18. Chinese Settlement in New South Wales

The story of Chinese settlement in New South Wales is unique. From the start, Chinese communities worked hard to keep close ties with their home villages in south China. Most of the early arrivals were men, not women, and they often had to deal with open prejudice and harsh anti-Chinese laws. All of this shaped a settlement history that stood apart from other migrant groups. Those constant connections back to their villages influenced Chinese life in NSW right up until the mid-20th century. For many non-Chinese Australians, though, what’s most familiar is how Chinese settlers were caught up—often unwillingly—in shaping national identity through racism and the White Australia Policy. We often hear about how discrimination in jobs and daily life affected them, but what gets less attention are the deeper cultural reasons behind certain practices: the work routines, the fact that most women stayed behind in China, the use of opium, and the decision many made to eventually return home. These were part of Chinese tradition and history, but in Australia they became excuses for prejudice. Michael Williams, Chinese settlement in NSW – a thematic history, Heritage Office of NSW, Sydney, 1999. Please check out our publications at - https://chidestudypresscom.wordpress.com/the-bookstore Feel free to ask questions at: [email protected]