Nellie Chin

Peter Drew’s Aussie collection

This photograph of Nellie Chin comes from The National Archive of Australia in Brisbane. It was taken in 1929 for her application for exemption to the dictation test, a function of the White Australia Policy. The application would allow Nellie, aged 26, to travel to China and return to Australia without being barred entry due to her perceived race. She was born in Georgetown, QLD.