On a recent trip I re-visited the immigration camp at Bonegilla,which now is a memorial to over 300 000 migrants who arrived in Australia between 1947 and 1971 and this is where it all began for me in June 1955. This appartment was only available for families with children,a living room and a bedroom,no heating,no aircondition and no bathroom facilities.
I can understand the reactions of Redbubblers who see this and did not experience it, Hans. I also realise that there are worse places in the world and I repeat that the Dutch government representative, who addressed the protest meeting, when we arrived there, in May, 1956, was correct. He said: See those hills around the camp? The climb, at first, is hard. But once you look over the top, you’ll enjoy what’s on the other side. Perhaps corny but it turned out to be true.
Just make it clear: The Dutch official who was sent out to calm the protest meeting down. (In the Netherlands they’d painted a rosy picture of sunny bungalows and lots of opportunities but neglected to explain that, just then, work was hard to find, in Australia.) When he said: See those hills around the camp? The climb, at first, is hard. But once you look over the top, you’ll enjoy what’s on the other side. He meant, of course, that, at first the climb back up, to rebuild our lives, would be hard but it would be worth it. Turned out to be right.
Comments
and no foxtel :)
Similar story here Hans
all I was crying for was an extra blanket at night ……….
– Hans Kawitzki
what a re-visit this must have been Hans, some tough memories I’m sure
Good heavens!! Bare essentials here! What an eye-opener!!
Thank you Magee,guess it’s all you need to get by in tough times
– Hans Kawitzki
I can understand the reactions of Redbubblers who see this and did not experience it, Hans. I also realise that there are worse places in the world and I repeat that the Dutch government representative, who addressed the protest meeting, when we arrived there, in May, 1956, was correct. He said: See those hills around the camp? The climb, at first, is hard. But once you look over the top, you’ll enjoy what’s on the other side.
Perhaps corny but it turned out to be true.
Just make it clear: The Dutch official who was sent out to calm the protest meeting down. (In the Netherlands they’d painted a rosy picture of sunny bungalows and lots of opportunities but neglected to explain that, just then, work was hard to find, in Australia.)
When he said: See those hills around the camp? The climb, at first, is hard. But once you look over the top, you’ll enjoy what’s on the other side. He meant, of course, that, at first the climb back up, to rebuild our lives, would be hard but it would be worth it.
Turned out to be right.