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
James Smith’s Certificate of Freedom shows what a rough life he had. More scars and tattoos have been added since his indent.
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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