Australian Dictionary of Biography

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

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Older articles are being reviewed with a view to bringing them into line with contemporary values but the original text will remain available for historical context.

The Australian Dictionary of Biography is Australia's pre-eminent dictionary of national biography. In it you will find concise, informative and fascinating descriptions of the lives of significant and representative persons in Australian history.

See what distinguished Australians are saying about the ADB.

The ADB is produced by the National Centre of Biography at the Australian National University.


 

Feature Article

Sir Herbert Charles Chermside (1850–1929)

Sir Herbert Charles Chermside

Sir Herbert Charles Chermside (1850-1929), soldier and governor, was born on 31 July 1850 at Wilton, Wiltshire, England, son of Rev. Richard Seymour Conway Chermside and his wife Emily, née Dawson. Educated at Eton and the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, Chermside graduated top of his year and was commissioned in the Royal Engineers in 1870.

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What’s New
28 August 2023

Five new ADB entries

Five new ADB entries have been added
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22 August 2023

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10 August 2023

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Born This Day

Lionel George Robinson (1866–1922)

William Sydney Robinson (1876-1963), businessman, industrialist and diplomat, was born on 2 October 1876 in Melbourne, youngest son of Anthony Bennett Robinson (1831-1908) and his wife Harriet, née Barton....

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