From 1588 Macassan praus sail to the north-eastern coast of the Northern Territory. Trade between Aborigines and the Macassans continues until 1906. Lieutenant James Cook claims possession of the whole east coast of Australia. Cook raises the British flag at Possession Island off the tip of Cape York Peninsula. 1788 British occupation of Australia begins.
Aboriginal resistance is immediate.
Clashes are reported over next 10 years in Parramatta and Hawkesbury districts. This school for Koori children closes in 1820 when Koori families withdraw their children. They realise its aim is to distance them from their families and communities. In Tasmania, settlers are authorised to shoot Aborigines. Martial law is declared in Bathurst NSW after conflict with Aborigines becomes a serious threat to white settlement.