Challenging Narratives: Introducing the June 2025 JRAHS
Challenging Narratives: Introducing the June 2025 Volume of the JRAHS
The June 2025 issue of the Journal of the Royal Australian Historical Society (Vol. 111, Part I) explores new perspectives on colonial authority, identity, and Australia’s contested past. As Editor Dr Samuel White outlines in his foreword, this issue reflects the Journal’s original intent: to challenge dominant narratives and recover overlooked voices from across Australia’s history.
Dr Keith Amos revisits the 1790 spearing of Governor Arthur Phillip at Manly, interrogating the now-popular view that it was a ritualised ‘payback’. Drawing from firsthand accounts and contextual evidence, Amos offers a more immediate and reactive explanation — one rooted in personal fear, miscommunication, and the tense dynamics of early colonial encounters. His reassessment casts new light on Indigenous agency and the complexity of cross-cultural exchange in early Sydney.
Dr Geoffrey Gray examines the career of anthropologist Frederick G. G. Rose, whose unorthodox views and research methods challenged the institutional boundaries of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies. Gray’s article explores how Rose’s intellectual independence brought him into conflict with government-backed visions of knowledge and cultural representation, offering a case study in the politics of academic freedom and the enduring tension between research integrity and institutional control.
Dr Mark St Leon turns to the life of John [Milner] Clark, a fugitive from justice and an army deserter who remade himself as a respected settler in Wagga Wagga. Beneath Clark’s civic reputation lay a hidden fugitive past. Through meticulous archival reconstruction, St Leon traces a story of reinvention and concealment, revealing the fluidity of identity in colonial Australia and the ways in which reputation, exile, and personal history intersected in the frontier world of the nineteenth century.
Chris Maxworthy uncovers a little-known moment in Australia’s strategic history: a Spanish plan to attack Sydney in 1796, devised by Brigadier José Bustamante and revealed through newly translated documents. Maxworthy’s research highlights the global context of early New South Wales, showing how Britain’s fledgling colony was deeply enmeshed in European rivalries. Far from being an isolated outpost, Sydney was a node in an imperial chessboard — vulnerable, contested, and far more internationally visible than often assumed.
This volume also features reviews of new works on convict orphans, forgotten war heroes, Irish lawyers, and the origins of Australian scientific institutions. Each piece speaks to the evolving shape of Australian historical scholarship.
Members can download the Journal and other publications from the members’ area. For instructions on how to use the members’ area, watch our short instructional video. Contact us if you need assistance.
For his dedication and involvement with the Society. Since 2011, James has served as Vice President, sole production editor of the journal and webmaster since 2019. He has contributed to varied Society matters, speakers and talks, and assisted with a successful 2023 Create NSW Cultural Grant for writing the Society’s history. An author of several books and articles on Australian Catholic history and other academic topics, his invaluable ongoing contributions to the Society are appreciated.
For her commitment and significant contributions to the Society since 2007. As a regular volunteer in the archives, Denyse’s projects have included assisting researchers with enquiries, scanning and cataloguing the Society’s large photographic collection, and being instrumental in making this collection available in the online image library. She has served on the Management Committee since 2010 and is currently Minutes Secretary.
For her commitment and service since 2011. Using her administrative skills, Patricia has served on the Management Committee since 2013, Treasurer for ten years and Secretary since 2023. She is involved with the archives and museum and has administered several large grants for building and development projects awarded to the Society. The Society acknowledges Patricia’s significant contributions throughout the years.
For his significant contributions to the Society for over 18 years. Ian has had active roles in the archives, museum and Society activities. As President from 2017–2023, he was involved in negotiations with the local council to secure tenancy of the building that houses the Society’s archives in Mittagong. The Society and the community recognise and appreciate Ian’s worthwhile voluntary contributions.
For his energetic leadership as President for nine years. Glen’s passion for local history stimulated his quest to obtain suitable premises for the Society and its collections. After decades of homelessness, with collections in storage and nowhere for members to meet, he was able to negotiate with the local council for a permanent home in the former Senior Citizen’s Centre. The Society recognises his continuous dedication and passion.
For his many contributions to the built and environmental heritage of Marrickville. Ian was a founding member of the Society in 1984 and is currently a Committee Member. Through his research, publications, talks and tours, he has been a strong advocate for the local heritage and environment of the Marrickville and Cooks River area. The Society and the community recognise and appreciate Ian’s worthwhile contributions.
For his contributions to the Society since 2017 as an active volunteer. Since 2018, he has served as a Councillor, is involved as a Committee Member with the maintenance and gardens of Hambledon Cottage, and is an active school guide for the museum, becoming Convenor of the Gardening Committee in 2023. Bruce was awarded a Certificate of Merit in 2022 for his service to the Society and Hambledon Cottage. The Society recognises and appreciates his contribution and dedication.
For his commitment and voluntary service to the Society since 2003. Verne’s activities include installing and managing the security services at Hambledon Cottage, undertaking many night callouts, and being involved with the maintenance and gardening at the museum since 2015. He was awarded a Certificate of Merit in 2016 for his service and contributions to the Society. The Society and the community recognise and appreciate Verne’s loyalty and worthwhile contributions over the past decade.
For inspirational leadership in the management and development of the Society and outstanding management of the archives and photograph collection since 2013. Clive’s careful research and archival skills supported the successful nomination of the 
For her outstanding commitment to the Society since 2010. As well as holding many Committee positions, including President and Treasurer, in 2016, Kim initiated digital technologies to make the Society’s collections more accessible. She has designed and assisted with the production of Society publications, liaised with local community groups, supported open days and research meetings, and mentored intern students. The Society acknowledges Kim’s significant contributions throughout the years.
For his commitment and service to the Society since 2010. Tim has served as Secretary since 2012 and Treasurer since 2021. He created and administers the Society’s new website, online bookshop, and data entry programs, resolves technology issues, publishes the newsletter, and is the editor of the quarterly journal. Tim assists with maintaining the Society’s exhibits and grounds and is proactive in recruiting volunteers, organising duty rosters and undertaking grant applications. The Society and Nowra Museum appreciate his invaluable contributions.
For her contribution to the Society as a charter member and exhibition curator of the museum since 1988. Her background in graphic design, constantly updated over the years, has produced stimulating exhibitions that showcase Wollondilly Shire’s history. As a mentor to other members, she is ensuring that this will continue. Doreen’s voluntary service to the community for 36 years is appreciated and recognised by the Society.
Lynne joined the RAHS and served as a RAHS Councillor from 2013–2024. As an enthusiastic and invaluable Chair of the RAHS Affiliated Societies Committee (ASC) from 2014, she brought her practical insight from her work as President of the Shoalhaven Historical Society and the Shoalhaven Family History Society to inform our programmes for affiliates. In the past year since she ceased being a RAHS Councillor, Lynne has continued her work with the ASC and in the organisation of the 2024 RAHS Conference. This certificate honours her work with the ASC.
