The story of the van der Veeken family reflects the enduring contribution of Dutch migrants to Australian football, spanning two generations of commitment to the game in South Australia. Born in The Hague, Jan van der Veeken arrived in Australia in 1950 as a young child with his family. Upon Read more
Tony te Wierik was one of the foundational players of Fortuna ’60 Soccer Club in Morwell, Victoria – known affectionately as the Orangemen, proudly reflecting their Dutch heritage and orange team colours. Tony arrived in Australia in the mid-1950s as part of a large Dutch family aboard the Johan van Read more
In 1943, three young Dutch men—Gerrit Henneken (19), his brother Jaap (18), and their friend Dirk Keijzer (19)—became part of the millions of men and women subjected to forced and enslaved labour in Nazi Germany. What followed was a harrowing tale of hardship, endurance, and ultimately, liberation by the American Read more
Still Recovering by Maria H.J. Butler is a poignant and personal memoir that offers a unique insight into the post-war Dutch migrant experience in Australia. The book captures the childhood memories of a Dutch, Catholic, New Australian girl growing up in Queenscliff, Victoria. Maria was born in Gouda, the Netherlands, Read more
The story of Dutch migration to Australia is filled with personal journeys of courage, resilience, and community spirit. Among these is the remarkable life of Henk (Hank) van Iersel, a man who stood against oppression during the dark years of World War II and later sought a new future for Read more
Peter Johannes Gerardus Mies, born in 1936 in Neerbeek in the province of Limburg, the Netherlands, was a remarkable figure in Tasmanian football and in the Dutch-Australian community. At the age of 14, Pete joined his father and brother working in the mines of Limburg, contributing to the family’s livelihood Read more
Simon Boegheim – born in Gouda – has dedicated much of his life to the development and preservation of Dutch-Australian football in Queensland. From the mid-1960s, Simon became deeply involved in the administration of Hollandia Soccer Club, working alongside other prominent figures such as long-serving president John Morcus. During this Read more
Fred van Breemen stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Dutch migrants on Australian football and community life. Born in the Netherlands, Fred migrated to Australia in 1954 aboard the Johan van Oldenbarnevelt. His family settled in Coopers Plains, Brisbane, where his father contributed to the construction of Read more
Dutch migrants and their descendants have made an important contribution to Australian football, not only at club level but also in the national men’s team, the Socceroos. From the 1950s onwards, Dutch-Australians have helped shape the squad during key periods of its development. This article highlights those players of Dutch Read more
The Matildas, Australia’s national women’s football team, are celebrated not only for their sporting achievements but also for reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of modern Australia. Among this diversity, Dutch migrants and their descendants have played a notable role in shaping the team’s history, from its formative years to its Read more