Timeline of Australian Deaf History
This timeline traces key moments in the history of Deaf people and communities in Australia, highlighting their achievements, advocacy, and the ongoing fight for recognition, access, and equality.
1790
Deaf convict Elizabeth Steel arrives on the Second Fleet
Elizabeth Steel, the first recorded deaf convict in Australia, arrived on board the Lady Juliana.
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1829
John Carmichael, deaf engraver, publishes a book of engravings of Sydney
1841
Deaf convict James Smith is granted a Certificate of Freedom
At the end of his 14 year sentence, James Smith received a Certificate of Freedom. They still couldn’t communicate with him – check out the information about his ‘Native place’ and ‘Year of Birth’! There is a detailed description of his appearance under ‘General Remarks’, which shows what a rough life he had during his sentence. Â
A transcript of the description: “Nose thick [probably broken]  Lost two front upper teeth  Scar left side of upper lip  Mark of a burn back of left jaw  Scar left side of forehead  [The following are tattoos] Crucifix and two human figures on upper  Sun half moon seven stars Square and Compass Man and Woman on lower right arm  J.T. and heart on upper Mermaid and several letters lower left arm.”
1860, October
Scottish Deaf immigrant Thomas Pattison establishes school for deaf children in Sydney
The last column of adervertisements (Page 7) shows a small advertisement for “Deaf and Dumb Institution”, intended for children and adults.
1860
English Deaf immigrant Frederick J. Rose establishes school for deaf children in Melbourne
Frederick John Rose (1831 – 1920), founder and first Principal of the Victorian Deaf and Dumb Institute, pioneer of Victorian deaf community and advocate for deaf people’s rights.
1900
Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club
The Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club, established in 1881, was one of the world’s earliest Deaf Sports Clubs. Let us know if you can help with the names.
1900
This little illustrated booklet was printed from engravings by a ‘deaf mute’ in Victoria (probably Matthew Miller, a prominent deaf engraver). It is one of the earliest examples of educational material for the wider community, and is interesting for how it attempts to show the movement, orientation and location of signs. See the explanatory information at the top of each page.
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