Source: National Archives of Australia
Sherry Wright, originally named Berta Joanna van Wheeley, migrated from the Netherlands to Australia with her family in 1950. Her father, having endured severe starvation during World War II, was advised to seek a warmer climate for health reasons, prompting the family’s relocation to Brisbane.
During her teenage years, Sherry became a prominent figure on Australian television. She auditioned for the show ‘Teen Beat’ on Channel 9, where producers suggested she adopt the stage name ‘Sherry Wheeler’ to appeal to a broader audience. This name change was inspired by the popular song ‘Sherry’ by The Four Seasons. For the last two years of high school, she appeared on television every second week, performing songs and gaining popularity among viewers.
After her television career, Sherry pursued a profession in social work, dedicating herself to community service. She and her husband raised their family in Brisbane, maintaining strong ties to both their Dutch heritage and Australian culture.
Sherry’s experiences as a migrant and her contributions to Australian society have been documented by the National Archives of Australia. In a video portrait, she reflects on her journey from the Netherlands to Australia, her television career, and her work in social services.
