Great News

We were successful in obtaining a local council small grant for $1,600 to have a detailed plan of the original migrant camp site drawn up for display at the exhibition. Such a plan is the first step towards our long term goal of creating a diorama of the camp site.

Found a Nissen Hut!!

Now all we need is a bit of money to move and restore it!!

25 May Opening Day

Exhibition Volunteers Caroline Cage and Sophie Arendt look at immigration papers found in the National Archives.

Caz Grubissa

Caz Grubissa and John Mozuras have quite a bit of information which helps me understand the lay-out of the camp.

Recent additions to the collection

Maria Fruehwirth (nee Holodniak) donates her mother's Potato Grater to the collection. Her father made it himself whilst in the camp. Such a fine grater  Maria says, was used to make 'Kartoffelpuffer". Maria had also kept a baby bottle which was given to nursing mothers on the migrant ships.

Rozalie Dean (nee Fergin) also revisited the exhibition to have another look at her family's photos.

Working with, and learning from the Bonegilla Migrant Experience

We are delighted that our strong supporter, Prof Dr Bruce Pennay author of 'Receiving Europe's Displaced- Bonegilla Training Centre 1947-1953' has agreed to write the history of the Benalla Migrant Camp (beginning some time this year). The Bonegilla Experience Coordinator Bernadette Zanet has been a generous mentor to us, and this is most appreciated.