By Meinard Karel Rook – Compiled in 2005 ArrivalWe arrived in Australia in August 1950, after a 6 week voyage from Holland on the Sibijaek. Our first land fall was in Fremantle, then on to Melbourne, where we transferred to the Taroona for the voyage across Bass Strait to Beauty Read more…
This article was written during the 2006 Dutch royal visit to Australia. It was weeks of anticipation for the Dutch Community in Tasmania, as they received preliminary invitations and two general invitations in the Saturday Mercury, for the Royal visit. His Royal Highness, the Prince of Orange, and Her Royal Read more…
Special Tasman’s Briefcase to mark the 300th anniversary of the death of Abel Tasman The briefcase was made from black leather, embossed with the Tasmanian coat of arms. Inside there were several compartments. The main compartment contained a carved {profile?] head of Tasman let into a block of Tasmanian myrtle.A Read more…
George Huizing 8/9/1938 – 27/12/2016 A newspaper clipping on my desk reminds of the last time I saw George. The clipping concerns a lost property title, in the parish of Lorainah. Property belonging to JKF von Schmidt. I quickly dropped an email to the owner – “where is Lorainah?” JKF, Read more…
Due to changing times and ageing volunteers, and lack of interest amongst the next generation, the Dutch-Australian Society ‘Abel Tasman” (DAS) faded away in the years 2012 – 2015. The strength and commitment to be involved in community events waned. Sinterklaas decided it was too far to come. However, the Read more…
Teacher, community volunteer, alderman, Lord Mayor, Legislative Councillor. It is normal for the eldest son to inherit the farm. This has been true over the centuries, and in many places in the world. Jos (Adrianus Johannes Ansems), known to all as Lange Jos, refused the privilege. He had no heart Read more…
Bram and I decided to emigrate to Australia, the land of milk and honey (not always) in November 1959. In February 1960 we got married, just after my twenty first birthday, and a few weeks later our application to go was approved. We were young and full of adventures. We Read more…
The journal below is based on the diary Charlie kept through his National Service days. It was later edited by him, and passed to this editor for inclusion in the record of achievements of Dutch migrants to Tasmania. It may be seen as the description of the life of an Read more…
BLUE GUM, TULIP & SPRING FESTIVALS From the newsletter of the DAS (Dutch-Australian Society), the Tasman Telegraphs, I have noted the following:[reporting of events the DAS usually lacked pertinent details, as if these facts were common knowledge. In some years there was simply no report. Below is not a selection, Read more…
