Source: National Archives of Australia
In February 1957, the Wolswinkel family, including Henk Wolswinkel, the youngest of 13 children, embarked on the Dutch migrant ship Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (JVO) from Amsterdam to Australia. Their meticulous preparations were slightly overshadowed by a forgotten pair of clogs, left behind by young Henk.
The voyage brought unforeseen challenges. A violent storm near the Bay of Biscay caused significant damage to the ship, requiring emergency repairs in the Canary Islands. Amid the chaos of crashing dinnerware and seasickness, Henk vividly remembers the ordeal, particularly the smell of paper sick bags, which haunted him for years.
Once the JVO resumed its journey, the long stretch from Cape Town to Fremantle tested Henk’s patience. Upon reaching Melbourne, the Wolswinkels, as the ship’s largest family, garnered media attention, being featured in the Sun News-Pictorial.
The family’s settlement began at Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre before relocating to Broadwater, Victoria, where they worked on farms. The tranquil Australian countryside, punctuated by the call of magpies, left a lasting impression on Henk.
Decades later, the Wolswinkel family celebrated their migration story with a reunion at Gumbuya Park, Victoria, reflecting on their journey and their contributions to regional farming communities. Many family members, including Henk, remain in regional Victoria, carrying forward their legacy of resilience and adaptation.
