The Dutch have a long and rich history of migration to Australia. In the 20th century, many Dutch migrants came to Australia in search of a new start after the Second World War. The largest center was the Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre. It first operated (1949-1952) at a centre for displaced people mainly from the Baltic countries. From 1952 to 1971 it operated as a migrant centre. In all over 300.000 people went through the camp of which over 18.000 Dutch people, they were the 6th largest group.
At the Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre Dutch migrants received initial training about Australian culture and society. They could also receive training in English and other skills that would help them to find jobs in Australia.
The Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre was a vital part of the Dutch migration experience in Australia. It helped to make the transition to life in Australia easier for many Dutch migrants, and it played a significant role in the development of the Dutch community in Australia.
The book “Where Water Meets: Bonegilla, The Dutch Migrant Experience” by Dirk and Marijke Eijsbertse tells the story of the Dutch migration experience at Bonegilla. The authors, who were both Dutch migrants who lived at Bonegilla, provide a firsthand account of the challenges, triumphs, and cultural adjustments faced by Dutch migrants during their settlement in Australia.
The book is divided into three parts. The first part, “The Journey,” tells the story of the Dutch migrants’ journey to Australia. The second part, “The Centre,” describes life at Bonegilla. The third part, “The New Country,” tells the story of the Dutch migrants’ settlement in Australia.
The book is based on the authors’ own experiences, as well as interviews with other Dutch migrants who lived at Bonegilla. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the Dutch migration experience in Australia.
The book “Where Water Meets: Bonegilla, The Dutch Migrant Experience” is a moving and insightful account of the Dutch migration experience in Australia. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this important chapter in Australian history.
Pictures were taken by Paul Budde in April 2024
Below is an article from the Provinciale Zeeuwse Courant | 1997 |. Scroll down to read the article on the book and its authors.
Other sources:
See also:
Never good enough : assisted migrants from the Netherlands at Bonegilla / Bruce Pennay, 2007
