Tracking the Dragon explores the history of Chinese migration and settlement in the Riverina and features a range of significant objects and photographs. It reveals a complex and poignant story examining the public and private lives of the Chinese Australian migrant.

Over a period of 8 years, Dr McGowan and the staff at the Museum of the Riverina have undertaken extensive research across the region to inform this exhibition.

The geographic scope of this research project spans the Riverina from Wagga Wagga, west to Hillston, Booligal and Balranald, north to Temora, east to Tumut and Adelong and south to Albury on the Murray River. The time span and themes are from 1850 to the present day and illustrate many aspects of the Chinese Australian experience in the region, such as work, leisure, family life, religion and race relations.

The Museum of the Riverina in partnership with the NSW Migration Heritage Centre has an online version of the exhibition Tracking the Dragon - A history of the Chinese in the Riverina.

The exhibition opened to the public on Friday 10 December and ran until Sunday 27 March 2011.

Education Kits

There is a supporting primary and secondary education kit available:

Tracking the Dragon - Education Kit - Primary (PDF, 6.8 MB)

Tracking the Dragon - Education Kit - Secondary (PDF, 7.2 MB)

Through this exhibition and education kits students will discover a variety of aspects of the Chinese Australian migrant experience including work, leisure, family life, religion and race relations. In doing so students will develop an appreciation for both the challenges overcome and accomplishments achieved by Chinese Australians in our region in the late 19th century. Exploring key themes of endurance, resourcefulness and reinvention many of which remain relevant to the Australian migrants experience today.

Research Essays

In 2016 the Museum published 5 book-length essays by Dr McGowan, which are available to read and download. The essays examine the history of Chinese settlement in Hay, Narrandera, Temora, Tumut and Wagga Wagga.

You are welcome to share these essays or to download and print them. As the essays are copyright to Barry McGowan and the Museum of the Riverina, they are not to be sold for any more than the cost of printing.

Tracking the Dragon in Hay - Research Essay (PDF, 19.4 MB)

Tracking the Dragon in Narrandera - Research Essay (PDF, 17.5 MB)

Tracking the Dragon in Temora - Research Essay (PDF, 11.8 MB)

Tracking the Dragon in Tumut - Research Essay (PDF, 17.5 MB)

Tracking the Dragon in Wagga Wagga - Research Essay (PDF, 17.5 MB)