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.

and more visitors ...

Josette Aiello (nee Pierroz) from Switzerland, who lived in the camp in 1961. 

Chris Dunster is our volunteer roster organiser, thanks so much.

It was great to see Oleg and Loredana Mitrachowitsch from Eildon.

Andree Klopsteins donated her late husband Harry's family chests to the exhibition. Thank you Andree.

More visitors

Chris Sevels (third from left at the back) nee Bitneris with her camp school group.

Christa Ryan (nee Romaniszyn)

Zigie Kulbars who had just visited his 100 year old mum Jenny at her retirement home in Oakleigh.

Recent Visitors

Kaz Golonski and a young relative

From left Theo Cehun, his sister Brigitte and Joe Zajac

Irene van Rooyen nee Michel (right) and her daughter Sarah on a visit from Buderim in Queensland

Karl Boening

John Kolodziejczyk

Helena Molenda

From left: Susan (nee Hummel) and Ed Nawrocki with Joe Zajac

Jutta Stone (nee Tillmanns) donated these fabulous Lederhosen which her brother wore at the camp

This is the new display box that volunteer Joe Zajac built, materials paid for from the exhibition entry fees.

The Nikolsky Family came to Benalla on what would have been their mother Margaret's 100th birthday on 31st January this year. From left Grandson Brenton, Daughters Nikki (Ursula), Irene, Sons George, Viktor, his Wife Robyn, and Brenton's wife on the very left.

Piers Festival Participation a success

Volunteering sisters Gert Brunner and Anna Castles  represented the Benalla Migrant Camp Exhibition at Station Pier. Hundreds of people saw our digital display. Photos of the festival will be posted in the next little while.

We are thrilled to have won the Australia Day Benalla Community Event of the Year Award

It is very meaningful to us to win this award. Last year this time we had only just begun establishing an exhibition and since then, to have  experienced the huge ongoing interest in the exhibition as well as the community support, makes us determined to keep going. Thank you one and all.

We thank the Benalla Lakeside Craft and Farmers Market for their sponsorship!!

Their generous sponsorship paid for signage and marketing including our stunning stand up banner which helped us promote Benalla at the Piers Festival at Station Pier this year.