If you’re searching for information about family members or friends who migrated to Australia and lived in hostels after World War Two, Dr. Karen Agutter has compiled a guide to help navigate state and national archives. Getting started Tracing migrant hostel records can be challenging, but Australia’s archives and libraries Read more…
The novel Fleur and Avril 2 Far by Maria van Loon is an addition to the broader narrative of Dutch migration to Australia and offers a deeply personal perspective on the challenges and triumphs of those who left the Netherlands in search of a new home. A story of identity Read more…
Flinders University, one of Australia’s leading institutions in maritime archaeology, announced in November 2024 an exciting new PhD scholarship aimed at advancing research in this specialised field. This initiative presents a significant opportunity for students interested in maritime heritage, underwater archaeology, and historical shipwreck studies. A boost for maritime heritage Read more…
For many Dutch migrants who have lived abroad for extended periods, the idea of returning to the Netherlands may seem both exciting and daunting. The experience of remigration, or returning to one’s home country after years abroad, comes with its own unique set of challenges. Dutch author Norman D. Jansen Read more…
This again presents a story highlighting the integral connections between the Netherlands – Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia) and Australia. During World War II, the Dutch East Indies became a crucial battleground involving both Dutch and Australian forces. Jaap Bakker, a Dutch KNIL (Royal Netherlands East Indies Army) officer, and Read more…
The Holland Festival was held in Melbourne each year for 40 years until 2014. After a three years hiatus, the Festival returned in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2023, 2024 and now in 2025. It is managed by the Rotary Club of Casey under the leadership of Paul Rubens. Holland Festival Management Read more…
Sailors Boesidien and Samanuddin were members of the Netherlands Merchant Navy during World War II and are interred at Toowong Cemetery in Brisbane. Their service highlights the significant role of Dutch merchant vessels in the Allied efforts in the Pacific. Boesidien (1909–1942): Born in Bengkalan, Java, Boesidien served aboard the Read more…
The podcast JOS is an introspective exploration of Nienke Teunissen’s quest to uncover the life of her grandfather, Jos Teunissen, who passed away long before she was born. In 1956, at the age of 24, Jos and his wife Josee (who was then 19 years old) migrated to Australia on Read more…
This year, 2025, marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a momentous milestone in Australia’s history and the conclusion of the war in the Pacific. Brisbane played a pivotal role as a strategic hub for Allied operations, cementing its place in global wartime history. The Camp Read more…
Beeb Birtles, born Gerard Bertelkamp on November 28, 1948, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is a celebrated musician, singer, songwriter, and guitarist. As a founding member of iconic bands such as Zoot, Mississippi, and the Little River Band, Birtles has left an indelible mark on the music industry, both in Australia and Read more…