The remarkable story of Alex Kurzem

As a teenager, Alex Kurzem arrived to Australia with a fake identity, tattered leather suitcase and an extraordinary past. 

A former resident of Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre, learn how this Jewish boy survived the Holocaust by becoming a child mascot for Hitler. 

Read the article from The Guardian ►

Documentary out now

The new documentary, Hitler’s Jewish Soldier explores the remarkable story of Kurzem and the discovery of his true identity after 30 years of searching. 

You can find the documentary on SBS On Demand.

View the trailer ►

A new view - window reinstallation

Contractors have pane-stakingly reinstalled timber framed windows in Tudor Hall and the Hume Public Service Club.

Thanks to a grant from the Australia Government - Department of Industry, Science and Resources, aluminium framed windows have been replaced with timber, aligning to the heritage of the original buildings and existing windows.

Delve into the many fascinating and extraordinary stories of Bonegilla, civilian life and immigration after World War II. 

Each month borrow a copy of the prescribed book from Hyphen – Wodonga Library Gallery, read and join us at Bonegilla Migrant Experience to discuss your thoughts. 

Find out more and register ► 

We are getting ready to bring you some new and exciting events for the Australian Heritage Festival.

• Children’s Day, April 21
• Mother’s Day celebration, May 12
• Heritage bus tour, May 17

Save the dates and keep an eye out on our socials and website - more details coming soon! 

A refresh of our school education programs are underway, aiming to make each student’s experience more interactive and tailored to their schools’ curriculum outcomes.

We offer talks and tours, immersive activities and cultural workshops for all year levels and class sizes. 

If your school is unable to visit – get in touch! We can provide resources for your school to explore in the classroom.

Do you have any original clothes from the 1940s to the 1960s?

We are currently seeking all types of clothing that would have filled a migrant’s suitcase. Clothing will be used for hands-on interactive educational experiences at Bonegilla Migrant Experience.

If you have items that you are happy to donate, complete our expression of interest donation form ►

Do you have a link to the Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre?

After you have found your family's ID card, let us help you record your family stories alongside it. Share a snapshot of what came before and after Bonegilla - for us and generations to come. 

Submit up to 10 images, an oral history recording, video and/or written content for inclusion by email to [email protected]

Recording oral memories doesn’t have to be a daunting task. It can be an easy conversation in a quiet room over a cup of tea. Our Oral History Guide includes tips on recording, questions to ask and how to submit your recording for potential acquisition into the Bonegilla collection.

Preserve your family history ►

Residents of the Albury Wodonga region can access the sound studio at Hyphen - Wodonga Gallery Library, available to the community for use. The first two hours are free, with a small fee for each hour after that.

If you live elsewhere, get in touch with your local library or family history society to see what services they offer.

Honour a loved one and family migration journey by purchasing a commemorative plaque for Mother’s Day.

Featured proudly on site, The Arc memorial sculpture commemorates the individuals and families who arrived at Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre between 1947 and 1971.

Plaques can be ordered anytime throughout the year in person or online.

If you would like a plaque displayed on The Arch in time for Mother’s Day, please place your order by Friday, March 15.

Plaques are $232 each and include your family name, given names and place of origin.

Have you recently visited us at Bonegilla Migrant Experience? Feedback is always welcome. The information you provide helps us better what we do every day.

Complete the quick survey ►

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram and keep up-to-date with the latest news, upcoming events and shared stories from Bonegilla Migrant Experience.

We can't wait to welcome you!