Dutch Immigration Experiences - A sample

"We came in ships........ Myriam, and I, and all the others....." by MrJoop | RedBubble

2011-11-15T05:14:00.000-08:00

"We came in ships........ Myriam, and I, and all the others....." by MrJoop | RedBubble:

What do we have in common, Myriam, in France and I, in Sydney………?
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Our parents brought us to Australia, by ship, on that “wave of migration” that Dutch-Australians refer to.
At the time when the governments encouraged us to go to the other side of the world, by ship. (5 weeks).
When “factory fodder” was needed in Australia, and the population was persuaded that populating the continent would prevent all from perishing and when housing shortage and fears of a third world war were in the air, helped convince the Dutch to leave, to later be replaced by guest workers, while already residents from former colonies were trickling in.
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Picture Myriam and I, as children, from colder countries (Belgium and the Netherlands) in those years, being caught up, about four years apart, in this maelstrom of giant ships and occasional sightings of foreign lands and “settling” into abandoned sun-baked ex-army camps, exploring this new country and making new friends.
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Gouda, Joop Mul, een avatar, een boek en een filmpje….in 1 beeld ! � Margarethagoudana's Weblog:

2011-11-14T13:49:00.000-08:00

Gouda, Joop Mul, een avatar, een boek en een filmpje….in 1 beeld ! � Margarethagoudana's Weblog:

Small world, nowadays.

Erasmus' mum and me.

2011-11-14T01:15:00.001-08:00

Johan wrote:

One day, about 10 years ago, I read in the newspaper a call for visiting an exposition about migrants who went to Australia. Of course I went there, and I was very surprised and touched because I saw the same beds we had in Scheyville and photos of some camps, especially Bonnegilla.

There were short notes written and stuck to all the things they showed. Most of these notations were something like: "Look how hard it was for the migrants in the first years";

"They even had to sleep on such uncomfortable (military) beds" (I have never slept better in any bed later);

and "They were put in huts" (with some photos of the nissen huts), and "They were burned by the sun in the Australian summer".

And the same was said about (deadly) spiders and snakes. I tried to talk to some people who were walking around. (They were not migrants or ex-migrants themselves, just Dutch people), but I got so angry and emotional because of all this negativity that I left the exposition, feeling misunderstood and helpless. How dare they say this.

You mention the small shop with the lemonade. I remember two places. First the little canteen, near the entrance of the camp (see the photo: my father leaning on the car, with the Muller family on his left, in front of the canteen).

Another place where we bought lemonade (I liked the taste passion fruit most) was when you leave the camp from the back; you walk along the dirt-road till you reach a tar-road, then a little left there was a farmhouse on the right where they sold lemonades etc. We often sat there to drink something."

Johan Luchters

Let us gather at the (Dutch-Australian) "hub".

2011-10-30T19:41:00.001-07:00

The Federation of Netherlands Societies NSW is looking at the concept of creating a "hub", where people, interested in Dutch-Australian matters, can meet up. The concept includes finding a location easily accessible to all.

Still just a "concept" ~ open to suggestions ~ looking for support from ALL who MIGHT be interested in Dutch-Australian matters. Examples of who that might be are too numerous to mention.........Dutch-born grand parents? .....Married to a Dutch-born person? ......Recently from the Netherlands? .....Came here as a child? .....................etc..

Joop de Wit - Unsung Hero - Courier

2011-10-28T03:00:00.000-07:00

Joop de Wit - Unsung Hero - Courier

How important is our Dutch-Australian Heritage?

2011-09-22T15:35:00.001-07:00

What next?

2011-08-21T13:24:00.001-07:00

"Dutch-Australian Heritage - where to now? " Fine Art Print by MrJoop | RedBubble

The memorabilia which had to be taken from the Dutch Australian Centre (as it was first called), in Chester HIll, has now been located behind the Dutch shop, in Smithfield, for quite some time.
Grateful for the opportunity to keep this heritage, for future generations, it is generally understood, that the original idea: a museum-style building, where visitors could relax; meet-up with Dutch-Australians and examine the memorabilia representing the Dutch immigration experience was still the best.
Where to next?!?
There is a plan and there are some ideas and arguments fore and against……………………..
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Hopefully, a solution can be found and the memorabilia housed, stored and made available for perusal, in a suitable manner.

Four of the 16 (so far) videos, reporting on progress: "Echoes from the Past."

2011-08-14T21:20:00.000-07:00

Please click on the picture!

Videos of "Echoes from the Past", devised and co-ordinated by Frances Larder

2011-08-14T21:11:00.000-07:00

A Dutch Immigration Experience that is somewhat special!

2011-08-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

It’s a unique story and wonderful to see that Nell Jones has the talent, the skills, the determination, to tell how Anneke, her mother, overcame such hardships.

She recently attended a meet-up of the Dutch Australian Genealogy Group, which meets in the Abel Tasman Village, in Chester Hill and spoke about her book.

Quote:
“Nell Jones wrote the book “The Lost Sister of Groningen” after her mother had told her about her
childhood in the Netherlands, the voyage to Australia and what happened next. “She drew on her memory, telling about her childhood. But I knew there had to be more.”
The stories were not complete and in 2004 Nell decided go to the Netherlands, with her mother
Anneke, to visit the places where she had lived during her childhood. “For a long time I did not want to return to the Netherlands, because I had such a horrible time there, in my younger years,” said Anneke by telephone from Australia. “I have now overcome this.”

Please click on this picture!!

2011-07-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

Let’s begin a NEW HISTORY.
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Gather together all the “Dutch-Australians” and meet at / in / on a new “HUB”, to share our present, past and future!
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From Wollongong and beyond and Newcastle and beyond and all places west……and everything in-between, ….to meet and share.
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Include the heritage gathered through the Dutch Australian Cultural Centre and all the people affiliated with the Federation of Netherlands Societies, Dutch-Link, the Instuifs and those who are not…..and set up a “HUB”, an AGORA.
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The Agora (Greek: Ἀγορά, Agorá) was an open “place of assembly” in ancient Greek city-states. Early in Greek history (10th century–8th century BC), free-born male land-owners who were citizens would gather in the Agora for military duty or to hear statements of the ruling king or council. Later, the Agora also served as a marketplace where merchants kept stalls or shops to sell their goods amid colonnades. From this twin function of the Agora as a political and commercial space came the two Greek verbs αγοράζω, agorázō, “I shop”, and αγορεύω, agoreýō, “I speak in public”. The word agoraphobia, the fear of critical public situations, derives from Agora in its meaning as a gathering place.
The Forum was the Roman equivalent of the Agora and the word is often used in older texts to refer to Greek agorai (plural of Agora).
from Wikipedia.

Consider this………..~(from the Board of the Federation of Netherlands Societies NSW)~
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The Creation of a ‘Dutch HUB’
Over the past years a major topic of discussion has been the ‘greying’ of our membership.
“Where are we heading?”
“What will be left when we are gone?”
“What will become of our assets – be they financial or our collective knowledge of our past? “
At our meeting in May, the Board – after some consideration, has proposed that we instigate ‘a project’.
We intend to facilitate the establishment of a ‘Hub’ where our historical archives can be kept for future reference. Where those that are interested may come and research their ‘Dutch connections’. A place where we can display exhibits of our art and records, photographs and perhaps verbal stories of our time here in Australia. What was Australia like in the 50’s, or whenever we came here? How has it changed, thanks to our input?
This HUB can also become a focal point of our ‘Dutch’ connection – with our past but also our future. This is a place for everyone who has an interest in our common Dutch connection.
Whilst it is still an early undeveloped concept, we believe that approximately 100 – 150m2 would be sufficient (for now). The HUB should be located centrally, and easily accessible by both private and public transport. The HUB will be owned ‘by everyone’, held in trust for future generations.
The Board of the Federation of Netherlalnds Societies have formed a small committee to explore and develop these ideas further with a view to establishing this HUB or Agora by 2018.
We invite you to consider this project further with a view to discussing the proposal at our Bi Monthly meeting in August. The Board intends to make a formal proposal at this meeting, asking a mandate from its members to pursue this project
Should you have any thoughts, questions or further interest, please feel free to contact any of the sub-committee members below:
Peter Hamer
(Contact Details)
Joop Mul
jo@ozcloggie

All Australians Now, by Willem van Ravenstein

2011-03-08T14:50:00.000-08:00

My first impressions, of this book: I like it!!
As has happened, in the case of a few other such books. (There are NOT many!) I identify and so much appreciate someone else putting these experiences and feelings into words/print!

All Australians Now

by

Willem van Ravenstein

For the ten-year old Dutch boy who arrived with his migrant parents at Fremantle one intolerably hot day in 1950, Australia was an alien, almost incomprehensible land.
A clear-eyed observer with an outsider’s perspective, the child grew up and was educated in postwar Perth, where he was gradually transformed into an Australian. The experience was a complex, testing and sometimes confusing process.
Like teenagers everywhere, young Willem asserted his identity in opposition to his parents and their values. As the only child of a disciplinarian father, this was a particularly bitter struggle.
There was, too, a growing awareness that the heart of his family’s life was gnawed by an obscure mystery – something eventually revealed to be a very dark secret indeed.
This wise, lucid coming of age memoir has much to say about Australia as it was then, and how it became what it is now. It is one of those rare, timeless works that shall continue to speak across the generations.

ISBN 978-0-85905-295-5, (New 2010), illust., 221pp, 510grams, $35.00.
Post in metro Perth is $5.70. Near country $7.70. Other states $11.70 in AP yellow Express bag.

Hesperian Press
P O Box 317, Victoria Park, 6979, Western Australia.
Tel. 08 9362 5955, Fax. 08 9361 2333 Email. books@hesperianpress.com www.hesperianpress.com

The book may be available at the HOLLAND FESTIVAL, Rembrandt Club, Dunheved Circuit, St Marys, last weekend of March, 2011.

Former mayor of Warringah, Paul Couvret, honoured, with Dutch knighthood.

2011-03-06T18:38:00.001-08:00

SBS Audio and Language : Dutch : Highlight: Royal-decoration-for-Paul-Couvret

Former mayor of Warringah, Paul Couvret, honoured, with Dutch knighthood.
Koningin Beatrix heeft Veteraan en voormalig burgemeester van Warringah, Paul Couvret, tot Ridder in de Order van Oranje Nassau verheven. De jaarlijkse herdenking van de Slag om de Java Zee in Sydney was een uitstekende gelegenheid voor de Nederlandse Consul-Generaal Jaap Frederiks, hem deze erkenning te overhandigen.

Johanna van Rooy - About Anah's War - interviewed on SBS Dutch Radio.

2011-01-03T02:56:00.003-08:00

SBS Audio and Language : Dutch : Highlight: 1606---1770-Tale-of-2-Discoveries

2010-12-30T21:45:00.000-08:00

The interview is in English!!! About: Less credit to James Cook. More to the Dutch, please!!

SBS Audio and Language : Dutch : Highlight: 1606---1770-Tale-of-2-Discoveries

"The Lost Sister of Groningen." by Nell Jones.

2010-12-30T04:37:00.000-08:00

(My) Translation of an article on the Radio Netherlands website:

Published: 20 September 2010 - 7:00 am by Wendy Braanker, of Radio Netherlands.

It is a story that had to be told. Nell Jones wrote a book about the difficult childhood of her mother. In the Netherlands Anneke Suiding was left to her fate. After her emigration to Australia, she was abandoned, at the age of 13, by her older sister. "I'm proud of what my mother has made of her life."

In the period 1948-1958 many Dutch people emigrated to Australia. About all those people who went to Australia, according to Nell Jones, there are hundreds of stories to be told. Everyone had their own story and reason for making the crossing. But the life-story of her mother, to say the least, is unbelievable.

1942
The story of Anne Jones, as she is called, since her marriage in 1962, to Malcolm Jones, begins in 1942, her year of birth. The war years changed the family's way of life. Anne's father worked for the Germans and was often away from home for weeks. Besides, her mother slept with the Germans.

All this left its mark and caused disruption to the family. In 1943 Anne's parents divorced. She now experienced wandering from place to place and poverty. Anne ended up in orphanages and in addition was dumped by a relative.

Her father forgot to contribute child-support, so that Anneke had to leave the home of her Uncle Ari and Aunt Griet, again. She also lived for a time with her older sister Coby. The same sister who took her to Australia and then left her there, in the lurch. Coby was in love with one another and left her husband. This meant that Anne had lost her home again.

Lost Sister
Nell Jones wrote the book "The Lost Sister of Groningen" after her mother had told her about her childhood in the Netherlands, the voyage to Australia and what happened next. "She drew on her memory, telling about her childhood. But I knew there had to be more. "

The stories were not complete and in 2004 Nell decided go to the Netherlands, with her mother Anneke, to visit the places where she had lived during her childhood. "For a long time I did not want to return to the Netherlands, because I had such a horrible time there, in my younger years," said Anneke by telephone from Australia. "I have now overcome this."

Within two weeks, mother and daughter visited, among others, Groningen and Rotterdam. It was the beginning of a project that would take many years. Nell Jones in 2007 came another three months to the Netherlands to do research and in 2008 she spent a long time in the Netherlands. "I invested.a lot of time in it."

Publisher
In 2009, she self-published the book. She hopes that, eventually, a real publisher will see value in the story. But Nell Jones could wait no longer with the publication. "I was not prepared to have to wait another two years."

Referring to the title of the book, mother Anneke says, "I am no longer lost. What you can learn from this book is that you can overcome adversity. You must keep going with your life and continue to point an accusing finger at those who have caused this. "

According to Nell is an impressive story. For her family, it also has meaning in the sense that it has clarified a lot for Anneke, her sisters and their children. "I hope for a healing effect on our family."

To Groningen
Nell Jones will come back, in a month or two, to the Netherlands, to put her book in in her mother's homeland, under the spotlight. A Dutch translation is not there yet. But she is working on the idea.

In conclusion, Mother Anneke, is occasionally homesick for the Netherlands. So about once every two to three years she gets the itch. But she feels, on balance, herself to be more Australian than Dutch.

The reason: life in Australia has brought her much good. "But you never let go of your country of birth, completely. There is always a connection. You can never completely emotionally separate from it. "

The book: The Lost Sister of Groningen can be ordered via the Internet

Read more articles by and for Dutch people abroad? Take a free subscription to the expat world magazine

The Lost Sister of Groningen, by Nell Jones

2010-12-29T03:05:00.000-08:00

GO TO: LISTEN HERE

SBS Radio - in Dutch

2010-12-27T15:16:00.001-08:00

Ozcloggie's videos

2010-12-21T02:55:00.000-08:00

Ozcloggie's videos

The stories that our parents brought with them, from the Netherlands...

2010-12-19T02:06:00.000-08:00

Even my son and daughter, born in the 80s, in Sydney, know a number of my parents' stories about their experiences of German Occupation, during World War II.
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Johanna van Rooy's story is fictional but set in those times and based on these types of recollections. .....

Juliana Village celebrates its 30th anniversary.

2010-11-30T18:51:00.000-08:00

Juliana Village Association Ltd's 30 years celebration-casual view!

2010-11-29T20:57:00.000-08:00

Co (T.J.O.), Bastiaan, George and Diny.

2010-11-25T17:55:00.000-08:00

Co "...had no choice. My parents heard about Australia from an old couple who lived in Brisbane. (He was English-born. She was Dutch-born.)"
He arrived, on the "Zuiderkruis", September, 1961, from the Netherlands and went to "Wacol Migrant Hostel", in Brisbane, with support from the Dutch Reformed Church. He was 15, speaking enough English, to get by.
His father, 50. Mother 45. Brothers, 18, and 16.5. Sisters, (his twin:) 15, 13 and 10.
"As a 15-year-old, I thought it was a big adventure."
Co was naturalised, in 1969 because he "wanted to be part of Australia."
In 2004* he reported speaking "~~English~~ -Australian," at home, while Dutch was spoken only casually, or for fun. "Talk Dutch to my aunts and cousins, on the phone, to Holland."
First impressions: "Hot. Dusty. A bit backward. (Steam trains.) We felt more superior to the Aussies, I think."
Working life: " First job in a hardware store, for two years. Then carpentry, one year. Then, cabinet making, in Brisbane. Then in Sydney, in 1972. Moved to Tamworth, in 1976. Started own kitchen cupboard business, employing 12 people. Sold the business, early, in 2004."
First experiences: "People were quite friendly and helpful."
Travelled back to the Netherlands: 1988, 1993, 2000 (As reported in 2004*)
First home purchase: 1974. A unit in Lane Cove, Sydney, through a bank loan. "Very pleased not to have to pay rent and throw money down the drain."
Co was a member of the Reformed Church, for 15 years and found fellowship, with people of a similar faith.
Co played "Zwarte Piet" (Black Peter), back in the Netherlands, when his friend played "Sinterklaas" (St Nicholas), in their street, in Zeist.
"I taught my daughter, (half Dutch. Half Australian) a lot of Dutch Nursery Rhymes, which she wants to pass on to her children."

SS Zuiderkruis, Grote Beer and Waterman.......

Bastiaan, aged 33, speaking enough English to get by, arrived in Sydney, on the J.v.O. , from the Netherlands and went to Bathurst, with his wife and two sons, 7 and 2. The children thought that Australia was "O.K."
Bastiaan was naturalised. "We did not want to go back."
"Duble Dutch" (sic) was mainly spoken, at home by 2004*.
First impression of Australia: "Nice and warm."
Working life: "Bowral brickyard. Cement works, Berrima, Railway extra gang. "
Experiences accord with expectations? "O.K."
Travelled back to the Netherlands: "4 times."
First home: "1960. Bank. Very (important)."
Bastiaan was member of the Dutch Club, in Illawarra, for approx. 25 years ( 2004*)
His children did not participate in Dutch club life.

George arrived, speaking English very well, in Sydney, on the "Aurelia", with his wife, 29 and five daughters, ages 10-2, hoping for better opportunities.
In 2004* he reported speaking English and Dutch, "50/50", at home and Dutch at the Dutch Club.
Working life: "Good."
Experiences: "Very well."
Back to the Netherlands: "Three times." (2004*)
No regular contact with the Netherlands, other than family. "Not important."
First home bought with a deposit and mortgage.
Membership of the Rembrandt Club and Choir: 25 Years (2004*) "Social contact."
George's children participate(d) (2004*) in Dutch club life. "Grandchildren are aware."

SOME SAMPLES of earlier versions of the presentation of the DIMEX responses HERE.....

Diny arrived on the S.S. Australis, in 1956. from the Netherlands, aged 32, with her husband, and three children, aged 6, 8 and 9. The youngest and the eldest loved their new country. The eight-year-old wrote about her impressions, later, when she was 11.

CLICK ON TEXT: (Or view here....)

In 1975 Diny was naturalised. She wanted to be Australian. "Easier for jobs."
On arrival, Diny spoke enough English to get by. In 2004*, Diny reported speaking English at home and Dutch with friends and with the KLaverjas (cards) Club members. At that stage she also had travelled back to the Netherlands about ten times, maintaining contact with friends there. "Nice to stay in touch, even if not on a regular basis."
Her first home was bought, in 1970, with a St George Building Society loan. "Very important. I'd read that it was more essential to have your own home than to pay 'dead money', to rent."
She joined the Netherlands Society, in Sutherland and its 'theatre group', helping in the theatre group and with the Dutch fair, etc, to start saving money for setting up the Juliana Village.
The children liked Sinterklaas, when they were young and attended the NSW Holland Festival, once or twice, in Fairfield.
"The grandchildren like all my cooking and Dutch foods. Made a Dutch flag in the school parade and love the Dutch relatives.

When Diny's daughter was 11, her daughter (8 when she migrated) gave her impressions of the migration process:

CLICK ON TEXT: "A Big Change"

©DACC 2010.

LISTEN to Martijn Laguna (in Dutch) talk about his experience of Sydney.

2010-11-24T15:09:00.000-08:00

(From SBS Radio - Dutch Program)

ENTER

HERE

for

Some more samples of responses.

The Te Veluwe family.

©DACC 2010

Theo t.B.

2010-11-23T00:10:00.000-08:00

Theo arrived on the Tjibadak, December, 1955, from the Netherlands, via four years, in Singapore and joined his parents, who were already, in Cowan. He later moved into a temporary dwelling. Theo was 26.
As a public servant, it was mandatory to be naturalised and the ceremony took place, in 1961, in Holbrook.
He spoke English very well and was pleased that Australia enabled him to take advantage of a scholarship, to study, at university.
After 5 years of study, for four years he worked as a road construction engineer and then, for 28 years as a lecturer.
Australia lived up to his expectations, reasonably well.
Theo had travelled back to the Netherlands seven times, in 2004*.
He knew of migrants who returned to the Netherlands because of marriage break-up.
Regular contact with the Netherlands. Interested in the news, via internet and radio.
First home was bought, in 1965, with a bank loan and university guarantee. Very important.
Theo joined the Netherlands Society, in Sutherland, DASNeerlandia, NESWA, Netherlands Society in Sydney and the D.A.C.C..
For social support early on, and later just for friendship.
Theo was foundation member of the Juliana Village Association and the Abel Tasman Association. Produced and presented Dutch language programs, 1977-1994. (SBS).
Children and grandchildren did not join Dutch clubs. "However, they enjoy our traditions and food types."

Outside (SBS) Radio broadcast, at Dutch function.

Max, Marinus and "Wee Willy".

2010-11-22T18:10:00.000-08:00

Max had ...."a brother, here. Also, Dutch army allowed us to go to Australia, directly from Indonesia."
He arrived by Qantas airline, June, 1950, in Sydney, from Indonesia and stayed with his brother, who came here, in 1949. Max was 21, speaking enough English, to get by.
He was naturalised in November, 1955. " I liked it here, from the start. Married here and wanted to be part of it. So I became a citizen."
In 2004, Max spoke English, at home and only Dutch ...."when we have people over from Holland."
First impressions: " Freedom. Wide open spaces. The climate. "
Working life: Department of Lands (4 years - clerical work). Cadbury-Schweppes (3 years). Mainly self-employed: Produce stores. Garden supplies. Hardware, etc..
How received: " I liked it here, from day one. Found people pleasant. Made a lot of friends. "
Travelled back to the Netherlands: " Have been back for periods of about 6 weeks, about 7 times."
No contact with the Netherlands.
First home: "1955. Finance through my solicitor. Important? "Very much so. To have a base for a young, growing family."
Member of: Dutch Reformed Church, 53 years. Dutch Club 15 years.
It meant: " Fellowship and friendship, with other people are very important to me."
The children: " Our children are not active in Dutch club life. All our children have been to Europe. (And) Have stayed in Holland, on several occasions. So they could see for themselves, where their parents came from."

Marinus arrived on the "Oranje" June, 1964, in Sydney, from the Netherlands and rented a house, in Wollongong, speaking just a little English.
Decision to migrate: "Due to the whole family migrating. Reason being, sister and brother-in-law lived in Australia, since 1957.
Marinus was 21. His parents 47, brother 20, sister, 28 and brother-in-law, 37.
Marinus was naturalised in June, 1977.
In 2004, Marinus reported English being spoken at home. "No Dutch spoken in Australia."
First impressions: " Terrible, as it rained for one week, non-stop."
Working life: " BHP Steel. Maintenance fitter, until 1970. L/H Maint., until 1984. Maint-planner until 1991. Training officer, until 2002. Retired, February, 2002."
Travelled back to the Netherlands: " Yes. Three times (for holidays only.)"
Knew Dutch immigrants who returned to the Netherlands but doesn't know how they fared. "No. Lost complete contact."
Marinus does have contact with a friend, from his youth, in the Netherlands, whom he knew before he was 21. (2004*)
Was this important? " Yes. As we have many common interests and I went to Holland, to meet him again, after 43 years."
First home: 1968. Bank loan.
Marinus (in 2004*) had been a member of the Dutch Australian Society, in Illawarra, since 1965. "To go to dance nights, etc. "
His three children DID participate in Dutch club life but "Do not think grandchildren will."

William "My original name is Willy v. R. but I changed that quickly, to William as I was sick of people here, calling me 'Wee Willy'! (I am 6 feet 2.5 inches tall!)"
William arrived, aged 25, speaking enough English to get by, on the Fairsea, in 1952, at Port Melbourne, from the Netherlands and went to Bonegilla.
"After Indonesia, I could not settle down. Also had difficulty readjusting to the Dutch climate and was convinced that Russia and the U.S.A. would be at war with each other and Holland would be caught in the middle."
William was naturalised, in 1959. Spoke English at home and Dutch rarely (in 2004*).
First impressions: "Disappointing."
Working life: "Between '52 and '61 a variety of jobs. None very worthwhile. Then joined a large export meat processor, where I became a senior executive and after serving that company for 26 years, I retired."
Experience accord with expectations? "No! I have always been decently treated. All I can say is that in the '50s newcomers did not have it easy. Accommodation was scarce and expensive and good jobs were hard to find."
Travelled back to the Netherlands: "Never."
William knows one particular gentleman who now regrets very much that he went back to Holland, to live.
Regular contact: "With the reunion committee, of the K.L. unit I served with, in Indonesia, for 3.5 years." Important? "Well. That period in Indonesia has been an extraordinary experience and (I) like to be kept informed about the people who served with me, in the same unit."
First home: "1969. Paid a deposit and the balance was financed by the ANZ Bank." "Very importtant." (to own a home.)
William joined the Abel Tasman Club, Melbourne, when it was formed, in '54/'55, as a Bridge Club, in St Kilda and remained a member to well into the 70's.
"First mainly to play bridge and when the club very successfully developed into a social club, we certainly enjoyed the social side of the club."
"In the early days, we all had to do our bit to get the club off the ground, but I never sought an official position."
"In the beginning we had many Dutch friends, we socialised with, but with most of them, we now have lost contact."
"My (only) son now and then travels to Europe and visits Holland. My three grandchildren all have visited Holland and they all seem to enjoy it, when they are there."

©DACC 2010.

Recommend you read: "Where waters meet", by Marijke and Dirk Eysbertse.

Paul Couvret OAM

2010-11-18T16:15:00.000-08:00

Paul arrived in Australia on the Volendam, in January 1949, aged 27, from the Netherlands. But before the war, he'd lived in Indonesia.
His father had died in Japanese prison, in Bandoeng. His mother had died of starvation in Banjoe Biroe, women's camp ...."and I had lost my home. So I started a new life, in Australia."
Paul had been to Sydney before. He'd served in the navy's aviation service from December 1945 until July 1947 and was stationed in Sydney.
After his arrival, in 1949, he stayed with Australian friends, in Sydney. January, 1949-June, 1949. Then became a teacher, at the Cowra Migrant Centre. "In 1951, I bought a house, in Cowra. In 1962, I built a new house, in Cowra."
He was naturalised "Because I had made Australia my home. I wanted to have a say in how the politicians were running the country. It also meant that I could become a permanent teacher with the Department of Education, with access to superannuation."
Paul spoke English very well, when he arrived and, in 2004* reported to the DIMEX survey, that he spoke English, at home.
"I speak Dutch, in my capacity as National President of the Netherlands Ex-service men and women's association, in Australia and as Patron of Neerlandia."
First impressions: "The beautiful climate, the friendly people, the personal freedom, without interference, from authorities, the availability of any job you liked. You could travel anywhere. No restrictions."
Work: "Taught primary School, in Cowra Migrant Centre (5 years). Physical Education, at Cowra High School (10 years). Became Special Master, at Lithgow High School. Then lecturer, at Sydney University. Then back as Special Master, at Balgowlah High and finished, as Deputy Principal, at the N.S.W. Correspondence School."
Experiences compared to expectations: "Well and truly. Best move of my life. I was received with open arms by all thepeople I came into contact with."
Travel back to the Netherlands: "Yes. Once. I was welcomed back, as 'The Lost Son'."
Contact with the Netherlands: "Friends with whom I went to school. I am also in contact with 'Veteran Platform' and A.V.O.M. (Ex Navy Ass.). It is part of my responsibility as National President of N.E.S.W.A..
First home: In 1951, with a bank-loan. It meant a great deal to me. It was my patch of ownership, in a new world, where my wife and I would raise a family.
Dutch club membership: N.E.S.W.A., since 1970. D.A.S.Neerlandia, since 1966.
"Through N.E.S.W.A., I met people with whom I'd served during the war. Shared war experiences, creating a life-long bond. Neerlandia offered social fun."
"in N.E.S.W.A., I became National President, 12 years ago. With Neerlandia I became the patron and played a part as negotiator with the government, to buy the land."
"I officiate at the "Dodenherdenking" (Rememberance Service), held in Canberra, every year and lay a wreath, at Martin Place, to commemorate the Battle of the Java Sea."
Children's involvement with Dutch clubs: "My children had no access to Dutch clubs becuse they lived in the country (Cowra). My grandchildren have attended St Nicholas, in Neerlandia."

(Located in the Abel Tasman Village, Chester Hill, N.S.W.)

More about Paul Couvret OAM

CLICK (KLIK)

on the 'pictures, below, if you would like

to read about Paul's memories, in Dutch!

( Click for larger version. )

©DACC 2010

HWvO and Anon. 8.

2010-11-18T02:42:00.000-08:00

HWvO arrived November 1952, in Melbourne, from the Netherlands and went to friends. He was 31. Speaking English enough to get by. His wife was 30 years; daughter 3.5 years; son 2 years. The children assimilated quickly.
"I did not like the Dutch climate and I have an Australian friend, ex-POW, from Burma."
"Naturalised in 1958 as a requirement of government employment."
Dutch was spoken at home, when HWvO responded to these questions, in 2004*. Dutch with friends.
First impression: Good climate; friendly and helpful people.
Work: Construction of water supply dams and power stations with SMHEA, WC & IC & EC of NSW.
"My experiences were generally satisfactory. We are happy with the way we have been treated."
Travelled back to the Netherlands regularly. Eight times by 2004*.
Regular contacts with the Netherlands: Yes, to keep in touch with friends and family.
First home: 1974, with a Building Society loan. " It is important to have your own home when you retire.
Joined Rotary International 1960 – 1981 and Probus 1981 till present. (2004*)
The membership provided fellowship with like minded people, socials and sport eg golf.
"We regularly met with Dutch friends."
"The family gathers and celebrates Christmas, New Year, Easter [hide coloured eggs] and birthdays.."

Anon. 8, a newly wed bride of 19 years, arrived 11^th February 1955, in Sydney, from the Netherlands.. " Met by church delegates, stayed at private address for couple of days until living-in place was found. " Her husband was aged 22 years.

Motivation: " Adventure. While holidaying with my fiancé, we met an Australian on holidays in the Netherlands and started talking. A led to B etc."
Anon 8 spoke ...." High school English, which proved inadequate to understand Australian for the first couple of weeks." At the time of responding to these questions, (2004*) Anon. 8 reported speaking Dutch, at home. " Mainly English with the children and Dutch with my husband. Now I speak Dutch with some friends, or when ‘phoning The Netherlands."

First impressions:
"Beautiful clear blue sky. Culture shock. Dreary food, dreary life. “Gnawing” speech of the Australians. Pre-war conditions in transport, fashion, ideas. Was shocked about the many ‘orphans’ until it became clear the ‘orphans’ were children wearing school uniforms."

Working life: "Few weeks in live-in situation. Telexist for domestic airline. Typist and administrator for publishing co. With birth of children stayed at home. Office work from home when obtainable. Obtained BA, Communications as a mature aged student in 1991.

Experience accord with expectations?

"Experienced the prejudice of being foreign, ‘reffo’s’ etc. No criticism of country allowed…[why don’t you go back where you came from…if only I could have] Never lost the accent, so for decades [even now]* being questioned about origin." (2004*)

Travelled back to the Netherlands:

About 5 times. Spent 20 months “back home”, however children were too Australianised, so arrived back in 1972.
Remigration:
" Know 4 families personally. Another couple returned “for good” 3 times, finished up living in Australia. "

Regular contact with the Netherlands?

"Not really. Overcame homesickness only in 1993. Now fully acclimatized, happy tp live in Australia, enjoying its

good climate, space, freedom etc, etc."

First home?

"Bought land in 1959. Applied for housing loan from Dutch Building Society 1960. Because of permanent homesickness at the time, the buying of a house was traumatic, as it seemed to embody the dreaded sense of having to stay permanently in Australia."

Member of a Dutch organisation?

"Not sure if ever member of Dutch Reformed Church in Australia. Attended DRC shortly in Stanmore in 1955 and later temporarily in St Marys during the 1980s. Member of the Presbyterian Church since 1967. Joined the Rembrandt Club approximately 1980."

"I have rejoined the Rembrandt Club in 2001. Enjoy the ‘special’ Dutch festivities a few times per year Husband joined Sunrise choir and later Rembrandt male choir. He enjoyed the Dutch company and the social contact with the choir members."

"Was secretary for short while of the Dutch Welfare Association in 1980s. Attendance of evening meetings in

Parramatta became problematic. Engaged with Dutch ‘Instuif’ for a short while."

The children:

The emphasis on ‘blending in’ during the 1950-1960s left its mark on the children. Even their surname gave them difficulties. They refused to speak [or understand] the Dutch language.

Since having children themselves, their interest in their Dutch heritage and family background has come to the fore.

One son has taken up contact with his cousins in the Netherlands; has taken friend o/s to ‘show off’ his country and had the cousins come out to visit here. Sinterklaas has aroused some interest.

Some Dutch foods and treats are much favoured.

Maria H.G.E.-W. and W.T.B.

2010-11-17T19:21:00.000-08:00

Maria arrived February 1973, in Sydney. By KLM DC9, from the Netherlands and went to the Coogee Endeavour Hostel, NSW. She spoke just a little English.
It was too crowded where we were living and there was a lot of talk about Australia."
Maria, 29 years, came with husband 30 years; daughter 9 and son 7 years.
Naturalised? "No. I would like to become an Australian citizen, but only if I can keep the Dutch nationality. Because you are born Dutch, you will always be Dutch in your heart." (2004*)
When responding to this survey (200*) English was spoken in the home and Dutch "sometimes when visiting."
First impressions of Australia were good.
Work: First, in engineering some years. Second, 22 ½ years permanent night shift at Kimberly & Clark Pty Ltd at Warwick Farm, NSW.
Experiences, in accord with expectations? "Can’t complain, OK."
Travelled back to the Netherlands (2004*) three times.
Contact with the Netherlands: "PC contact, reading Dutch newspapers. Like to have the SBS Radio coming to the country, so we can listen to the Dutch broadcast."
First home: End of 1975. St George Building Society.Very important.

Maria participated in Harmony Day at Wellington, NSW.

Maria's children participated in Dutch club life.

W.T.B.  arrived in Sydney on the MV. Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, in May 1954, from the Netherlands.
" We were dumped at wharf, now Darling Harbour. Employment arranged by Dutch Consulate, then in Margaret Street.  Wife did home maintenance and I odd jobs."
" My wife, 22 years old.  We got married in March 1954 so that my wife was also entitled to free transport to chosen destination plus board money and landing amount: 25 and 125 Pounds."
"In 1963 I was ordered to report for duty in Hollandia [Dutch New Guinea].  I argued that I had already served 2 ½ years, although National Service was only 20 months.  The Ministry of War replied that only 16 months of that 2 ½ years was spent within the borders of the Kingdom [I served in Canada, France & Germany] and any period outside didn’t count!  New Guinea didn’t appeal to me at all and hence we both became Australian Citizens – 11 March 1963."
" (I spoke English )Very well.  Was employed by the PMG at Schiphol Airport as interpreter and Public Assistant."
When responding to this survey, W.T.B., spoke English at home and Dutch with " Dutch speaking friends and at Dutch Clubs [Rembrandt].  I also taught Dutch for a number of years at TAFE in the Hills district."
"The use of the adjective “bloody” took some getting used to.  I was very impressed by the help provided by the Dutch Consulate, especially a lady named Brackx, during the early days."
Work: "My wife didn’t speak any English, which initially caused some problems.

May 1954 – wife worked for a family at Dover Heights; this lasted for 2 weeks after an argument.

June 1954 – same type of work in Killara. The lady was handicapped, but the language problem caused us to go looking for something else. I found work in the mean time as a driver, dog minder and repair man.

Dutch Consul recommended we go to the country and we were given an address approx. 30 miles from Wellington, NSW, at Glenwood Station [20,000 sheep, 300 head of cattle and 60 horses]. Wife worked house duties and I did gardening, electrical work and jackerooing. Towards end 1954 my wife was pregnant and we went back to Sydney.

Accommodation and house duties for 2 years at a boarding house from a Mr and Mrs ter Wee in Artarmon. I joined the PMG as a telephone technician; later senior tech. and obtained a degree in electronics/communications from Sydney Tech.

In 1956 we moved to Edgecliff Rd. Woollahra where my wife still worked as a housekeeper for a number of years, until the birth of our second daughter.

In 1963 I resigned from the PMG and joined STC as a project engineer. Main projects: Tumut I and II power stations in the Snowy Mountains, NSW Govt. Railway Control Room at Central Railway and the extension for the Eastern Suburbs; Liddell Power Station Control System ECNSW.

Resigned in 1966 and joined British Automatic Telephones at Redfern as a systems engineer. Developed and installed various underground communications and control systems in NSW and QLD collaries; fire alarm systems in Brisbane and Cairns; water flow control systems at Warragamba NSW and Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, QLD.

Resigned in 1969 and joined International Combustion Austr. Was employed as a senior Design Control Systems Engineer and worked for the next 15 years on development, design and installation of electrical power station supervisory control systems all over Australia."

Expectations and reality:

"Didn’t have any expectations and regarded the migration issue more as a free holiday trip. Not at any time did I experience any discrimination or negative attitude by my Australian fellow citizens and worked and travelled all over the world. My only regret is that I didn’t migrate to this great country earlier. It is nice to visit the ‘old’ country every 3 – 4 years, but after experiencing the rain and windy conditions again, it is nice to go home again."

Travelling back to the Netherlands:

"Yes, many times. I returned for the first time in 1972 for my parents’ wedding anniversary. After our divorce in 1978, I married again in 1984 to an American citizen."

Contact with the Netherlands:

"People we met in the early days and who became ‘uncles and aunties’ to our children or even grandparents to this very day. The advantage of being an immigrant is that you can dump [if so desired] original family members and select a new family from people whom you do like!"

First home:

"1957, an old weatherboard house in Croydon Rd., Hurstville, with a loan from the Rural Bank.

First daughter was born in 1955 and the second in 1958. Wife had been working as housekeeper up till then, but with 2 to look after as well, this became impossible – hence having our own place was a relief."

Membership of Dutch clubs:

"Originally end 1954 joined Dutch Folk Dancing Group from Dr. Wouters. Later on became member of the Wilhelmina Club at Rooty Hill, the Bankstown Club and the Hawkesbury District Club [Londonderry] – various committee functions. Also the Austrian Club at French’s Forest."

Reason:

"Friendship and social outings plus soccer [Neerlandia and Sydney Austral.], NSW Holland Festival Committee member from 1981 onwards until the end. Currently similar activities at the Rembrandt Club, St. Marys."

Held positions of Director, secretary and treasurer at various times.

The children:

"They attend events like Holland Festival or the Rembrandt Club Festival and may have a pair of clogs or a windmill to acknowledge their Dutch origin, but that is the end of it."

"Available to answer any questions at a later stage. I still have a copy of the passenger list of the Johan van Oldenbarneveld April 1954 somewhere- will forward if and when found."

Mr Wiebe Bruinsma, accepting the Anton Kool Award, 2010.

Izak and Thea

2010-11-17T16:15:00.000-08:00

Izak arrived March, 1965, on the Flavia, in Melbourne and went to the migrant hostel, Glenelg, Adelaide. Reason for migrating was; too many people. Too much pollution. Saw it as an adventure and had high expectations.
He was 25 years old and his wife, 23. He chose not to be naturalised because he had a great objection to linking with Great Britain.
He spoke enough English to get by. Later spoke English at home and Dutch seldom. Only if necessary.
First impressions: "Immense distances. Very dry. Monotonous. Coast line. weather. Sydney Adelaide, beautiful."
Work: "Employment largely in commercial (aluminium-) window industry. Supervising roles in later years and managing substantive manufacturing companies."
Did experiences accord with expectations? "Not exactly but I have been happy with the 'space to breathe' and the freedoms. Job instability has been difficult."
Travelled back to the Netherlands three times. Last time, in 1999. (As stated in 2004*)
Izak knew people who returned to the Netherlands. "Disillusionment, home sickness, economic necessity."
No regular contact with the Netherlands other than family.
Izak bought his first home, in September, 1966. 18 months after arrival, with a bank loan. "Very important for stability."
No involvement with Dutch organisations by Izak or his children.
"They only get exposed at home. Not interested. No time for clubs. Some have worked and studied in the Netherlands."

Thea arrived March, 1965, on the Flavia, in Melbourne, with husband, Izak, and went to the migrant hostel, Glenelg, Adelaide. Reason for migrating was; too many people. Too much pollution.
Thea did not identify with "the wave" of migration, as she (and Izak) arrived, in 1965.
"I believe that our common experience/ expectations were different from "the wave" migrants. Education and backgrounds, on a different level."
Thea was 23. Izak was 25. No children.
Thea was not naturalised. " Difficult to sever Dutch nationality/rights. Link to Great Britain and its monarchy an 'obvious obstacle'."
Thea spoke English very well, when she arrived and spoke it at home (2004* response) and Dutch with friends and classmates at U3A. (?)
First impressions: "Unspoiled. Immense distances. Adelaide beautiful. Sydney Harbour region spectacular."
Working life: "Very disenchanted during many work situations, 1965-2000." (See further explanation.)
"Work situation very unfavourable, compared to expectations and the Australian Embassy in The Hague. Rosy picture. Misleading information."
Thea travelled back to the Netherlands five times. The last time in 1999. (When responding to this survey, in 2004*)
Thea did know about migrants who permanently returned. "Great hardship, economically, after marriage break-up or death of spouse, in another case."
No regular contact with the Netherlands other than family.
First home: "September, 1966. 18 months after arrival, with a bank loan. "Extremely important, as renting with two b?ms (sic) at that time, was not sustainable, on modest salary."
No involvement with Dutch organisations, except "some contact with friends from boat/hostel days."
The children did not participate in Dutch club life. (2004*) "We explain and use Dutch food and festival genres. The children speak and understand some Dutch. They feel "Australian" mostly. Grandchildren, too, get to know some Dutch celebrations/ food, at home."
"All three children have Dutch passports. Study and work has occurred in the Netherlands (Eindhoven University)."
Thea did her training in the Netherlands at the Academic Hospital, part of the university, in Leiden and worked 4 years as a medical laboratory technologist - major microbiology.
1959-1964 Thea ran/managed a busy diagnostic laboratory at A2L / now Leiden University Medical Centre). primarily doing microbiology - some research and managed 8 people.
After arriving in Adelaide, she was offered a position, at I.M.V.S. (Institute of Medical & Veterinary Science), after extensive testing.
"When filling out the necessary paperwork, they retracted the offer, as they became aware that I was married. Later on, I was offered a job at another hospital but was ostracised when it became obvious that my skill level was much more advanced than the supervisor's. (Diagnostic practices very alarming/sloppyinaccurate. Unsettling to say the least.
Greatest shock: Despite all my qualifications, translated / verified and signed, promised to be accredited by Austalian officials, in The Hague, this was not the case.
Very hard to find work in any science area but my salary always very low as well - just like a cleaner really."
1965-1966 to 1972: Microbiology work in a government hospital. (Then) McPhar Geophysics. Analysis of rock and soil specimen for minerals. Spectrometry.
1972-1975: Department of Mines. Micropaleontology. Microfossil research. Some forensic work. "Three children were born. Two sons and one daughter."
1982-1987: Education Department. Laboratory assistant in high school.
1992-2000: Education Department: Curriculum area for languages. "Salary very low, in all these positions, as my qualifications were never accredited. I was told to do, once again, a four year university course, after thorough evaluation of my curriculum topics."
"Nurses' qualifications are recognised. Doctors and medical diagnostic professionals, providing the diagnosis and initiating therapy protocols, are not."
Thea expressed her extreme disappointment in the information provided by the Australian immigration officials. (2004*)

A project "in progress" - "Echoes from the Past"

- devised and co-ordinated by Frances Larder.

Herman, Gea and Tjeerd.

2010-11-17T02:30:00.000-08:00

Herman was in the army, in Indonesia and saw coming to Sydney, by K.L.M., as an adventure. He was 21 and went to Bathurst. He spoke just a little English.
His first impressions were that Australia was warmer and there was more space. His experiences accorded with his expectations. He was treated very well.
He worked as a carpenter.
In 1956 he was naturalised because of his wife was Australian. He spoke English at home. (*2004)
He had contacts in the Netherlands who had been in the army with him.
He travelled to the Netherlands six times.
He knew of immigrants who had gone back to the Netherlands because they were homesick.
He bought his first home, in 1962 and paid it off to the owner, in five years.
Herman did not join Dutch clubs. He did have contact with Dutch families, in Port Fairy.

Gea migrated with her parents and arrived in Sydney in October, 1950, at the age of 7, on the Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, from the Netherlands. Her sisters were 4 and 1. They went to Bathurst.
Gea was naturalised in January, 1974.
She waited until after her children were born, in case they wanted dual nationality. She then became naturalised, so that she could vote.
She spoke no English at all when she arrived. In 2004* she reported speaking English at home and Dutch ....."when I am with "old" Dutch friends of my parents."
Her whole family was very unhappy in Bathurst Camp. "All three of us children were hospitalised with measles. Bad food also."
Gea started work, at 15, as apprentice ladies' hairdresser and later worked at a College of T.A.F.E., as teacher of hairdressing.
She did experience discrimination, at school(s) as a child and as a teenager.
Gea travelled back to the Netherlands, in 1956, 1963, 1980, 1992 and 1999.
Contact with the Netherlands (other than family) was with friends, via letters and emails. That was important because Gia was always interested in all things Dutch.
When Gea married in 1966 she bought her first home and this was all important to her.
She did not join Dutch organisations but attended Dutch Festivals.
She and her husband brought up their children, exposing them to all Dutch culture and customs available. 't Winkeltje and Dutch lessons.

Tjeerd came with his parents, to Sydney, from the Netherlands, in November 1950, on the Volendam. He was 14. They went to Bathurst.
His father was 38. His mother 39. His brothers were 12 and 5. His sisters were 11 and 8.
Tjeerd was naturalised in July 1960. "It seemed like a good idea. The family had integrated into Australian society."
Tjeerd spoke just a little English when he arrived. In 2004 he reported speaking Frisian with his mother. Dutch with some friends and writing in Dutch to family and friends in the Netherlands.
First impressions: The wide open spaces. The amount of bush. It was a great adventure.
Work: Apprentice motor mechanic. Manager small garage. Sales representative. Garage foreman. Technical teacher. Head teacher. Head of division (TAFE NSW) Industry specialist. Retired.
Initial reception and treatment: "We were well treated. The Dutch were known as allies."
Travelled back to the Netherlands twice.
Tjeerd reported, in 2004* corresponding with an old schoolfriend because it was nice to do.
He bought his first home in 1968, financed by the bank because he needed a base.
He and his wife settled in the Kyogle area. There were no Dutch organisations to join. There were not many Dutch there. They were the first.
They did not participate in Dutch social life because the opportunity was not there. Nor do the (grand-) children. (as stated in 2004*) Tjeerd did make up a history for the grandchildren. "Not a great deal of Dutchness left. "

1. SBS Podcasts : Yourlanguage: Dutch: Johnny Young (from Rotterdam) and 2. a sample of Dutch t.v., about the Dutch, in Australia. .

2010-11-16T20:57:00.000-08:00

GO TO: SBS Podcasts : Yourlanguage: Dutch
Now THERE's a Dutch Immigration Experience that some of us (I believe I'm roughly in that same age group.) can relate to, also! Many "of us"* watched him and Young Talent Time or at least knew about it.
At the height of its popularity I was hardly home*, getting started on my teaching career and it was mainly through HEARING comments about his show, that I knew of it.

THIS ALSO is from another source. From the NETHERLANDS (In Dutch, of course), "about their departure, the bond with the Netherlands and all the typically Dutch habits":

P. van Wunnik migrated to Australia, in 1951 and, just like my parents (1956) believed that the chances of going back to the Netherlands for holidays, were slim. Mr van Wunnik tells how constructing the building wasn't so hard but believes that making the sails of his windmill go round, just by the press of a button, is unique, in the world.

Martin A. P.

2010-11-16T19:13:00.000-08:00

Martin and his father came first, from the Netherlands, to Australia, by K.L.M. ("Aalsmeer"), in November 1952.
His father ...."made that decision to get a better future, especially for his children - perhaps to escape war, depression and the loss of his wife (my mother)."
They rented a caravan. then a tent, in Corrimal Caravan Park, ....."when Mum and two kids came. Then rented a garage."
Martin was 16 years and 9 months. His father 49. (Step-) mother early 40s. Brother 14 years and 10 months. Two half-sisters, 6 and 3.
In 1955 Martin was naturalised. "I guess, as a young lad, I wanted to become citizen A.S.A.P.. Gratefully, I regained Dutch nationality, in April, 2003."
He spoke enough English to get by, when he arrived and was mainly speaking Australian English at home but, at the Dutch club, especially at committee meetings and at choir, Dutch. He was a community radio presenter 1997-2001.
Work: Apprentice fitter & Turner, 1952-1960. Car salesman, 3 months. Bank clerk 1961-1970. University administration 1970-77. Teacher 8 years. Financial planner and financier, 1984 until now. (*2004).
How received: "We did not experience hostility. Any 'racist' comments were accepted in good faith and reciprocated. I gave as good as I got. The young soon fit in. My parents were respected."
Visits to the Netherlands: 1963 - 1 year trip, including three months' work in the Netherlands. 1981 - 5 months with the children ( 9 & 12). 1999- two months.
Contact with the Netherlands: Letters and email to family. Occasional phone call. "Family ties always tug at your heart."
First home: 1960. Bought land with owner finance - owner built double garage. Had house built, in 1964 with a C.B.A. Staff Mortgage. "I married in January 1958 and we valued independence."
Dutch club membership: Martin came with his parents to the Dutch Australian Society in Illawarra, from 1953 until the 1960s. In 1982 he became a member and was honorary auditor for the club, the last four years (*2004) Represented the chairman at ad hoc meetings of Dutch groups, in the Illawarra.
Was founding co-ordinator and presenter of the "Dutch Connection", at 2VOX FM, Community Radio, 1977-2001. Member of the Dutch choir, since 1982. Its conductor, since 1988.
No children's participation in Dutch club life. "Unfortunately, we and they had busy lives and we did not speak Dutch at home. "My daughter has been to the Netherlands twice, on our account."

PHg, Maria (Mieke) and Ost.

2010-11-16T16:16:00.000-08:00

PHg arrived November 1985, by ‘plane, probably Qantas, from the Netherlands and "Stayed with wife’s family." PHg had been to Australia before, "to visit girlfriend." He was 31 and spoke English very well.
After the so-called wave of Dutch migration, PHg found it: "Yes, easier to have other Dutch living here."
Naturalised: "Yes, in October ’03, following decision regarding dual nationality."
By 2004, PHg spoke: "English and Dutch. I speak Dutch at home as much a possible with wife and 3 children."
First impression: "Decidedly beautiful areas in Sydney; great climate and mostly fun people."
Working life: "Initially continued working for Heineken; later bought own business."
Treatment: "Yes, generally made to feel at home."
Visits to the Netherlands: "Yes, on average every 2 years for a brief visit. Still in touch with quite a few friends (there). Enjoy not giving up on old contacts."
First home: "

"Bought an apartment in 1987 with assistance from the Bank.

Proud to buy into the Sydney ‘boom’."

Joined Dutch clubs? "No, but initially played in ‘Dutchies’ Hockey team.

Usually go to Dutch events like the Queen’s Birthday and Dutch Golf day."

The children: "Our kids go to the Dutch school and attend its cultural events."

Maria arrived on the Volendam, in November, 1950, from the Netherlands. She was 15 years old. Her parents wanted a new life and a better future. "Also, they were very adventurous!"
First accommodation: Bathurst ("camp").
Her parents were both 42 and brought along four more sisters of Maria's ( 14, 12, 8 and 5) and two brothers (10 and 18 months) and a sister was born, in Bathurst December, 1950.
"By the time my parents were naturalised, I was 18 and married a British subject. Later I decided to keep my Dutch citizenship, I found, even though I loved this country, it hard to renounce Holland. Also to swear allegiance to the British crown did not appeal to me. "
Maria spoke enough English to get by, when she arrived and spoke English only, at home, as her parents had passed away, when this survey was taken.
First impressions: "I fell in love with its natural beauty, on sight and thought it all a great adventure! Ah. Those were the days!"
Work: "Mother of six. Shopkeeper. Restaurant worker. Accounts work. Management. Executive, T.N.T., Australia. "
First experiences of the country: "Loved it all. Well received and treated by 'locals' "
Travelled back to the Netherlands: Twice.
Regular contact with close friends in the Netherlands. "Very important, for personal reasons and to keep up with European culture and politics."
First home: 1960, financed by Credit Union. "A big step for anyone!"
Next generations: "I have 16 grandchildren, all of whom like the idea of their Dutch background and a few are keenly interested but no social Dutch contact."

2008: DACC boardmembers, Jan, Thea, Klaas, Joop and Theo, at Joop's art exhibition.

Ost was "Fed up with Socialism."  and arrived 5^th August 1955 at Port Melbourne, on the Waterman, from the Netherlands and moved in with family, along with his "spouse 22 years and child 2 years." He spoke just a little English.
Was naturalised but could not give a reason.
First impressions: "Very old fashioned."
Work: "Employed as a motor mechanic and self-employed from 1979 till the present." (* 2004)
Initial treatment: "Yes; Friendly and helpful."
Visited the Netherlands: "5 Times."
Reasons why immigrants whom he knew returned to the Netherlands: "Disappointed, not able to find work in their chosen profession and homesickness."
Regular contact with the Netherlands: "Family only; very important."
Purchase of first home: "1960, Netherlands Building society.  Very important."
Member of a Dutch organisation: Dutch Australian Soc. Illawarra for 46 years. (*2004) "Like-minded people and socials." Provided casual assistance.
Children's involvement with Dutch matters: "Participate in Holland Festival, Sinterklaas.  They are proud of Dutch Heritage."

©DACC 2010

M.T.A.F.-v G., Vta and Vsta.

2010-11-15T20:52:00.000-08:00

M.T.A.F.-v G. came on the Sibajak, aged 9, from the Netherlands, with her parents and her 10 brothers and sisters, to Sydney because "My father thought we would have a better future here."
They went to Bathurst, N.S.W. "used to be the army barracks" and a Dutch migrant priest.
In 1954 she automatically became naturalised, as her mother had applied and she was still under age.
She spoke no English when she arrived in Australia. Later, English was spoken at home. Dutch with friends, with family (in-laws) overseas and with her husband.
First impressions: "The space - houses were so different - people were friendly - hilly streets."
After 6 years of school M.T.A.F.-v G. did general office work for 5 years. After her marriage (her husband was a pastry cook) she and her husband opened their own business and she worked in the shop and helped in the bakehouse. When responding to this survey, M.T.A.F.-v G. was still working, part-time, in a cake shop.
Being only 9 years old when she migrated, she'd had no expectations but found that "People were really great and very helpful."
M.T.A.F.-v G. travelled back to the Netherlands, in 1981, 1983 and 1998.
Her contact with the Netherlands: The bank, for social security and through B.V.N. television. That's important "to keep in touch with my roots."
In 1967 her first home was financed through the Netherlands Building Society and this was very important.
M.T.A.F.-v G. was in the Dutch Folk dancing Club, in Sydney. First in the children's club. Then in the adults' for approximately 8 years. Dr Cornelius Wouters, in charge.
"Two daughters occasionally come with us to the Neerlandia Club, in Frenchs Forest. N.S.W.."

Vta arrived 14 February 1953 in Sydney, on the Johan van Oldenbarneveld, the Netherlands and went to Scheyville. Vta was 37 years. Wife 35 and children 4 and 5 years. He spoke no English, at all.
When responding to the survey, in 2004, he spoke English at home and Dutch with friends.
First impressions: Strange; scared. Strange at first. People were nice.
Vta worked hard, long hours, 3 jobs, then started own business.
Visited the Netherlands, by 2004, five times.
Vta was aware of Dutch immigrants who returned for family health reasons.
Contact with family, in the Netherlands was very important.
In 2004 he had been a member of the Wilhelmina Club, Rooty Hill for 20 years, for friendship etc..
Attended Social activities.
His children did not participate in Dutch club life.

Vsta arrived: May 1951 in Sydney by KLM Super Constellation, from the Netherlands and went to Bathurst Camp, as13 years, only child, with father, Jan, 1909 – 1994 and mother, Attje, 1912 – 1999.
Naturalised ..."after I was married and we had our first son in 1965."
Vsta spoke no English at all, on arrival.
In 2004 he explained that at home, he spoke: "English and Dutch.  I married a Dutch girl and although I speak mainly English, I speak fluent Dutch as well."
First impressions: It appeared very tropical, however much different to what I had imagined. We were treated very well, possibly because in 1951 migrants were still a novelty – I know I was at school.  Our neighbours helped us with everything and even invited us to their family weddings.
Working life: "Electrical Apprenticeship and Engineering Certificate working in heavy industry in Port Kembla [MM Ltd.], then for local Electrical Supply Industry in Wollongong – Illawarra County Council, now Integral Energy."
Visited the Netherlands: "Twice, in 1977 and in 1997, with my wife."
Friends who returned to the Netherlands: "Yes.  Friends of ours returned and stayed in Holland.  They seemed happy, although the woman was homesick for her family and the man was not affected as he came to Australia as a single man."
Contact with the Netherlands: "I have cousins who have visited us in Australia and we therefore stay in contact with them.The older you get, the more important it seems to remember and revisit your childhood days."
First home: "We build our first home in 1963.  It was financed by the local Building Society, as it was difficult to obtain funding from a Bank."
Dutch club membership: "I have been a member of the DASI since inception in 1952, first as part of my family and later as a family group of my own. The involvement with Dutch people means more to me now than ever before."
"My wife and I have been active members of DASI for many years and I am currentlu a Board member since 2002."
(Grand-) children's participation in Dutch club life:
Not a lot.  Our grandchildren look forward to the yearly St Nicolaas day where they get presents, lollies and ‘pepernoten’.

Anon 5 and Markus

2010-11-15T15:37:00.000-08:00

Anon 5 arrived October 1950, in Sydney, on the Johan van Oldenbarneveld, from the Netherlands.
Her husband, Christiaan, came home and said: ”We go to Australia”.  I liked that.  After demobilising from the Army, in 1947 he did not have very steady work.
First accommodation, here was in "Bathurst Camp." After about 3 weeks, own accommodation was found.
Anon 5 was 31 years old and came with husband Christiaan, 31 years; son, Keith [Cornelius Jan] 4 years and daughter Caroline 4 months, from the Netherlands. She spoke enough English to get by.
Anon 5 became an Australian citizen in 1955, "because I wanted to make my home in Australia."
At the time of responding to these questions, she spoke ..."some Dutch with friends my own age, mostly English with my children and grand children."
She'd had ..." no special expectations; so also no disappointments – only the lack of sewerage was terrible." and " Did some factory work when the children went to school, to get some money for a deposit for a house.  Had a delicatessen shop with my husband from 1969 until 1985 [retired]."
"We were received well by an Australian couple where we came to live in Alto street, Wentworthville."
She visited the Netherlands, "First time in April 1990, then in 1996.  Then alone in 2000, although my daughter accompanied me for 4 of the 12 weeks."
At the time of responding, there was no contact with the Netherlands, other than family.

In January 1958, they moved into their home, financed by Custom Credit. That was to her v

ery important. "One reason was that they would not provide us with electricity in the temporary dwelling in Doonside."

In 2004 she had been a member of DASI, in Wollongong, since 1996. For friendship, like-minded people, socials, etc..

Her children did not participate in Dutch club life. "They feel very Australian and married English and Australian partners."

D.A.C.C. Boardmember, Jo M. boarding the Johan van Oldenbarneveld, with his parents, in 1956.

Markus arrived on M.V. Ellines, in April, 1971, from the Netherlands and was accommodated in the Migrant Hostel, in East Hills, south-western Sydney. He'd been to Sydney before as he worked in the Merchant Navy, paying regular visits to Sydney and came "to find space to live and a better future for the children."

He was 33. His wife was 30. Their daughter 5 and their son, 2.5 years old. For a short time the children had language problems.

Naturalisation took place in June 1984 because: " If you want to live in a country and enjoy all the benefits, you should have a say, (by) voting, in what is going to happen and not only complain about it."

He spoke English very well and spoke Dutch at home. First impressions were of "a very large and free country, with room to move."

Markus worked as a sales rep. / manager for 5 years. Had his own business for 15 years and worked as a quality control officer for 14 years.

"Yes. We were received with friendship by Australians and Dutchies."

Markus travelled back to the Netherlands twice, in the years between 1971 and 2004.

He knows about people who returned to the Netherlands for family reasons. Opened up their own restaurant and are still there.

No regular contact with the Netherlands other than family.

In 1972 the first home was bought, with a mortgage. "Very important."

Markus had been a member of the Rembrandt Club for 15 years when responding to this survey, finding friendship and like-minded people there. He helped arrange events.

©DACC 2010

MORE HERE..........

Gerard and Anon. 7.

2010-11-15T13:50:00.000-08:00

Gerard arrived in Sydney,from Curacao, aged 28, on the M.V. Tahitien", in November, 1953, driven by "A spirit of adventure".
"I wanted to go to South Africa but never heard of my application. The British Consul, in Curacao suggested with my papers, to go to Australia."
He moved into Hotel "Sydney" and then a room, in Fletcher Street, Bondi, N.S.W..
"In 1957 I married a Queensland girl. Felt at home here and liked the country."
Gerard spoke English very well, when he arrived. And spoke it at home. Occasionally Dutch, on the telephone with a long-time friend.
His first impressions: " I found it a typically British Society. I had initial trouble getting my 'van Nelle - Zware Shag' (tobacco) but found Sol Levy, in George Street, Sydney to satisfy me."
Worked first as an oxy-welder, at General Motors, in Pagewood. then from line labourer to assistant station master, followed by factory worker, in Brisbane. Then train driverat Isis Central Mill, in Queensland. Then P.M.G. Department postal clerk and Senior Postal Clerk. To Telecom, in 1979 and retired in 1985.
"I enjoyed all the types of work most of the time. I was received well and treated o.k.."
His first visit back to the Netherlands was after 26 years away. Then eight more times ..."because my mother was still alive."
Gerard had regular contact with a friend, in the Netherlands... "I made in 1980 when I participated in a hospitality scheme, in Townsville, Queensland." "This friend fosters mutual interest in transport activities."
In 1959 Gerard bought his fist home, financed through the sale of a block of land, in Sydney. This was important financially. "Not waste any monies on rent."
He belonged to a Dutch social club, in Townsville, Qld., for approximately five years. For the "Socials, especially to my late wife, to socialise with other Australian women married to Dutch men."
Gerard was hon. secretary and arranged a few events.
The children did not participate in Dutch club life. "My daughters lived their own lives. Grandchildren have used it for a few school events. Children and grandchildren are interested in my recorded family histories. "

D.A.C.C. A.G.M..

Anon 7 arrived august, 1962, by KLM, in Sydney, from former Dutch New Guinea. " We were in Australia on transit, waiting for the ship to take us to the Netherlands, when we were asked if we wanted to stay here, and we did."

Anon 4 had been in Australia before, on holidays.
Anon 4 moved in with family, in their garage, with her daughter, aged 5 years.  "Husband came 2 months later." Her daughter found it strange to hear English.
Anon 4 was not naturalised.

"Because, by changing nationality, government employees sent out from the Netherlands to New Guinea would unconditionally lose their superannuation [Dutch pension]."
She spoke English very well and used Dutch, at home.
"The Australians and the Government were very helpful.  We never had any nasty experience, except from our own people.
When we were given permanent residency, my husband applied for a job, but in those days, no-one had any ideas what his diplomas were, so he enrolled himself at the University of NSW.
We had to pay for everything, no concessions, as he was 41 years by then.
The first 2 years, when we lived in Randwick, it was close to the uni, but when we had our house built, he had to travel from Mt Druitt to Kensington every day in a very old car, with only 20 cents in his pocket.
When there was a train strike, he would spent 4 hours on the road and finding a parking spot was almost impossible.
When he was late, I always thought of an accident, as we couldn’t afford a telephone, but usually he was stuck with the car and had to repair it on the spot.

Books were very expensive, not available from the library, as the students from the Colombo Plan had them all stacked up next to them, as they lived very close to the uni, even if they could have them for free.
It was financially 4 difficult years, but then I was able to work for a family as cleaner for $1 per hour.
I could make about 17 dishes out of minced steak.
At last, after 4 long years, the Graduation.

The lunch in the Round House was a real treat!

After obtaining his degree in Electrical Engineering, my husband landed a job with National Electric and was sent to Japan to change Black & White TV to Colour.
Coming back home was the beginning of ill health."
Anon 7 travelled back to the Netherlands four times.
There was contact with the Netherlands "by ‘phone or as guests at our place."

The first home was bought, in 1969.  Loan from the Rural Bank.  "Very important, after moving from one address to another."

Anon 7 joined the Rembrandt Club and had "our own get together group once a month for 33 years."
For "Friendship with the group, most of them from our country of birth, Indonesia.  The Rembrandt Club gives a real Dutch atmosphere." She 'sometimes' helped with arranging events.
The "Grandchildren are proud to be part of the Dutch community.  Once a year they attend the Sinterklaas Party and the eldest grandson even tries very hard to talk Dutch to me."

Guustaaf and Arnold.

2010-11-15T11:57:00.000-08:00

Guustaaf, then 33, arrived in Sydney, by K.L.M., 20 October, 1964.
"My married brother migrated and he talked me into coming as well."
Guustaaf stayed with his brother, initially and then boarded with a Dutch family.
He wrote: "I do not believe in naturalisation. My brother got naturalised because he was after a government job."
On arrival, Guustaaf spoke enough English to get by. His impressions:
"In the mid-sixties: the flat fibro houses, painted in a rainbow of (pastel) colours. The outside toilets (Illawarra Region) Poor regional transport, necessitating owning a vehicle. The high level of home ownership. When going to a club with colleagues, the system of "shouts". The "New Australians", who were very proud of their new nationality. Nowadays these same people want dual nationality. The system of part-time university. Ownership of guns and rifles. There are probably more things."

"I quickly got a job as a chemist, with Australian Iron and Steel, in Port Kembla (BHP), on condition that I took out the chemistry certificate or chemistry degree. I started simple: with the certificate, and then, in 1968 began the degree study (University of NSW). I stayed with BHP, until I retired in 1993. BHP was shrinking its workforce, otherwise I would have liked to stay on."
"Living alone, I speak Dutch with my Dutch friends, except those who have 'forgotten' the Dutch language."

First impressions: "Australian industry was certainly not backward. In the beginning I had trouble getting used to the electronic instruments in my laboratory. My colleagues helped me a great deal."
Guustaaf travelled back to the Netherlands in 1970, 1972 and 1980. He did know Dutch immigrants who permanently returned to the Netherlands. "I got the impression that it was mainly the wives, who got bored or homesick."
"Since July last year,I watch BVN t.v., and I subscribe to the Dutch Weekly."
"I had the home, in which I live, built in 1977/78, on land which I bought, in 1975. Home loan through the Greater Newcastle Building Society. Home ownership is probably not such a good idea for single persons."

Guustaaf became a member of the Dutch Australian Society, in the Illawarra, in the late sixties.
Not active, e.g. holding a position, or helping to arrange events, but enjoying the socials. "Also, the KLM brought out Dutch artists, at that time."
No children.

Arnold arrived in Sydney, in 1950, on the Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, from the Netherlands, seeing the experience " as an adventure."
He went to Bathurst. He was 28 years old. Speaking just a little English.
He was naturalised in 1969.
What language did he now speak at home? "50/50"
First impressions of Australia? "Backward."
He worked 10 years in the steel works and 40 in a shoe store and visited the Netherlands 5 times.
Regular contact with family in the Netherlands was important to him.
He built his first home, himself and the second was constructed by builders.
He paid cash.

Elizabeth, Melania Maria and Anon. 6.

2010-11-15T01:28:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth was 9 month old and arrived with her parents, in Melbourne, Dec.’51, on the ship, "Waterman", from the Netherlands and moved into a house, in Cobran, Victoria, with her Parents and seven brothers. In October, 1959, her parents took out citizenship. English was being spoken at home, in 2004, when Elizabeth supplied this information.
She travelled back to the Netherlands, once, in 2003.
In 1976 she bought her house. It was important: "I borrowed money from the Bank."
She was not active in Dutch club life.

Melania Maria arrived in Sydney, age 36, from the Netherlands and went to the Bathurst Camp. She spoke no English at all, when she migrated.

Her husband was 41 years, daughter 11 years and son 3.5 years. They loved Australia.

English was spoken at home, when tthe DIMEX questions were answered, in 2004.

In her own words:

"I arrived at Sydney Harbour, per Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, on the 21 – 1 – 1951, with husband Albertus and daughter Kitty aged 11 years and son Marcel aged 3 and a half years.

We went to Bathurst Camp. Left 7 months later and moved to Gosford. Because through some misfortune we lost all our belongings, at the wharf in Sydney. Our big crates had been unpacked and

not been repacked. Our crates arrived at Bathurst Camp totally empty. Our insurance expired. Not speaking English made matters worse. We had to start from scratch and lived for 2 years in tents.

My husband worked at Angus and Coote and later at Clarke’s at Asquith. I worked at the Gosford Hospital and later at the Olympic Motel – the first motel built in Australia.

Bert, my husband, built our house, which took about 5 years. The materials were bought from my wages.
We worked 7 days a week. No social life.

The children did well at school. They married. My son-in law and daughter-in-law are Australian. I have 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

My husband died 17 August 1979, from lung cancer.

As I look back, at the years passed by with all that hard work, I am still grateful that I immigrated to Australia."

Australia did not really live up to her expectations.

There was contact by letter and ‘phone, with friends in the Netherlands.

"I didn’t buy a house, my husband built it. It is important to have your own home when you retire."

Melania Maria did not join Dutch organisations.

Anon. 6 was transferred with Hilton in 1994, from the Netherlands and decided to stay. March 1994, Sydney. Anon had always wanted to come to Australia. Rented accommodation and was 30 years old. He spoke English very well.
Anon was not yet, naturalised, in 2004, but thinking about it. "Would like dual citizenship, though.

Very hard to give up Dutch passport."

First impressions: Loved it. Crisp mornings, warm days, clear blue skies. Very exciting city. I first lived in Darlinghurst.

He worked as Senior Executive with Hilton. 4.5 years here. 70-90 hours a week, but good lifestyle. He was well received. "It did help that I had already lived in several other countries."

He went back to the Netherlands, "about 10 – 15 times." He knew of  2 couples who returned to the Netherlands were back within a year and  3 couples back in Holland and very happy.
Anon read newspaper, via the www every day.  "Active in ANCOC and Dutch Link for past 8 years.  Meet Dutchies regularly."
"Believe we need stronger Dutch self-belief.  Too often we’ve blended in Aussie society."
Active in Dutch Link, in business working group.

"Both my children are born here. My wife is Dutch and the children get a Dutch upbringing. We go to Sinterklaasfeest etc."

©DACC 2010.

Hendrika K. and Hans C.

2010-11-14T12:23:00.000-08:00

Hendrika and her husband arrived on De Grote Beer, in Sydney, March, 1951, from the Netherlands. She was 25 years old.
Motivation for migrating was the lack of future prospects, after the war.
She moved in with Dutch people, for six weeks, in Corrimal and then rented in Thirroul, Bulli and Woonona. She was naturalised in 1997.
She spoke just a little English, upon arrival but spoke it at home, at the time of responding (2004).
First impressions had been that the weather was wonderful but houses and groceries were not.
She did dress-making, at home and her husband made smallgoods, at the Illawarra Meat Co., Woonona.
She returned to the Netherlands twice. (by 2004*)
They bought their first home, in 1968, through a bank loan. It was very important to own a home.
In 1953 she joined a Dutch club. (D.A.S.I.?) and remained a member. Her husband, Ben, helped with arranging events.

Hans C. arrived on the Zuiderkruis, aged 15, with his parents and ten brothers and sisters, at the Station Pier, in May, 1955, from the Netherlands.
They went to their own home, in Arlington, Victoria. His father (1906-1960) and mother ( 1911-1991) and brothers (21, 17, 11, 9, 7, 5, and 3 and sisters, 19, 13, and 1) loved Australia. There was more freedom to do what they wanted. Often Hans went to the beach, after school, with his brothers, to collect driftwood, for fire, etc. He found school hard. Hans was behind in Maths and English but way in front, in Latin and French.
Hans worked 1.5 years in Social Services. Then attended university for a B.A. and Dip.Ed...Followed by three years teaching French. Then became a greenkeeper, at a golf club for 5.5 years. Then proofreader, at R.M.I.T., for 10 years and 5 years editing of study notes, at Deakin University, Geelong.
He had not known, as a 15 year old, what to expect but his parents had prepared the children to be 'good migrants'. "I thought the Australians were generally kind and accepting of we foreigners."
Hans returned to the Netherlands, once, in 1996.
At age 33, Hans and his wife bought their first home, when they were married, in 1974 and believed this was very important. "My wife and I were great savers and had more than half the purchase price of a spec home."
No membership of Dutch organisations, other than briefly a member of a committee to set up a Dutch hostel/retirement home.
The children had not "yet" taken an interest in participating in Dutch Club life, in 2004.

©DACC 2010

Klaas B. and Antje

2010-11-14T11:36:00.000-08:00

Klaas had a brother here (in Ausralia) and arrived in February 1958, by K.L.M., from the Netherlands, looking for a better future. He moved in with his brother, in a temporary dwelling, in Woolooware. He was 30. His wife 29. Their daughters, eight and five and their son, 1.5. Their children found settling in difficult, at first.
He was naturalised, in 1963. "To be an Aussie."
He spoke just a little English upon arrival. Since then spoke English at home, when responding to these questions and Dutch with friends, on occasions, e.g., birthdays.
First impressions were: Good climate. Bad roads, in the Sutherland Shire.
For five years he worked in the metal industry. Followed by 21 years as operator at the oil refinery. He'd had good treatment from Australians and help, settling in.
In 1961 the home was bought, via a building society loan and this was believed to be vry important. Klaas did not join any Dutch-Australian organisations.

Antje's husband wanted a better future and they arrived, on the "Volendam", in Sydney, in 1950 being accommodated in the migrant camp, in Bathurst, at first. Antje was 40, when they arrived. Her husband 40, also. They spoke no English. Their daughters were 15, 13 and 6. Their sons, 8 and 4.
They were naturalised in 1956 "to belong". They found friendly and helpful neighbours when they moved into their home, in 1951, financed through a life insurance company, but life was difficult, especially shopping. *At the time of responding to these questions (2004), they spoke English at home and Dutch with older friends.
Antje had been back to the Netherlands three times*.
From the beginning they were members of the church and a Dutch club and remained so, getting support this way. They were active in the church but not the Dutch club. Their children did not participate in utch club life.

Emmy

2010-11-12T17:14:00.000-08:00

Emmy arrived, on the Sibajak, in Melbourne, May, 1950 and moved into Bonegilla for five weeks. Her reason for migrating was the future of their three sons.
Both Emmy and her husband were 30 years old and their sons were 8, 4.5 and 8 months.
After five weeks in Bonegilla they received an offer to live with her husband's uncle, in Mayfield and that was accepted. They were there for one year.
Their sons fitted into school life right away and were friends with all, including relatives.
In 1954 they were naturalised " because Australia is now our home and there are obligations going hand in hand, as Australia has our well-being at heart.
However, Holland has never been more close in my heart (than at the time of responding) and always has been."
She spoke English well, when she arrived and spoke English at home*. "We speak always English with Dutch friends and at our ("Concordia") committee meetings."
Her first impressions: "All houses seemed empty because of the blocked windows. (blinds). Friendly people. We spoke English from the start, not to be classed 'bloody migrants' and lived-in with our English-speaking family/relatives. Theo's uncle, our host, lived in Australia since his 18th year and was then in his 70th."
"People were very welcoming. I took everything as it came. However, we were told and saw pictures of nice dwellings as temporary accommodation. Nothing like Bonegilla huts (Where we stayed in May and June)."
Emmy had been back to the Netherlands about eight times, when she wrote these answers.
At first her contact with the Netherlands was through writing (letters) and then by telephone. "Just to hear the voice of yesteryears."
After four years in Australia she and her husband built their first home and Emmy still lived there*. "Hope to 'stick-it-out'. Financed over 25 years."
A member of "Concordia" for 40 years* and reading the Dutch Weekly from the beginning, "to support anything Dutch."
"Never attended anything until the last 15 years. Many years as a committee member."
Her children always celebrated St Nicholas Day and now* also great-grandchildren. "Always attended the NSW Holland Festival, at Fairfield. What a shame it's no more. Always came with, particularly one, son. He loved it and the food."
*These answers were supplied in July 2004.

And also: Emmy spent two weeks labouring, in the "Comm. Steel" works, Mayfield. Three months "Henry Lanes" (Philips) Waratah. "Eagle Star" Insurance. ("Greta" customers- migrant camp) (Spoke different languages.) Built "Dawo" homes. (Da- for Damic. Wo- for Wolthers). Dawo Homes were half homes. When required, Damic (Polish) Wolthers (Dutch) Partners. Damic looked after finance. Wolthers organised contractors. Theo W. went into real estate. Became president for Newcastle. Then reprersented country members in the Real Estate Institute of NSW. Became NSW President. Was a member on the Stock and Stations Board and was a semi government member of the Board of Review.
1950: Member of All Natitions League (Helen Oberland's) meetings in Church Street. Apex Member until 1961. By request, member of O.A.S.I.S. ("old Apexians, etc.") Lake Macquarie Soccer Club Committee member and several years, as manager of their 1st team. Waratah Committee member. Green comm. Chair. Became a Life Member. Always been a member of "Concordia" (inactive) and a reader of theDutch Weekly, from their start.
Went with the Concordia-organised coach to welcome (then-) Pricess Beatrix. "Now our queen."

Anon 4 and Machiel

2010-11-12T01:12:00.000-08:00

Anon 4 was 6 when he arrived Jan.1952, in Sydney on the Fair Sea from the Netherlands and moved into a house in Doonside.
"My father came to Australia 1 year earlier with my eldest sister. They came by plane K L M and landed in Sydney. Father got a job at Unilever Balmain and sister went nursing. Within 12 months they got a deposit together to buy a 2 bedroom house with a closed-in verandah and a garage for the 12 of us. That is how we started in Doonside, which is next to Blacktown."

Anon 4 had not been naturalised when responding to the questions.

"Have filled in the form but never followed it up seems too much trouble too many other important things to do."

He spoke no English when he arrived. When he meets Dutch visitors or Dutch elderly people he speaks Dutch.

First impressions of Australia: Big and Hot

Occupations: Shop assistant sales. Truck driver. Bus driver. Handyman.

Treatment by Australians on arrival was: Good

Anon4 had not been back to the Netherlands when answering these questions and had no contact with relatives there.

The house was bought, in 1970 via a bank loan.

Owning a house was very important.

Anon 4 joined: Blacktown reformed church 40+ years, Sunrise choral society. Rembrandt Male Choir. Rembrandt Club. Dutch presbyterian Church Blacktown and also Ultimo

Reasons: "Friendship can speak Dutch, like minded people, social and religious experience."

Anon 4 was: Choir Master with a Dutch organisation.

"My children do enjoy the Dutch club especially the Dutch food my grandchildren also like the food and the Dutch customs and atmosphere."

Machiel arrived in Sydney, aged 11, in January 1951, with his mother (40), father (42) and brother(4), on the Johan van Oldenbarnevelt and stayed in the migrant hostel, in Bathurst for four weeks.
He knew just a little English but learned by reading comics, on the ship.
"After the hostel, we lived in a tent. Three other families, known to us, came also. So, for an eleven-year-old, it was a huge "adventure". "
Naturalised, in 1958 "as most of our extended family became naturalised."
Machiel stayed at school, until he was 16 and was then apprenticed at the steel works. Also a musician, as a hobby and extra work. Then became self-employed, as a boat builder and then, at the time of answering this survey, a music teacher.
He returned to the Netherlands three times. (1989, 1994 and 2000).
Asked if he knew of families who returned to the Netherlands, his response was:
"One family, distantly related, came at the same time but returned as the father was very homesick."
He has not really any regularl contact with the Netherlands (other than family) "But we did join D.A.S.I. for sentimental reasons, as my father was a founding member."
His first home was bought, with a loan from, Legion Building Society, in 1966 and was considered very important.
"We are still in the same house but it has been extended and altered extensively."
While not very active in Dutch club life, Machiel joined D.A.S.I. because " It was a connection with the past, after my parents died and also to go to social events, like St Nicholas."
Machiel still buys some foods and goes to the Dutch Shop, in Smithfield, on occasions.
He and his wife bought a Dutch costume for their granddaughter, when she was aged three.
©DACC 2010

TELL US YOUR STORY

Lambertus and Anon 3.

2010-11-12T00:13:00.000-08:00

Lambertus arrived in Australia, by KLM, in January, 1972 and moved into a temporary dwelling for four years and after that bought a home. His wife was 35 years old and they brought four children 10, 8, 8, and 4.
During his career with Philips, in Eindhoven, Lambertus thought it was time for a change. The opportunity arose to move to a job with Philips, in Australia. "And we decided to give it a try. First as ex-patriates, with a possibility of return after four years, to give it a try.
We were requested to stay for another 2-4 years and our children were of such an age, that a return, after that time would be unlikely. So we decided to stay."

The children settled down very quickly with neighbours and school friends. Bert was never naturalised and spoke English very well, when he arrived. English was spoken, at home, with the children

First impressions were very good. Lots of space. Friendly and helpful people. It was a lot easier through his contacts, in Philips, where he worked as chief internal auditor of Philips Australia and kept that job until retirement, in 1990.

People were helpful and less stressed than in Holland

Every two years, Bert travelled back to the Netherlands.

"Most people we know worked for Philips and settled quite well in Holland. Some people outside Philips, who returned live part-time in Holland and part time here, which is not a very good solution we believe."

There was no regular contact with people in Holland, other than relatives.

The first home was bought, in, 1975. Mortgage through Company

We believed it very important, as we decided to stay permanently, we felt that you needed to own our house, just as security.

Bert joined: The CDMA, Ned Ver in Sydney, DACC, Abel tasman, Village Ass., and NESWA. The reason:

Friendly like minded people. Keeping contact with Dutch environment (films, shows,news).

Bert was, at the time of responding, Chairman Dutch Society, in Sydney, Treasurer DACC, Treasurer ATV, Treasurer NESWA and Trustee, QW benevolent Fund, while his wife, was member of a Dutch bookclub (11 members) where they discussed, every month, a book (not necessarily Dutch) which everybody read.

Regarding the interest in matters, Dutch, among the children and grand children:

"They all went once or twice to a Sinterklaas feest and the same for the grand children.

They visited the Holland Festival and Koninginnedag in Neerlandia this year.

They all love the typical Dutch food (hagelslag, drop, etc)"

"One of my sons went, with his wife and two sons (approx. 10 and 8) to Europe, in May last year. They stayed for about 10 days, in a holiday home, in Noordwijk and the grandchildren thought that was the best part of the holidays."

Anon. 3 did not emigrate but was posted here by the company he worked for and when he left the company, decided to stay.
Arrival was on 18-10-1969 Sydeny (via Perth) by QANTAS. Anon.3, had been to Australia, on holidays, before and spoke English very well.
Anon3, came from the Netherlands but had lived in Dutch New Guinea, PNG, Hong Kong already
After arrival he and his wife went to Bonagila migrant camp and then to Seymour where they had their own accomodation, a house.
Anon 3, was 41 years old and arrived with his wife and one son, 13 yrs, and three daughters, aged 10, 6 and 5 years.
Felt at home immediately. Did speak English already
Anon3 was not naturalised.
"I always felt that the ‘first generation’ at the age we came here and not being ‘true’ migrants could and would feel at home here, but could never be real Aussies, because of accent, European outlook and habits etc. Our children on the other hand are totally ‘Australianised’ and all married Australians."
At home, a mixture of English and Dutch was spoken. Dutch with friends unless there are Australians present.
First impressions were: A lot of bureaucracy Ordered peaceful friendly but too laid back sometimes Very parochial (This bit improved over the years) Beautiful country.
Career: International trading- General manager of Australian operation of Dutch Co. -Marketing manager for German Co. in Australia (Logistics) -Partner in private Co. (Logistics)
Retired 1991
By and large, Australia lived up to expectations. "Yes Well received plenty assistance in settling in."

Travelling back to the Netherlands, regularly. "Last count probably 15 times."
There is regular contact with many friends from earlier days overseas. Always meeting them, when visiting the Netherlands
First home:1970, through Housing loan, Commonwealth Bank
"We had already owned a house in the Netherlands so it was of routine importance."
We were a member of the ‘Nederlandse Vereniging’ (Dutch Society) in Sydney for a number of years, but dropped out in the late eighties
Being with like-minded people was not very important then and not now
At the time of responding, Anon3 was a member of the Dutch businessmen’s Club for many years and still went occasionally.
The children's interest in matters Dutch?
"Short answer is NO. Grandchildren find Dutch background interesting and occasionally refer to it in school context (project etc.) but not otherwise."

© DACC 2010

TELL US YOUR STORIES

Martinus and Arie

2010-11-11T17:09:00.000-08:00

Martinus came to Sydney, September 1952, on the ship, Johan Van Oldenbarneveld, age: 27 Years. His wife was aged 19 and their son 22 months. He spoke just a little English.
"There were not enough homes in Holland and we had religious differences with our families."
Family provided a house."
On 8th July 1958, Martinus became Australian. "Because I belonged to the fire station the captain suggested I be naturalised."
"I speak Dutch with my friends."
His first impressions: "The heat was terrible, the blowflies were horrible and the roofs of the Australian houses were rusty."
Martinus worked for Rylands (piece work) 17 years labourer. Railway for 17 years (as a carpenter maintenance man.)
His expectations were not met:  "I had a good office job in Holland had to work as a labourer in very bad conditions."
They had their first trip back to the Netherlands, after 17 years. "Since then we’ve been back about 9 times."
Regular contact was maintained with friends.  "It is lovely to hear from them."
The first home was bought: 1954, with 2 loans - from the owner and the bank. "Good to have a permanent roof over our head as renting was not a stable environment."
A member of "Concordia" about 30 years, in 2004.
"We were committee members."
The children did not participate in Dutch Club life.

Arie arrived on the ship, m.s., Grote Beer, November 1955, in Sydney, from the Netherlands, age 12. His family emigrated to Australia because his parents felt their 9 children would have a brighter future.

They stayed in Scheyville Migrant Hostel for two months and were billeted to church families (8 weeks). Then a home was purchased.

The family was: Cornelis (father) Mied (mother) Coby (19) Janny (18) Kees (16) Wim (14) Piet (13) Arie (11) wilco (8) Mieke (6) Ena (8) and Annet born in Australia.

Naturalised, 4^th May 1967 "Because Australia was my home." Arie spoke no English, when he arrived.

He speaks Dutch, every chance he gets, with family members, at Dutch social events family parties etc..

His first impressions: "Landscape openness, mountain range, beautiful birds unsealed roads, open gutters, beaches, (Did not like life at “ skyville”-sic ) (Did not like being billeted out) so very happy to have own home family back together."

Life in Australia lived up to his expectations. "Treated very well. Lots of support from church group. School accepted immediately. Welcomed into sporting activities etc."

He regularly travelled back to the Netherlands, at the time of responding to these questions.

He explained: My parents remained in Australia for over 10 years then returned to the Netherlands. My father loved Australia but my mother never quite settled here. My younger siblings also returned but did not want to leave Australia.

No regular contact with the Netherlands, other than family.

In 1971, through a loan with a terminating building society a home was purchased. Having a home was very, very important.

At the time of responding, Arie had been a member of the Dutch Australian society of Illawarra 10 years. To speak Dutch, for the socials and Sinterklaas, "for our grandchildren."

"My children attend special events (Holland festival etc)

My grandchildren enjoy sinterklaas."

Anon. 1, anon. 2. *

2010-11-11T15:40:00.000-08:00

Anon. 1 found Holland too cold, after Indonesia and came by plane to Sydney, in 1950, going to the migrant camp, in Bathurst. He was 24 years old then and single. Married later, here, in Australia.
Anon. 1 did not become naturalised, as he does not believe in swearing allegiance to anyone. Quote: "Friese stijfkop (Stubborn Frisian) they call me."
He knew enough English to get by and later spoke Dutch at home "with the kids".
First impressions of Australia: "Did not like it."
Anon. 1 started as a labourer, as he needed a Union ticket and later became a carpenter and building foreman. Went bush, where his experiences accorded with his expectations.
Seven times Anon. 1 has been back to the Netherlands, at the time of his response to the DIMEX questions and had contact with his sisters.
It was very important to build his own home.
He was a member of D.A.S.I. for 35 years, not taking on any positions on committee.
Some of the children and grandchildren participated in Dutch club life. Others didn't care.

Anon. 2 's future husband was keen to migrate to Australia and they arrived, on the Northern Star, in May 1964. Anon 2 came from Zambia. She was 27 on arrival in Australia, with a son and a daughter, renting a holiday flat. The children had no problems adjusting. They were very young.
Anon 2 and husband were naturalised because they intended to stay here and wanted to become as much Australian as possible.
Speaking English very well, upon arrival, English is spoken in the home but Dutch is used with Dutch friends, seen socially, regularly/monthly and spoken to on the phone occasionally.
First impressions of Australia were of friendly people and a relaxed atmosphere.
Anon. 2, worked as an early childhood nurse, full-time: '66-'69, '84-'96 and part-time: '70-'79, '81-'84, '96-'98.
Australia "probably" met with her expectations.
She has been to the Netherlands eleven times. Visits became more and more frequent.
There is regular contact with old friends, who are important to her.
A small inheritance allowed her and her husband to buy their first home, in 1964 and that gave her husband a chance to study.
Anon. 2 was a member of DASNeerlandia, for 8 years, at the time of responding and had been a member of the Dutch Society in Sydney, for approximately seven years.

* Addresses were supplied.

© DACC 2010

TELL US YOUR STORIES

Thea and Johannes

2010-11-11T02:05:00.000-08:00

Thea left Indonesia in 1957 and came to Australia for the climate and the opportunities. Also because of the availability of 'future husbands', for her father's two daughters.
Arriving in Sydney, after Fremantle and Port Melbourne, on the Neptunia, a Lloyd Triestino ship, the family found accommodation in the migrant hostel, in Scheyville. Her father was 63. Her mother 50 and her sister 16. Thea was 14.
As dual nationality was an option, Thea was naturalised, in 2003.
On arrival she spoke little English. Now only English is spoken at home and Dutch was only used with her parents.
First impressions of Australia included: Milkshakes. (She'd never swallowed so much in one serve!) Sweet licorice. Uniforms at school and the annual sterile 'Dance'. Standing in assembly. Kind and helpful people. Flora and fauna which she loved.
She finished her schooling and went on to gain a Diploma of Physiotherapy.
She married "an Aussie" and had a good life. (Not finished yet.)
Thea travelled back to the Netherlands four times, by 2002.
Her first home was bought in 1972.
She became a member of the Dutch Australian Society in Sydney, in about 2000 and had not participated very much in Dutch-Australian social life, until about 2004.

Johannes migrated to New Zealand, in February, 1951. His wife, whom he married in 1969, migrated to New Zealand, in November 1952, with a different partner. Both divorced and moved to Australia, in 1986. They came by plane and had been in Australia before, to visit their children.
Johannes was 64 when he came to Australia. His wife was 57. The children, born in New Zealand, had moved to Australia, one by one.
First naturalised New Zealanders, in the nineteen-fifties, they took up Australian citizenship, in 1991.
They spoke good English when they arrived in Australia and spoke a mixture of Dutch and English at home. They knew no Dutch people to speak Dutch with.
Johannes worked, part-time in 'Potters' Wheel Gallery', The Entrance.
They have been back three times to New Zealand visiting Dutch and New Zealand friends and twice to visit family ( in the Netherlands?).
There was no contact with family in the Netherlands when this information was supplied.
A house was bought in Australia upon arrival.
No Dutch clubs were joined. "Friends of the gallery, the Gosford Regional Arts Centre" instead.
Their children married Australians and the grandchildren are hardly aware of the Dutch background.

© DACC 2010

TELL US YOUR STORIES

Nico and Johanna

2010-11-10T20:41:00.000-08:00

Nico, then aged 33, undertook the "adventure to Sunny Australia.", in 1955, arriving in Melbourne, on the 'Sibajak' and, with his wife, of 31, and two boys, 11 and 7, joined a friend, in Linton, via Ballarat, where the sons took to life there "as a duck to water". They had a little bit of English and only after retirement spoke Dutch.
First impressions had been that of "Culture Shock."
In 1983, they were naturalised.
Nico worked as a mechanic and maintenance fitter, as well as (for 1.5 years) a truck driver.
At first they'd been disappointed but they were treated very well by Australians, on the land and in the city and Nico had revisited the Netherlands five times, when responding to the DIMEX questions.
Nico did know of one family who'd come with them, on the Sibajak and had returned to the Netherlands, one week later, on an Italian ship.
The first home was bought, in 1955, financed by the seller and this was sold later, to put a deposit on a better home.
After his retirement Nico joined the D.A.S.I. (Dutch Club) in Woonona, where he mowed the lawn for five years.

Johanna was 9 years old when she migrated and she believes that, among many reasons, it was to bring the children to a better and safer place.
She arrived in Sydney, in 1951, by K.L.M., Royal Dutch Airlines and her father paid the fare. So, as the first "pioneers" from both her mother and fathers family, they travelled from Arnhem to the migrant camp, in Bathurst. Her father was 37. Her mother 35 and her brothers 11.5 and 1.5. First impressions of Australia were:Strange- Lit up like a Christmas tree.
Along with her father, she was naturalised in 1958.
They spoke Dutch when they arrived and, at the time these questions were asked, she mainly spoke Dutch, at home.
Johanna had many jobs. She travelled back to the Netherlands three times, having regular contact with friends and family there and this made her feel comfortable.
Her parents bought their first home with builders' finance.
Her parents did become members of Dutch-Australian organisations but Johanna found this to be an embarrassmentShe only participated because of her parents. Her children do not participate in Dutch club life.

©DACC 2010

TELL US YOUR STORIES

Hendrika and Petronella and RANDOM SAMPLES of experiences.

2010-11-10T19:35:00.000-08:00

Hendrika's husband wanted a new life, after WW2, as well as a change of scenery and they arrived in Sydney, in March, 1951. Their first accommodation was the migrant camp, in Bathurst. Hendrika was 33 years old. She and her husband brought two sons with them, who were very excited about it all.
They became naturalised Australians. They thought it was important because Australia was now their new home.
They knew a little bit of English but Dutch remained the language to use with Dutch-born friends.
They found Australia to be totally different to Holland, in the case of food, clothing and manners. There were some disappointments. Promises failed to be honoured and they found Australians to be easy-going.
At the time of responding to the DIMEX questionnaire, Hendrika had made ten return visits to the Netherlands.
In 1955 an Australian friend lent Hendrika and her husband the money to buy a home, which gave them a sense of security.
They joined the Dutch Reformed Church, in Orange and remained members until that church closed down, in the latee 60s, when most of the other members had moved to Sydney and Wollongong.
Hendrika found the church to be important for religious reasons, as well as the fellowship with like-minded Dutch-born people.
She and her husband visited friends locally and sometimes travel to Sydney to attend the Reformed Churches in St Marys and Blacktown. But through the years this happened less and less, as they "fellowshipped" at a Baptist Church, in Orange.
Their children did not participate in Dutch Club life because there was none in Orange but all their children have visited the Netherlands to check out their roots. The grandchildren have had interest in the Netherlands aroused by visiting relatives.

©DACC 2010.

Petronella and her husband and three daughters, aged 6, 4 and 2, arrived on the Volendam, in November, 1950. She described the SS Volendam as "a horrible ship". Petronella was 27. The reason for migrating was that the future did not look so good after WW2 and Australia was a "young country - better than the U.S.A. or Africa."

Initial accommodation was in the "camp" in Bathurst and then a house in Cessnock. Her husband was 33. They were naturalised in 1958 because "If you're staying in the country it is only fair that you 'belong'."

They spoke enough English to get by but soon spoke English at home and, when responding to the DIMEX questions, reported speaking very little Dutch.

In the camp they were homesick, as they did not meet many Australians. Life was also so different from Holland.

When the children were small, Petronella stayed home to look after them but then worked as a nurse in the seventies.

"Australia is a great country. The people were very helpful, especially in the first years. Never had any trouble with anyone."

At the time of responding to the questionnaire, Petronella had revisited the Netherlands seven times. There was regular contact with a girlfriend of 65 years and that was important because the Netherlands was the country of birth.

Petronella and her husband built their own house. Her husband worked in the coal mines and they were "lucky enough to build through the Coal Board." "The best thing we've ever done."

©DACC 2010

TELL US YOUR STORIES!

30-3-1951

After I arrived in Mumbil, village 15 miles from Werrington NSW. Worked at a Garage as motor mechanic. In 1953 the waterboard ran out of money. Almost everybody was dismissed.A friend and I were offered jobs in Nyngan and accepted.

I had met my future wife who lived across the street and was engaged and also in the time I worked at the Dam I managed to pay back my uncle in Holland who lent me the money, 1100 guilders, to pay for my trip to Australia.
Being a tradesman I was not subsidised by Dutch government. Borrowed money from friend and fiancé wee went to Sydney. Bought a little Renault R4, so my friend and I had transport to go to Nyngan and go once a fortnight back to Mumbil, called home. After 4 months I took a job in a Wellington garage and my friend got a job in a Yoval garage.On New Year's day 1954, my fiancé and I went to Sydney , finished up in Narrabeen.

I worked in a Manly garage and my fiancée in Narrabeen. We decided to get married, we did in Wellington then lived in Narrabeen in garage with bath, stove –fridge, 2 week block of ice.

Signed on with Sydney Austral to play soccer for 1954. Went to play for Manly in 1955.

I had traded my old Renault in 1959 for a new car Renault R 4 - £ 750 pound.

In October 1955 sold our car which just paid for 2 return tickets to Holland, Amsterdam.Came back in 1956 after 8 months break, started again.

I worked for a dredging company on Narrabeen Lakes my wife in Manly. Bought a block of land in North Curl Curl. It was £ 700 in 1957. Got loan from Dutch Building Society; house built, moved in May, 1958. First child born 1959, second 1961, both girls. Still working for dredging company and finished shop for a man where we build and made all equipment needed for all government jobs in Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand.

My parents came over in 1966 for holidays. Finished with Dredging company, started work in Quality Control Philips, Brookvale.

Philips closed down in 1970. Then worked at the local council in garage until 1991 when made redunded and retired 10 weeks before my 65 birthday as supervisor.

The conditions and circumstances before, during and after emigration as seen from now, 50 years afterwards.

What seemed simple proved to be so difficult.

Before: working in Jakarta Dutch East Indies,with a 3 year contact 1947-1950 as a Technical Sales representative of the Westinghouse Branch of BORSUMY (Borneo Sumatra Handel Maatschappij) the time came to consider the future when in 1949 the Government was established by the Republic of Indonesia. Contact was made with the Westinghouse Company in Australia, and the answer came back that no job guarantee or assistance could be given (Government Policy) but I was invited to meet the Managing Director after arrival in Australia. The next step was to obtain a visa to enter and work in Australia from the Australian Embassy in Jakarta,which was obtained after submitting x-ray photos (Health check) and a personal visit (White-Australia policy,-never admitted but clearly followed). The way was now clear to confirm the end of my contract with Borsumy, which firm was obliged to return me to the Netherlands.

The plan was therefore made to return to the Netherlands, collect any outstanding moneys and farewell my parents for a few weeks and then fly back via Jakarta to Sydney. The fly-back was arranged and paid for in rupiah's with the KLM. There was some questioning since the payment should have been in Dutch guilders.

There was a serious complication when Indonesia suddenly halved the currency-value and I was obliged to pay the Netherlands-Sydney flight again, shortly vendors, clothing, books, gramophone records, even old manuals (glossy paper).

The rupiah currency was not accepted in Australia, the only value which the banks would transfer was equivalent to A₤ 60 – (landing-money)
Consequently I was obliged to find accommodation and a job immediately after arrival, as I would be penniless otherwise.

Such was the pre-migrating condition after leaving my fianc e ine in Jakarta with the promise to try hard to obtain a job and accommodation.

ARRIVAL: Arriving back in Jakarta per KLM it was arranged to continue the flight to Sydney as per British Airways a few days later. I was allowed temporary accommodation in the same Company bungalow and the occasion was used to celebrate our official engagement with lots of visitors, flowers and good wishes. Continuing the flight a night-stopover was made in Darwin (common in those days) and on arrival in Sydney the next day
I was on my own. Well, yes, I could come along with my hand-luggage with the Qantas courtesy bus, taking me to the city centre office, Well, yes, I could leave my hand luggage behind the counter, but not too long, mind you!
The Dutch Consulate was right opposite in Margaret Street, 10th floor?

My name was not on their registers, however. Only those destined for various camp-locations. Therefore they could not help me. What about accommodation? Where was I to stay that night? Sorry, that was not their business. Next. Please! What about a cheap hotel? Someone suggested a hotel in nearby Hunter Street. And that is where I found a room on the back of that building at ₤6.- per week, bed and breakfast. What next?

First days.

Find out where that Westinghouse mob was: far from here? How to get there? Could I walk that way? The next day I walked, and walked, all the way to Rosebery. Only to hear : Sorry, Mr. Tippett is not in; maybe, maybe, tomorrow.
No one else seemed to be helpful so I walked back. That evening I found St.Marys Cathedral to explain to the Lord that I was in dire straits, please help me.

The next day I ventured to use a tram, marked Rosebery and came there much faster.Mr. Tippett was ready to listen, remarked that I was just like the photo with the job-applicaton (!) very unusual. But sorry, there was no vacancy, Come back some other time.

I was devastated, I had calculated my chances to be very good in applying; now I had no idea what to do next. Besides my money would run out soon.

A silent offsider, who later proved to be the chief engineer, a Mr. Lusby, suggested to have lunch, as usual in a nearby establishment. I had to confess that I was so short of money that I could not come along. But he must have read my face and took me along, just the same, and I got a decent meal. Then I could explain my predicament and previous experiences, He promised to make enquiries, come back tomorrow. What a surprise to hear the next day that a certain Mr. James from an affiliated company EMMCO, just down the road, had just lost a valued engineer and was looking for someone, indeed I could go now an be interviewed.

Mr. James asked many questions, he was an ex-radio engineer himself and apart from some very futuristic items, I got on well. So, I could start the next week.

Early days:

To be put in a small group engineers at EMMCO, and electricity-meter manufacturer, and speaking only English, was a new but welcome experience. But the work available was suitable for apprentices; cleaning air-filters in induction-heaters, used in molding bakelite parts, Scruffy, dirty, unpleasant. But soon conditions changed when I found that 'colleagues' avoided work like calibrating thermostats, repairing thermo-couples and much more. I took most of that work from them, to their great approval, and later sorrow. Because the time came that an 'economic depression' was feared and many people were dismissed. With 'last in first out', I feared the worst, but came out better than before. The work-lazy and gambling 'aussies' never came back.

Here I must record that I never experienced any discrimination or set-back because being known as Dutchie', indeed, there were a few (very few) persons in the Company of Dutch descent who made quite a name of themselves being good and honest and capable workers. No lazy-bums here!

Next: Soon after arrival I met a German lady, Mrs, Braude, a widow, and also a migrant from years ago. All I had to do is deliver a small parcel from relatives in Indonesia.

I was desperately looking for accommodation; she promised to make enquiry's from her Jewish community and within a few days had great news. There was a place in Rose Bay with a room to let, I had just earned my yery first few pounds and a transfer from the Hunter Street Hotel was soon arranged.
Alas! the room was good, the hostess friendly, but in no way would they consent to have a young couple in that room.

Mrs. B promised to try again, this time it took many weeks. I myself enquired from all and sundry about room(s) to let, went by tram to outlying district to no avail. Late and night no-one would even open a door, the streets were dark, no-one to ask anything! Rain would soak clothes, no, no rooms-to-let anywhere.

I even bought my first item: a kerosene heater, to dry my soaked clothes at night.
I still have that heater!

When I visited Mrs.B. she had no news but encouraged me to keep trying. When she noticed that I ate all the biscuits on the tray, she made a fantastic meal and all I could do was thank her. But she found another address: this time with a Jewish family in Eastlakes, only a tram-ride from work.

Now the future was bright: A telegram to my fiancé in in Jakarta: Have JOB, have ROOM, COME!
18 August 1950. Unforgettable arrival at the airport.

19 August 1950. Unforgettable marriage in St Mary Magdalene Church – Rose Bay.

An so our migrant life began.
In Aug. we will celebrate 54 years marriage, happily.

Matraville Hostel- Dining room/kitchen staff, 1956.

Earlier presentation of DIMEX responses. .......HERE.....

GGMV-M

What were your first impressions of Australia?

After being met on the wharf by my husband's friend, we were welcomed with open arms by his whole family. A beautiful luncheon followed and after that they showed us the bungalow, which would become our home for nearly a year as it happened.

It was very small but nice. The only thing missing was a toilet, which stood in the backyard. A bit of a problem with 2 small children. Having Dutch neighbours, who had arrived 3 months earlier was a bonus and great help as well.

Our friend had written to us many times, what a beautiful, warm climate Australia had, especially Melbourne. But the second thing I bought (after awhile) was a fireside kerosene heater, it was cold!!
Our first Christmas, 6 weeks after our arrival I shall never forget. It was so hot, that we were at the beach, opposite our bungalow, at 9 a.m.

Being used to getting up in the dark, going to nightmass with sometimes snow on the ground, coming home to a nice breakfast, this didn't feel right. But with most things you quickly learn to become flexible.
There have been many times, that I have missed my family and friends, but I have to admit that after 52 years. I have been seriously regretting this most important decision of my life.

The friend migrated at the end of 1949, I was called up for military service in January 1950, served until May 1952 in the Dutch Air Force (attached to NATO), shortly after I demobbed, in August that year, my friend came over for a holiday in his hometown (and mine) of Leiden.
He had saved enough money for a boat-trip Melbourne-Genoa and train to Holland plus return, plus pocketmoney.

After many talks with him, I was convinced that if he could do that in such a short term, I would be able to do likewise. Part of my reasons ( to be honest ) was also a bit of adventurism, wanting to see more of the world.

Where to?

My friend arranged a room in a boarding house for me so I did not have to go to Bonegilla.

Naturalised?

I joined the Dept. of Civil Aviation in Essendon/Melbourne in March 1959, as a communication officer, working with ground-stations which communicated with aircraft. In November 1959 I was transferred to Launceston airport. To be able to be made permanent-staff, I had to be naturalised, thus I had to hand-over my Dutch passport and consequently lost my Dutch citizenship when I obtained my Australian citizenship.
Having had Highschool education in the Netherlands and then my years in the Air Force, as English is the aviation language worldwide, my knowledge of English was pretty good, so much so that the first evening I went to English classes (this was a requirement then) the teacher send me home and signed my certificate.(Which had to be submitted to the dept. of employment).

First impressions: when I saw the several building in Melbourne of corrugated iron, I thought, what a back-ward country, having come from the western part of the Netherlands, this was a bit of a shock. Then the old rattler-trains with its wooden carriages, compared to the relative streamlined trains in Holland.
The Sunday ( when nothing was open), the closing of the pubs at 6 o'clock, the inability to have a cup of coffee after a picture show ( you had to have and pay for a piece of cake too ), all those did not give me a favourable impression. How things have changed through the years!

Working life: My first job was with the Victorian Railways, as I could speak good English they first let me sell tickets from the ticket-window, however, with no training whatsoever, I sold female tickets to males, schoolchildrens tickets to adults etc, which caused big hassles.
They then put me to work in the real-estate office in Spencer St., my typing of the letters was faster than the girls in the typingpool (having had training in Holland as a telegraphist), I resigned because it was becoming a boring job.
I then worked for a couple of years for the Good Year tyre company in Therry St.., Melbourne, I was the only 'New Australian' there besides 2 English imports and an Irishmen,
I left there to join the Alfred Hospital in the Baker Institute (attached to the University of Melbourne), which was to me an enjoyable job, but it had no great future prospects.
I did a few small jobs in between such as painting and delivery of goods, which were more or less to tide me over.
I joined the D.C.A. in March 1959, had a Transfer to Tasmania (Launceston) at the end of that year. Worked there with ATC in the Operations Branch until I went to an ATC course in Melbourne in1961.

Afterwards I went back to Essendon, then on request a transfer to W.A. as my cousin who lived there, had asked my parents to come over.
Worked in Perth, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton and Carnarvon, mostly as relief-staff. Was scheduled to be transferred to Broome or Meekatharra but finished up on a transfer to Sydney. I worked at Mascot airport from 1965 till 1967 when I was transferred to open the Pilot Briefing office in Tamworth with 2 other officers. My three-year transfer to Tamworth lasted much longer as the dept became the Dept of Transport and all the rules changed.
Both my children were at lest able to continue their education at the same schools. Retired here at the age of (almost) sixty (compulsory retirement for air traffic).

Dutch clubs: Over the years and also due to the many transfers, I have never been able to have social contact with Dutch migrant organisations, however I know my father did for a while whilst living in OZ. My parents returned to the Netherlands in1972.
Have been active in Tamworth with sporting organisations (Soccer Clubs) and later soccer-referee, from both organisations I received life-membership when I retired.

My name was Hennie, but later I changed my name to Jenny and when married became Jenny N.
I came to New Zealand in 1954 with my sister G. aged 30 and my twin sister E. My brother already lived in New Zealand and provided us with accommodation in a farm cottage belonging to the farmer for whom he worked.
G. and I started a small dressmaking business, E. went nurse aiding and later trained as a general nurse in Auckland. She lived and worked as a nurse in Auckland for most of her life and died there in 2004 at the age of 65. She married an Irishman.

My brother stayed in New Zealand, married a New Zealander and became a minister of religion.
G. moved to Australia in 1960, worked mainly as an Osteopath.

E. and I had about 1 year English at school, but spoke the language fluently after a very short time. I went to night school to get school certificate 3 years after arriving, and Ellie started her nursing training that same year and coped well.

I became an Occupational Therapist, married an Australian and with three children we first had a holiday in Europe, mainly the Netherlands and then came to live in Australia in 1975.
We built a retirement village which we sold after about 10 years when we retired.

Reason for migrating:
My parents decided to immigrate to Australia after my father came home from serving in the war with Indonesia. He could not settle and found it hard to hold down a job. He was also a soldier in the Dutch army during World War 2 and like every one else was taken prisoner. He escaped from prison camp twice, but was recaptured. Later he worked for the Dutch under ground.
In those days, there was no counseling for soldier who went through this kind of trauma and it took him a long time to get over wounds he sustained while fighting. He wanted to leave Holland and go where it was warmer and with the promise of a better life.

Working life:
My working life in Australia was for the past 10 years very much like a ÒNew Australian' and after that I fitted in like every one else. I still went to school here. I worked as an account clerk in my first job and later as a telephone operator with P.M.G. until I got married. As a telephone operator I had transfers to many N.S.W. towns and consequently I was known throughout N.S.W. in the telephone exchanges because of my accent. As far as I know for many years I was the first Non-Australian to work as a telephone operator in N.S.W. and possibly QLD and Vic as well.

My expectations, of course, were those of a child. It was great excitement. After having been a child through the war (and after the war) we suffered deprivations and I had never known a normal life. Particularly with my father always being away at war until I was 11 years of age.

We really feel (and I include my parents and my brother here) that Australia was the land of cream and honey. The first five years were wonderful, although my parents still suffered hardships.
We tried very hard to fit in and after about this time mainly spake English at home, and if we did speak Dutch it was a kind of Double Dutch'. My parents did have a hard life here, but I think this was mainly due to my Dad's war injuries. He never asked for any help and never got any. He was so proud like people of his era were. He ended up having a supervisory position with B.M.C. (British Motor Corporation) in Zetland, Sydney.

Did you know of any immigrants who returned to the Netherlands?
The couple that I knew, who went back to the Netherlands to live permanently, were heart broken in having to do so. This was in the late sixties or early seventies. They had three children of which two had disabilities. At that time, Australia was not as far advanced in that field as it is now, and the Netherlands had more specialized help available as well as schools etc. These people have never forgotten Australia and come back regularly to visit family.
The children:
My children have an Australian father. While they were little always remembered Sinterklaas and told them stories. At Easter I always coloured hen's eggs and hid them in the garden. In those days (1960's and 1970's) no one did this except the people from Europe. My children were constantly reminded of my Dutch up bringing and background. They literally knew hundreds of Dutch words. They couldn't speak a sentence in Dutch, but for basic words for every day items they didn't even realize that it was another language. This is while they were little, it changed somewhat when they went to school, although I kept using the same words, they wouldn't use them anymore, but always understood them.

My grandson (11 years old) (I have seven grandchildren) and my daughter went to Holland last year. Three of my four children have been there. They love it over there and say they feel so comfortable with the Dutch culture. My grandson is very hungry for anything Dutch, and talks about his trip quite a lot. I feel he a Òconnection' with Holland. I know my children certainly do.

My mother died in 1982 at 74 years of age and my dad died in 2002 at 91 years of age. They were in their beginning forties when they came here.

From Bonegilla Migrant Camp in 1953. Travelled to Young, NSW – Rep Repeated tech.

In Australia as motor mechanic, started business BP s/station in Young.
Left Young in 1958, went to Sydney and worked as mechanic in Burwood.
Left Burwood and moved to Moresby (Port Moresby) in AUST NEW GUINEA (Holland was in turmoil at that time as Indonesia was claiming Dutch New Guinea as their territory).

I got married in Port Moresby. Stayed there till 1959-60. Returned to Australia and started with the NRMA as a road service, patrolman. Stayed there with this firm for 33 years. Left in 1994 and held a job as maintenance supervisor in a private hospital Delmar in Dee Why. Left a year or so later and started in a lawn mower shop in Frenchs Forest. Left that a year or so later and bought another house on the Central Coast and became a jack of all trades in a spring water bottling plant at Peats Ridge. I left that job and ran a one man show in Toukley at the Central Coast.

I started a therapeutic massage practice (I hold a diploma as therapeutic masseur in 1973). The lease ran out after a year and I had to move. I sold the house on the Central Coast after some renovations and moved back to Sydney (Narrabeen) and renovated my old house that took 1.5 year, sold it. Bought a unit by the Narrabeen lake and that's where I am now retired, overlooking the lake. I don't know about the 500 words. I've done very many things in this country – and so did my father. He started a small goods factory in Young, and made all sorts of Dutch small goods there.

There were some Dutch families, but not enough to make a living out of it. So father made the Australian stuffs – sausages, devon, frankfurts, etc.- and made a good living. So I learnt at that.
PS. As a NRMA patrolman I got a nickname, they called me the Flying Dutchman. Why not Speedy Gonzales'? Wonder why?

I am Mrs L. B. – née K. – née V. K.. We arrived from Nijmegen in Bonnegilla in 1954.

First impressions, hot, dry, eat a lot a rabbit food (lettuce) as it seemed to us. In Bonnegilla we stayed 6 weeks.
Then my father was send to Scheyville, N.S.W. to work as a butcher in that camp. He also was a machine – bank – worker (fitter and machinist). My father spoke some English. Mama with 10 of us, kids, under 16, I am the eldest, was supposed to stay in Bonnegilla, while my father went to N.S.W., nothing doing. We all just got on the train arrived in Sydney (Windsor) 2 days later.

A taxi was waiting for my father and 2 other men but no transport for us. Taxi man suggested to give the camp a ring so they could send the camp bus which I did. We were not going back. We stayed together. After sleeping the first night with friends from the boat who already were in Scheyville. We got sorted out and got our living quarters. My father took a connecting wall out of 2 huts so with 10 kids we had a decent room (later on used as games room). Food was east European'style so we got it from the camp kitchen, brought it home and mum modified the Dutch way so we could eat it. We stayed in camp 2 years. Built a garage first, then a house.

Worked two jobs. Father put 8 kids to Catholic school. I was qualified for office work but other jobs brought more money, taught English to Dutch migrants in camp. Translated for migrants in labour off office in Windsor could speak German, some French understood Italian, loved languages. Got married in 1961. Married second time to an Aussie had 3 kids not interested in Dutch. I was too much an Aussie. Aussie stepchildren love the Dutch culture. Joined clubs in 1980 and spoke a lot of Dutch. For the rest I would not like to live in Holland

Reason for migrating:
I did not intent to emigrate at the time. After having been in England for 1 year, I responded to an ad for an au-pair in Clontarf, NSW, Australia, to look after the children of the then manager of Ampol. My older sister and husband were already here and living in Lindfield NSW. Because I planned to stay here for 2 years, I was considered to have migrated.

First impressions:
Very hot. People were friendly, wanting to help you, but they were very focussed on Australia and very ignorant of the rest of the world. Food was worse than in England (not much variety or imagination). Fashions were different, about ½ year behind Europe. Local buses were not very frequent. Took me 2 hours to get from Clontarf to Lindfield if I was lucky.

Working life:
Au-pair ½ year .
Stationery and industrial goods importer 2 years.
Telegrams and cables, shipping Co. 1 year then same Co. booking passengers on cruises, 'P & O' and 'Oranje' & passengers for Europe on 'William Ruys' til Dec. 1961.
Then 7 years looking after my 2 children & husband & Ra Radio-operator at A.V. Jennings – Bibliographer for a firm supplying books to schools, universities & technical institutions in Australia & Papua New Guinea & as as secretary to manager of a Toyota & Mercedes Benz dealer.
After 30 years in Sydney, we bought a 40 acre (2500 macadamia trees) plantation and started our own business in 1985 till 1998 supplying Coles, Woolworths and others with macadamias in shell. Exported to Taiwan, then retired.

Our working life in Australia
I work on a farm in Arcadia with an Australian & 2 P 2 Polish – 1 Hungarian and other Dutchman, Piet.
We used to work 44 hours a week for 7.04 pounds. But the farmer used to let us work up to 50.54 hours with no extra pay. After I start to understand a bit of English and ask for overtime, I was dismissed. He only took an migrants who do not understand English. That was a start of our bad expression of Australia. After 2 years I did get a job at Mello-Lite Blinds and Awnings factory 40 hours a week and 11 pound wages. That was a lot better. Work myself up, from lath cutter to display manager (on my own). Did design, make, and fitting in shops, also window dressing. Stay there till the firm was take over by Hunter Douglas after some years. They closed down Mello-Lite Blinds. I now retired and live in a retirement village.

My wife, Lena, has worked in Hornsby Knitting Comp as packer. Later she was packing eggs on a chicken farm in Arcadia and oranges picking for a bit extra money and housecleaning. In between we had 2 children, a boy and a girl. In 1975 Lena had a brain operation (January) what was very bad. Three months in Hornsby hospital. Lucky with lot of determents, she only was left with a paralysed left hand. Also had years later a halve stomach take out. But now she is very well and nearly 80 years old in June,23.

A bit more about myself

2 years had a blood clot in my lungs, also infected bladder. By ultra sound scan they find a tumour on my kidney what was take out now after under control. I hope to be clear by next visit to the specialist.
24/3/04

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DATE PREPARED: 24 March 2004

SUMMARY OF MY LIFE
Father: Born Rotterdam, Holland; married in Leiden, 1929
Mother: Born: Leeuwarden, Holland
Settled: In Djockjakarta, Jave, Dutch East Indies, 1930
Born: Robert, Djockjakarta,11 January 1931
Travelled: By airplane, from Batavia, via Morotai, to Brisbane, Qld, in January1946
Lived: In Camp Victoria (Waicol Camp), Ipswich, Brisbane, for one month
Lived: Pladda Hotel and Grey Street Hotel, St Kilda, Melbourne for 6 months.
School: Brighten Grammar School and St Kilda Public School
Travelled: By Volendam ship to Rotterdam, Holland, August, 1946
Lived: Scheveningen, 1 year
Lived: Amsterdam, 4 years
Travelled: In January 1952, by Kota Baru ship to Hollandia, West New Guinea
Lived: Three months in Biak, West New Guinea
Travelled: Arrived 9 June 1952, with KLM, in Sydney and on 12 June in Melbourne
Lived: Four years in Melbourne
Worked: Three months in Model Dairy, Kew, Melbourne
Married: My Australian born wife in 1954
Worked: Three and a half years in CSR sugar refinery laboratory in Yarraville, Melbourne
Travelled: By Strathaird ship with wife to Europe in 1956
Lived: London, England, 17 October 1956 to 17 October 1958
Travelled: By air, via USA, back to Sydney, Australia
Lived: In Sydney from 1958 to date
Worked: 6 Months with CML in sales and with Robertson Paint company as a chemist
Established: My own mantelpiece and fireplace manufacturing company in 1961 or 6 years
Naturalized: 7 December 1961
Breakdown: Of marriage and business in May 1967
Worked: Mark VII Pty Ltd and Aluminium Tile Company in sales, each for a few months
Met: My present Australian born wife (to be) in 1968
Worked: As production manager for Kramer Partitions Pty Ltd for about 2 years
Worked: In sales and as production manager in Moyle Partition Systems Pty Ltd for 4 years
Established: My own acupuncture practice in Sydney, at end of 1974
Established: The Acupuncture Specialist Practitioners Association in January 1975
Married: My second wife in April 1975
Became: Owner & Principle of the NSW College of Natural Therapies, in September 1976
Elected: National President of the Australian Natural therapists Association Ltd in 1977
Became: National Executive Director of the ANTA at the end of 1977
Transferred: Ownership of the NSW College of Natural Therapies to new Board in ca 1981
Collapse: Of NSW College of Natural Therapies in 1987
Resigned: From ANTA in 1995
Carrying on: Private acupuncture clinic to date, but otherwise semi-retired.
Why migrate?
I did not decide. I was 19 years old (a minor at that time). I was the oldest of 9 children. Mum & Dad decided to migrate. I had no choice in the matter.
With whom?
Father 46 years old
Mother 41 years old, both deceased
Sisters 17, 15, 10, 9 years old (1 has died)
Brothers 16, 11, 7 and 5 years old (2 have died)
First impressions:
Lot of flies, wide empty spaces, strange tasting food, lots of food (more than we ever had in Amsterdam).
Working life:
Two days after arrival in Australia I started working in Morwell (Vic_ with Victorian Railways as a track maintenance ganger (pick and shovel). At least the money started to come in.
After 6 weeks of that I applied and got a clerical job (1954) (Morwell). I started as an Electrical Maintenance Clerk. I then became a Preventive Maintenance Clerk, a production cadet and production planner.
In 1967 I found the crawling and cuddling up to the bosses disgusting just to get an increase of 1 or 2 pounds per week in pay.
I joined the Royal Australia Air Force as a officer. I started as an air traffic controller, but transferred to the supply branch because promotion was quicker. I was housing officer, squadron equipment officer senior air movements officer, senior supply officer of the RAAF's only ammunition depot. I then had a number of staff jobs and retired at age 54/55 as a wing commander after 23 years of service.
Compulsory retired at 55. I found myself a job with the Dept. of Foreign Affairs in 1980 where I stayed till end of 1989. I then retired full stop. Bought a plat of land at Wandella, built a house, have 3 cows, 11 chooks and a randy rooster and I am busier than ever before.
Dutch connections?
I am a member of the Historical Society of my birthplace for nostalgic reasons, I suppose. I also use this association for genealogical purposes. I have been able to trace my family back to early 1700s.