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NEW SOUTH WALES History
As with much of Australia, New South Wales (NSW) was once the anonymous home of indigenous Aborigine tribes, tens of thousands of years ago. In fact, archaeological remains and fossils indicate that these ones occupied the land and lived off its produce for some 40 000 years before the arrival of colonialists and explorers.
In 1770, English Captain James Cook had spotted the area and the first fleet of 11 ships and 1350 people was dispatched for arrival in January 1788, headed by Captain Phillip. This was a brave expedition as very little was known about the destination. Based on Captain Cook’s experience and sightings, the first settlement was to take place in Botany Bay. Upon arrival, though, Botany Bay was deemed to be unsuitable. Captain Phillip moved the entire population to Port Jackson on 26 January 1788, the location today known as Sydney.
The new settlers were convicts and prison guards from Britain. Although these ones were notoriously
New South Wales flag Initially, whaling sustained NSW. However, it was the wool industry that created a basis for this area’s major export economy during its initial years.
It took a few decades before the new inhabitants of Australia became confident of their labours and proud of their new country. Previously dubbed “New Holland”, the entire continent was renamed ‘Australia’ in 1817, contributing to the sense of national pride. By 1820, the land and economy of the country was booming and, by 1847, there were only a few convicts remaining as residents in Sydney, the rest having moved there or been born there. The time between 1820 and 1840 became known as the “Golden Age of the Squatters”. Indeed, New South Wales was a popular spot to settle in and explore.
NSW was run by a Governor. However, he was almost always under British law and made few independent decisions.
In 1951, gold was discovered in Bathurst. This finding brought about an enormous influx of people from all corners of the globe and continent. Eventually, new territories needed to be formed to accommodate and rule all of the new arrivals. Thus, Victoria became a new colony in 1851, followed by Queensland eight years later. New South Wales was granted its official borders in this way. The Northern Territory, as it is known today, was part of NSW until 1863. This boom in population forced the necessity of a ruling entity within the state. A parliament was elected in the mid-1800’s.
In the 1880’s, Victoria was plunged into a depression, giving NSW the opportunity to regain its economic superiority (which it had lost some 30 years earlier as a result of political unrest).
Today, New South Wales is a successful, abundant Australian State. Major industries include Information Technology, Education, Financial Services and Tourism. Entertainment and gambling are two of the largest commercial sectors. Sydney remains the epicentre of this thriving industrial region.
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