The national identity of Australians in Hong Kong has evolved since the city’s 19th century urban beginnings
The cover of An Australian in China, by George Morrison. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong has accommodated Australians since its mid-19th century urban beginnings. Whatever their ultimate ethnic origins, "Australians" in this part of the world are - for the most part - immediately recognisable, as soon as they open their mouths. That distinctive twangy nasal accent remains a dead giveaway. But what was the resident Australian "community" like in the past?
Australian women were readily recognisable - enterprising business types were, and remain, a perennial local feature. In early times, many came as performers with travelling theatre companies, got beached by unkind fate, then worked precariously on the fringes of the hospitality industry. Others ended up working in brothels to stay afloat.