Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture
The Chinese community’s contribution to the history and culture of the Territory is featured in a free exhibition recently launched at the NT Library.
Chinese Portraits is an exhibition of photographs from the collections of Library & Archives NT and the Chung Wah Society’s Chinese Museum.
The photographs have been chosen mainly for their aesthetic appeal, but they demonstrate the pivotal role the Chinese community has played in the development of the NT since early European settlement.
Chinese people first arrived in the Territory in 1874, having been recruited by the South Australian Government to work on the goldfields and later the building of the railway from Darwin to Pine Creek. After a time, they worked their own claims, established market gardens, and engaged in industry and commerce.
By 1888 there were more than 7,000 Chinese people living in the Territory, significantly outnumbering approximately 1,500 Europeans. However with the coming of the 1890s economic depression and the effect of the Commonwealth’s White Australia Policy, the Chinese population declined significantly to 1331 in 1911 and 772 in 1922.
After the Second World War, the Chinese community recovered and today stands at about 6% of the total Darwin population. The community continues to be a dynamic contributor to the life of the Territory.
The free exhibition runs until 28 June 2020 at the Northern Territory Library.
As stated by Patrick Gregory, Senior Director, Library & Archives NT:
“Library and Archives NT is extremely grateful to the Chung Wah Society and the Chinese Museum for their support and collaboration in bringing Chinese Portraits to the Library.
“This free exhibition celebrates the enormous contribution the Chinese community has made to the Territory’s history and culture.
“Many individuals have played significant roles in the life of Darwin such as Harry Chan, Mayor of Darwin and President of the Legislative Council; Alec and Katrina Fong Lim, both Mayors of Darwin; and Michael Ting, Mayor of Palmerston.
“We’re very pleased to be able to share these wonderful photographs with Territorians and visitors.”
