Uncovering the Faith that Shaped a Nation.

Explore the stories of the pioneers, ministers, and visionaries whose Christian faith laid the foundations of Australian society, education, and culture.

Explore Archives About the Project

On This Day

June 2nd · 1798

Birth of Rev. William Clarke, the 'Stump Parson'

Welcome to God Bless Australia

We're glad you're here. This is just the beginning — with this launch we'll be adding new stories, profiles and materials over the months ahead, so stay tuned and check back often.

And please, pass this link on to people you know. It matters deeply that we make our nation's Christian heritage known, remembered and valued — and that starts with sharing it.

Legacy Profiles

Historical Figures

Discover the lives and legacies of the men and women who helped build Australia upon the principles of their faith.

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Governors

1856–1919

Alfred Deakin

A Father of Federation and Australia's second Prime Minister, Alfred Deakin was a devout Christian whose spiritual life profoundly shaped his public service and his vision for a unified Australia.

Ministers

1885–1967

Arthur Malcolm Stace

Once a destitute alcoholic and petty criminal, Arthur Stace was transformed by the gospel and spent 35 years writing one word — 'Eternity' — across the pavements of Sydney, an estimated half a million times.

Ministers

1903–1977

Frank Arthur Jenner

For 28 years, Frank Jenner walked the streets of Sydney asking strangers one question — and the ripples of his faithful witness spread across Australia, England, India, and beyond.

Social Reformers

1789–1859

Sir James Stephen

As Permanent Under-Secretary of the Colonial Office, James Stephen — a son of the Clapham Sect — believed God had a special purpose in the Christian settlement of Australia, and bent the machinery of empire towards that end.

Governors

1762–1824

Lachlan Macquarie

The fifth Governor of New South Wales and a committed Christian, Lachlan Macquarie transformed the colony from a penal settlement into a young Christian nation.

Governors

1819–1901

Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria's 63-year reign shaped an empire, but her greatest moment came when a humble evangelist's letter helped her find certainty of salvation — and she spent the rest of her life sharing it.

Ministers

1753–1827

Reverend Richard Johnson

Chaplain to the First Fleet and Australia's first preacher of the gospel, Richard Johnson served the colony of New South Wales for twelve years from 1788.

Ministers

1880–1961

Robert Harkness

A reluctant young pianist from Bendigo, converted under the Torrey–Alexander mission of 1902, who went on to travel the world with the great evangelists and to compose more than 2,500 gospel hymns.

Social Reformers

1753–1821

Thomas Arndell

A First Fleet assistant surgeon who became a magistrate, farmer and devout layman of the Hawkesbury — Thomas Arndell opened his home to the settlers who founded Ebenezer, the oldest surviving church in Australia.

Explorers

1774–1814

Matthew Flinders

Navigator, explorer and man of faith, Matthew Flinders circumnavigated Australia, confirmed it was a continent, and gave the nation its name — all by the age of 29.