Ethnic Communities
Netherlands
The Netherlands (Dutch: Nederland) is the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Dutch: Koninkrijk der Nederlanden), located in northwestern Europe. It borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east.
Quick Facts
Area: 41,526 s
Climate: temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters
Terrain: mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); some hills in southeast
Population: 16,407,4
Religion: Roman Catholic 31%, Protestant 21%, Muslim 4.4%, other 3.6%, unaffiliated 40% (1998)
Languages: Dutch (official), Frisian (official)
Community Name
Dutch Australian Society "Abel Tasman Inc."
Size of Community in Tasmania
There are approximately 20,000 Dutch Migrants and their immediate descendants in the Tasmanian community.
Local Community Contact Details
Message from the Community
Dutch migrants arrived in Tasmania in the 1950's. Our club commenced in the 1970's.The D.A.S Abel Tasman exist to provide cultural and social links with Tasmanians with an interest in the Netherlands.In Tasmania, one out of every 20 people you meet is of Dutch descent (i.e. 5%). Our organisation proudly produces the Tasmanian Telegraph to our members, 5 times each year. We have a display of Dutch memorabilia at the Channel Historical Folk Museum. We are working on a website to provide more information on Tasmania. Also there is a Klaverjas card club for card game enthusiasts.
Donation to the International Wall of Friendship
The Dutch stone was presented by President of the Dutch-Australian Society George Huizing on behalf of the Dutch Community of Tasmania on 29th of November 1992.The plaque is comprised of several bricks excavated from the foundations of the dwelling where Abel Tasman was born in 1603 at Lutjegast. The bricks are cemented together and bound in a glass fronted aluminum frame. whish is inscribed with the message of friendship and goodwill in the Dutch language and attached is a metal brass plate that says The Netherlands.
