Background to Lebanese migration and settlement

By the 1880s sizeable numbers of Lebanese or 'Syrians' as they were then known, were settling in Australia. At the 1901 census there were 739 'Syrians' living in NSW, many living in or near Redfern.

Discriminatory practices barred 'Syrians' from many forms of employment and encouraged them to open small businesses.

Some took to the roads of NSW and Queensland with small amounts of borrowed stock as hawkers.

With enough capital many were able to open small businesses – for example, general stores, draperies and barbers – in country towns and many were naturalized.

By the 1920s most country towns had at least one Lebanese run business

While the Lebanese dispersed throughout urban and rural areas, the Redfern area remained a beacon for the community.

Rural business people returned regularly to the area for business, church services, family events and holidays.

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