Journal of Chinese Australia, Issue 1, May 2005

Call for Information: Research into early Chinese restaurant history in Melbourne and regional Victoria

Barbara Nichol

History, Melbourne University

The important contribution made by Chinese restaurants to Victoria's development in the first half of the twentieth century has been overshadowed by the prominence given to the later restaurant boom. No comprehensive study of these important early businesses has been undertaken. My research aims to address this omission ensuring their role in Victoria's economic and social history is recorded.

I am anxious to make contact with any person (or their descendants), who owned or operated a Chinese restaurant over the early decades up to the 1960s. I would also like to hear from anyone who worked in a Chinese restaurant; who ate regularly in a Chinese restaurant, or who had any business or official contact with Chinese restaurants over this early period.

If you think you can help please contact me by telephone: 0419 337155 or email: bnichol@bigpond.net.au.