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…
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…
Marike Jager, a renowned Dutch singer-songwriter, embarks on her first Australian tour. Her journey with music began while backpacking through Australia as a teenager, where she learned to play the guitar and gathered experiences that continue to inspire her creative works. Now, 25 years later, Marike returns to Australia as Read more…
Holland Festival Melbourne, 15 March 2025 As part of the 2025 Holland Festival, there will be screenings of the documentary Westlanders in Australia. The documentary tells the story of the Looyen family’s emigration to Australia, as seen through the eyes of three generations. This “ordinary Dutch family” built a new life Read more…
Source: National Archives of Australia Gerard van Wezel migrated to Australia from the Netherlands in 1952 under an ex-serviceman assisted passage scheme. In January 1958, he began working as a technical officer with the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Authority. During this time, he met fellow Dutch migrant Marretje Ida Sonnenberg, who Read more…
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. Read more…
Republished with permission. Chapter 37 of the book: A Touch of Dutch. For the full pdf of the book click here. Introduction chapters of the book: Touch of Dutch
Republished with permission. Chapter 36 of the book: A Touch of Dutch. For the full pdf of the book click here. Introduction chapters of the book: Touch of Dutch See also: Dutch-Australian photographer Richard Woldendorp
Republished with permission. Chapter 35 of the book: A Touch of Dutch. For the full pdf of the book click here. Introduction chapters of the book: Touch of Dutch
Republished with permission. Chapter 33 of the book: A Touch of Dutch. For the full pdf of the book click here. Introduction chapters of the book: Touch of Dutch