Holland Festival Melbourne, 15 March 2025
As part of the 2025 Holland Festival, there will be screenings of the documentary Westlanders in Australia. The documentary tells the story of the Looyen family’s emigration to Australia, as seen through the eyes of three generations. This “ordinary Dutch family” built a new life in Australia with their own business, raising children who then went on to have their own families.
What remains of their Dutch heritage, and how is it expressed? This film invites recognition and fosters conversations, encouraging people to share their experiences.
Special tickets can be reserved for the event (reserve when purchasing your admission tickets to the Holland Festival). The free screening is titled Dutch Immigration Story, directed by Dutch filmmaker Heleen van Berkel, followed by a panel discussion led by anthropologist Nonja Peters. After the screening, there will be space to share personal experiences.
Emigration and Citizen science, Amsterdam 17 March
Together with the Huygens Institute, Historisch Archief Westland is organising a knowledge session for archive staff and educators on emigration.
During the first part, a preview of the new educational documentary by Heleen van Berkel Films will be presented: Westlanders in Australia. Together with researchers from the Huygens Institute, Heleen van Berkel researched the emigration history of the Westland Looyen family in the 1970s. And she went to visit them in Australia. In the documentary, we see both historical footage of the emigration and interviews with the family members and those left behind about the impact this big step had and still has. This knowledge session kicks off several meetings in the Netherlands and Australia on Dutch-Australian emigration. Questions will be addressed on the impact of emigration; the possibilities of migration research in local archives; new sources on emigration and the possibilities of citizen science in emigration research.
Registration with Historical Archive Westland (preferably before 10 March) via
historischarchiefwestland@gemeentewestland.nl
Brisbane showing, 22 March 2025
Celebrating Dutch Australian Heritage: Pierre’s Mill Documentary Premiere at Redcliffe Museum, Brisbane
The organisers invite you to attend this memorable event at the Redcliffe Museum, celebrating the rich heritage of Dutch migration to Australia.
This special gathering pays tribute to Pierre’s Mill, a beloved Redcliffe restaurant that was a cornerstone of local life, sitting proudly beside the drive-in cinema and evoking cherished memories for many.
The highlight of the event will be the Brisbane premiere of a moving documentary chronicling the journey of the Looyen family, who emigrated from the Netherlands to Australia. The film shines a spotlight on Henk and Wil Looyen and Wil’s father, the original founder of Pierre’s Mill, providing a heartfelt exploration of migration, resilience, and success.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, this year also marks the 73rd anniversary of the Netherlands Association of Queensland. Distinguished guests, including Her Excellency Ms. Ardi Stoios-Braken, and Mayor Peter Flannery will share in this celebration of cultural heritage.
This project has been supported by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Australia. This project has been made possible with a contribution from the Mondriaan Fund. This project has been made possible by DutchCulture. With the cooperation of the Huygens Institute, the Dutch Australian Foundation (DAF) and the Center for the History of Migrants (CGM).
Event Program (Draft)
Date: Saturday, 22 March 2025
Venue: Redcliffe Museum, Redcliffe
- 10:00 AM: Museum opens, welcoming visitors.
- 10:30 AM: Official welcome Dr. Nonja Peters and special guests.
- 10:45 AM: Keynote speech by Dr. Nonja Peters on Dutch mercantilism and its influence, with a focus on Pierre’s Mill.
- 11:00 AM: Screening of the documentary The Looyen Family Story.
- 11:45 AM: Sharing of short stories about Pierre’s Mill, led by Dr. Peters, featuring interviews and personal anecdotes.
- 12:15 PM: Exhibition of memorabilia, including the iconic hamburger maker from Pierre’s Mill, alongside drinks and light snacks.
- 1:00 PM: Closing remarks and conclusion of the event.
You are invited by the organisers to join them for this celebration to honour the history, culture, and community spirit that defines the Dutch Australian experience.
This event is free but bookings are required: Click here for bookings
Screening at International Institute of Social History and the Centre for the History of Migrants, Amsterdam 14 April
In addition to the Melbourne and Brisbane screenings, the documentary will also be featured at a knowledge session on 14 April, organised in collaboration with the International Institute of Social History (IISG), the Centre for the History of Migrants (CGM), and filmmaker Heleen van Berkel.
As per the event in Brisbane, following the screening, a panel discussion will bring together experts to reflect on the experiences of both migrants and those who remained behind. The event will conclude with an informal networking session.
This initiative forms part of a broader research effort to understand Dutch-Australian migration through historical and digital resources.
