
This major infrastructure project exemplifies Australia’s inter-state cooperation and development of water resources.
7. Harvester Judgement – 8 November 1907
On 8 November 1907, the judgement handed down by H.B. Higgins (the Harvester Judgement) legally established that a “basic wage” must meet a worker’s normal needs.
This legal milestone shaped Australian labour and economic policy for decades.
8. First Holden‑48‑215 Roll‑off – 29 November 1948
On 29 November 1948, the first-ever locally manufactured Australian car, the Holden 48‑215 (known as the FX), rolled off the production line.
This event marked a key milestone in Australian industrial history and national manufacturing capability.
9. First AIF sails – 1 November 1914
On 1 November 1914, the first contingent of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) departed from Albany, Western Australia, bound for Egypt to serve in WWI.
This voyage signified Australia’s emergence as a nation contributing troops to global conflict under its own banner.
10. Frontier Violence – 28 & 29 November (1838, 1847)
Two tragic events highlighting violence against Indigenous Australians:
- 28 November 1838: Massacre of the Gamilaraay people near Moree, NSW.
- 29 November 1847: Poisoning of the Bundjalung people at Kangaroo Creek, near Grafton, NSW.
These events underscore the overlooked and violent aspects of Australia’s colonisation, especially in relation to Aboriginal peoples.
Australia
November in Australia holds a rich tapestry of history — from industrial milestones and democratic developments to the sombre remembrance of war and frontier injustices. These ten facts span over a century and a half, and reflect how many of Australia’s defining moments occurred in or around this month.
