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c. 40,000 BC
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Recorded history of the Australian continent begins with the move of
Aborigines from South East Asia to Australia.
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1770
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Captain James Cook reaches the eastern coast of Australia and claimed it in the
name of England. The cove, known as Botany Bay was named by the botanist
Joseph Banks who discovered a number of unknown species of plants and animals.
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1783
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The Treaty of Paris finalizes the American Independence forbading the sending
of convicts from Britain to American soil. A new search begins for another
land.
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1787
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Under the command of Captain Arthur Phillip, ships bearing convicts, officers and
their wives along with children set sail for the new land, known then as New Holland.
The "First Fleet" arrives on the shores of Botany Bay.
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1788
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Botany Bay was abandon moments after the First Fleet landed due to lack of
fresh water and fertile soil. The First Fleet settled in Sydney Cove where a
penal colony known as The Albion is established. The British Flag is raised close to
Circular Quay, thus establishing the presence of the
settlers and the disposition of the Aborigines.
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1793
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The name Sydney is adopted in practise and rum has become the major currency of the
colony.
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1810
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Population of Sydney grows to 10,000 and the current Governor General Lachlan
Macquarie begins curbing the power of the Rum Corps which threaten to take hold
of the colony. Macquarie's plans to transform Sydney into a modest looking town
starts to take root.
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1813
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Explorers Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson find a way to cross the
Blue Mountains thus satisfying the need for more farming
lands.
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1817
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Governor Macquarie along with ex-convicts and emancipists propose that New Holland
be change to Australia.
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1831
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The independent newspaper, Sydney Morning
Herald is first published in April 1831.
The British government begins a scheme to invite citizens to
settle in Sydney.
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1837
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The reign of Queen Victoria begins.
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1840
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The sending of convicts to the shores of Australia is called to an end following
demonstrations by anti-transportation groups.
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1842
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Sydney becomes a city under British law. The following year saw the first elections
for the Legistive Council of New South Wales.
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1850s
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The Gold Rush era begins with the discovery of gold in Bathurst in 1851
drawing people from all around the world to Sydney. Melbourne becomes
the largest city in Australia and remained so until the Great Depression.
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1861-1891
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The population reaches to 383,300 before the Great
Depression struck. Relationship between the white Australians and Chinese
deteriorate. Ugly clashes between the two groups are recorded across New South Wales,
notably Lambing Flats.
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1901
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The Commonwealth of Australia unites all 6 colonies thus forming states in Australia.
The outbreak of bulbonic plaque spreads in The Rocks
causes widespread alarm hence the immediate cleasing of the area.
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1902
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Daylight bathing is allowed on the beaches. 4 years later the first Surf Bather's
Life Saving Club is established. One year later, women are given the right to vote.
English social restrictions gradually loses ground.
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1923
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Construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge begins and on
the 19th August 1930, the two arcs of the harbour finally meets in the middle. Two years later,
(August)
the bridge is completed and opened to the public.
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1939-1949
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The period of World War I brings Australia to international eyes and introduces
American culture into the mainstream. Immigrates from Europe arrive in
Sydney leading to a gradual change in Sydney's identity as a nation.
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1952
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Queen Elizabeth II takes the throne after the death of George IV.
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1962
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After 174 long years, the Aborigines are finally given the right to vote.
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1973
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This year marks the
completion of the Sdyney Opera House by Danish architect
Jørn Utzon. Queen Elizabeth II becomes the first reigning monarch
to visit the country.
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1988
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The re-enactment of the First Fleet's arrival to celebrate the Bicentenary of
European Settlement is marred by the controvesy debate about Aboriginal Land Rights.
To the Indigenous People, this day is forever marked as 'Invasion Day.'
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1993
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Sydney explodes in one giant party after hearing the announcement that the
Olympic Games will be held in the city in the year 2000.
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1994
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January 1994 saw a devastating bush fire that raged out of control in the
Royal National Park.
Preparations for Homebush Olympic Site begins. Plans unveiled for
a facelift in Darling Harbour with designs for
Sega World and Cockle Bay Wharf.
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1997
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Star City Casino moves from the old pier site to Prymont
Street. It becomes one of the largest casino built in New South Wales.
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1998
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Completion of Cockle Bay Wharf on
Darling Harbour in preparation for the Olympic.
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