European Australians are individuals in Australia who have ancestry from Europe. This group includes people whose families originated from countries such as England, Ireland, Germany, Italy, and Greece. European Australians make up a significant portion of the Australian population and have contributed to the country's cultural, social, and economic development. The history of European Australians dates back to the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, when the British established a penal colony in New South Wales. Over the years, waves of European migration have shaped Australia's demographics, leading to a diverse society that reflects various European cultures and traditions.