Source: National Archives of Australia
In 1951, Nieske Besselink traveled from the Netherlands to Ulverstone, Tasmania, before deciding to marry her fiancé, Jan Hoogenhout, wanting to ensure she would feel at home in Australia. Fortunately, Nieske embraced her new life, and the couple became integral members of their community. They opened a bakery in Sheffield, Tasmania, where Jan’s pastries became local favorites, and Nieske’s warm demeanor endeared her to the town’s children.
The family faced challenges, such as when their son John developed bone cancer in 1968, resulting in the amputation of his leg. The Sheffield community supported them during this difficult time. John’s resilience made him one of the first Australians to recover successfully from this surgery, marking a turning point for the family, who were celebrated in government photography as a migration success story, showcasing their thriving bakery and contributions to the local economy.
Jan and Nieske’s legacy lives on in Tasmania. They sponsored family members to join them in Australia, creating a home full of relatives seeking new opportunities. While Jan and Nieske passed away in 2010, their children—Eddie, John, and Ineke—cherish the values of resilience, heritage, and community their parents instilled. Today, their story reflects the challenges and triumphs of post-war migration and the bonds of family and community.
