When and why did your Chinese ancestors come to Queensland?

Between 1848 and 1853, approximately 900 Chinese indentured labourers (‘coolies’) were imported by squatters and pastoralists, mainly from Amoy (now Xiamen) in Fujian province. They were employed at Moreton Bay on five-year contracts to work as shepherds, labourers and servants. By 1861, the Chinese population of Queensland had fallen to 538, but by 1871 it had increased to 3,305 following the discovery of gold in Gympie in 1867. Queensland’s biggest goldrush followed the discovery of gold at the Palmer River in 1873 and by 1877 there were 18,000 Chinese residents on the Palmer goldfield. This presentation will provide essential historical background to help you to determine when and why your Chinese ancestors came to Queensland, along with records and sources to help you with your research.

Jan Richardson is a PhD candidate at Griffith University investigating the presence of non-European convicts and indentured labourers (‘coolies’) in Queensland prior to 1860, including ethnic minority individuals of African, Mauritian, Caribbean, Indian, Chinese and Pacific Island descent. She is also a Research Assistant at Griffith University’s Harry Gentle Resource Centre contributing to a biographical dictionary of Queensland’s early colonial residents. Together with Dr Janis Hanley, Jan is co-founder of the Facebook page, ‘Journeys into Queensland’s Chinese Past’ — https://www.facebook.com/QldChinesePast/ — and has researched the Chinese communities of Annerley-Stephens in Brisbane and Croydon in the Gulf Country.

Also on the program

Spotlight on records: occupational licences  Hilda Maclean

Come along and join us as we research our Chinese Australian ancestors in a collaborative, friendly and engaging research group. Make sure you have your questions ready and also be ready to assist others if you are able to as this is the basis of what all SAG Groups are about - people helping other people with ideas and suggestions about their family research. 

Skill level:  All, beginners welcome

Leads: Hilda Maclean