People Australia

  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites
  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites
  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites

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Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Older articles are being reviewed with a view to bringing them into line with contemporary values but the original text will remain available for historical context.

Colonial Beginnings

View articles from the Colonial Beginnings

Colonial Beginnings

About 4,500 people set off on the First, Second, and Third Fleets from England to New South Wales between 1787 and 1791. They were mostly convicts and occasionally their children, accompanied by the ships’ crew members, marines, and their families. Colonial Beginnings examines how those who survived the journey 'remade' their lives in the infant colony. It also investigates how their children and grandchildren fared. This project is a collaboration between the National Centre of Biography at The Australian National University and the Fellowship of First Fleeters. It will add records for all ‘fleeters' and their families to the online biographical register People Australia.