istoryworld
Events relating to australia
The first of about 20 US tests of atomic and hydrogen bombs is carried out on Bikini Atoll, in the Pacific
Australian painter Sidney Nolan begins a series of paintings on the theme of Ned Kelly
Australia, aiming for a 2% population increase each year, takes steps to encourage European immigration
Donald Bradman retires from Test cricket with a tantalizing career average of 99.94 runs
Prime minister Ben Chifley sees Australia's first mass-produced car, the Holden, roll off the production line
Robert Menzies returns as Australia's prime minister, and remains in the post for an unbroken sixteen years
The first hydrogen bomb is successfully tested by the US at Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands
Edna Everage, created by Australian satirist Barry Humphries, makes her first appearance in a Melbourne revue
Melbourne hosts the Olympics, in what becomes known as 'the Friendly Games'
18-year-old Australian sprinter Betty Cuthbert wins three gold medals in the Melbourne Olympics, at 100m, 200m and 400m
Danish architect Jørn Utzon wins the competition to design Sydney Opera House
Australian artist Arthur Boyd begins his series of paintings about an aboriginal stockman, Love, Marriage and Death of a Half-Caste
In Voss Australian author Patrick White creates an epic novel about a disastrous attempt to cross the continent
Australian soprano Joan Sutherland becomes a star overnight with her performance at Covent Garden in Lucia di Lammermoor
Australian Grand Prix driver Jack Brabham wins the first of his three Formula One titles
The pamphlet Control or Colour Bar? demands reform of White Australia policy
Keith Holyoake begins twelve unbroken years as New Zealand's prime minister
British dancer Peggy van Praagh is appointed the first director of the newly formed Australian Ballet
Australian tennis players Margaret Court and Ken Fletcher achieve the grand slam in mixed doubles
New Zealand poet Fleur Adcock publishes her first collection, The Eye of the Hurricane
Australia sends a first contingent of 1500 troops to fight in Vietnam
Robert Menzies retires as Australian prime minister and is succeeded by Harold Holt
Gurindji people at the Wave Hill station walk out in protest, launching the Aboriginal land rights movement in Australia
Australian prime minister Harold Holt swims in heavy surf near Portsea, south of Melbourne, and is never seen again
Australian tennis player Rod Laver is the first to win the Grand Slam a second time
