The Bonegilla Migrant Experience will showcase an exhibition on the Greek migrants who passed through Block 19 Bonegilla. Their stories will be told through photographs, their commentary in both Greek and English, and personal objects such as suitcases and tools that have been donated to the Bonegilla collection.
With its National Heritage listing, Block 19 Bonegilla is the symbol of an era when Australia’s policy on immigration changed. Of the over 300,000 migrants and refugees who passed through Bonegilla in north east Victoria, most originated from non-English speaking European countries.
Today, the site is a public memorial to the changing face of Australia during those times. It holds oral, written and pictorial accounts of the post-war immigration and refugee experiences.
What was originally an army camp during World War II was then converted into Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training centre in 1947. It functioned as a place to process new arrivals, allocate jobs, and as a training centre where non-English speakers could begin to learn their new language and Australian customs.
Its intention was to ease the transition for immigrants and refugees, but stories from the very people who passed through show a diverse range of experiences – from feelings of fear and confusion to the prospect of hope and a new start.
The exhibition will be launched by Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Nicholas Kotsiras.
Greek Journeys Through Bonegilla opens 26 November. Block 19, Bonegilla Migrant Experience, Wodonga. More information: www.bonegilla.org.au/
