Westlanders in Australia is a documentary that tells the story of the Looyen family’s migration to Australia, as seen through the eyes of three generations. This “ordinary Dutch family” built a new life in Australia by establishing their own business and raising children, who in turn started families of their own.
What remains of their Dutch heritage, and how is it expressed today? The film invites reflection and fosters conversation, encouraging people to share their own migration experiences.
The documentary was screened as part of the 2025 Holland Festival in Melbourne, with the premiere—held in Brisbane alongside the van Looyen family—taking place at the Redcliffe Museum. It has also been shown on several occasions in the Netherlands and is now permanently available at the Historical Archive Westland.
This special Brisbane gathering paid tribute to Pierre’s Mill, a beloved Redcliffe restaurant that once stood proudly beside the local drive-in cinema. The restaurant was a cornerstone of community life and evokes cherished memories for many.
The documentary chronicles the journey of the Looyen family, who emigrated from the Netherlands to Australia. It shines a spotlight on Henk and Wil Looyen and Wil’s father, the original founder of Pierre’s Mill, offering a heartfelt exploration of migration, resilience, and success.
Distinguished guests at the premiere included Her Excellency Mrs Ardi Stoios-Braken and Mayor Peter Flannery. The event also featured a panel discussion led by Dr Nonja Peters, during which family members, friends, and former employees shared memories of migration, early schooling, and of course, working at Pierre’s Mill. Paul Budde, chair of the DACC, presented on the role the DACC plays in the preservation of stories of Dutch migration to Australia.
This project has been supported by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Australia. It has also been made possible with contributions from the Mondriaan Fund and DutchCulture, and through the cooperation of the Huygens Institute, the Dutch Australian Foundation (DAF), and the Center for the History of Migrants (CGM).
The event in Brisbane was hosted by Redcliffe Museum and was very well attended with in the end standing room only, the museum is also interested in any feedback. The DACC is interested in stories that were told, so they can be recorded and preserved in our digital archive.
View the Documentary online
English Version
Dutch version
Screening at the 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.
Listen also to SBS Interview
