June 2024
A young woman’s journey to Bonegilla
"That was the last time I saw him," said Marga.
“He left a letter in the shipyard before leaving with a few words – they don’t know where they’ll be going. To look after everyone. Love for Anita and mum and everyone.”
Hoping to hear word from the Red Cross about her husband, after the war Marga Gimis, her children Anita and Aldis and mother Emilija lived in the American zone in Germany.
Hearing nothing, she made the difficult decision to board the USS General W. C. Langfitt transport ship to Australia.
Arriving in 1949, Marga and her family passed through the doors of the Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre, part of the more than 300,000 migrants who made the same journey.
Her story is just one of the many brave and poignant narratives out of Bonegilla.
READ MORE [[link removed]] Jesaulenko, you beauty!
Arriving in Melbourne aboard the Skaugum, four year old Alex Jesaulenko and his family were selected for migration to Australia as Ukrainian "displaced persons".
Initially sent to Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre, they later settled in Canberra, where his talent for Aussie rules became apparent.
Learn more about Alex's migration journey in the article, From refugee camp to the MCG, found in the National Archives of Australia.
📷 4 year old Alex. NAA: A11959, 1294-297
📷 The Skaugum which the Jesaulenko family travelled on to Australia in 1949. NAA: A8139, VOLUME 8
📷 More action from the 1970 VFL Grand Final. NAA: A1200, L89295
READ MORE [[link removed]] Post-war migration tour
Last month eager explorers immersed themselves in migrant history, visiting Block 19, Latchford Barracks and Albury LibrayMuseum. Express your interest [[link removed]] for our next tour (date to be set) ►
Take a tour with an experienced guide
Join us on a guided tour and explore the original camp buildings, hear shared stories and truly walk in the shoes of the 320,000 migrants who made this their first Australian home. Days, times and more [[link removed]] ►
Top reads at book club
Explore a rich tapestry of migrant stories. Each month read the prescribed book and meet us for an enlightening discussion. Next meeting, Sunday, June 23 to discuss The Rose Code by Kate Quinn. Spaces still available [[link removed]] ►
Follow us for more
We are always working towards bringing you new experiences. Keep an eye on our social pages [[link removed]] for more upcoming events.
► Coming soon: Senior Celebrations, Social Card and Board Game Day.
Winter school holiday fun
Saturday, June 29 to Sunday, July 21
Open 10am to 4pm daily
Families, prepare yourselves for school holidays packed with fun, exploration and discovery at Bonegilla Migrant Experience.
Come on a journey back in time and step into the shoes of a migrant by taking part in immersive experiences and hands-on activities.
Children’s Paper Quilling Workshops (limited times, bookings required); Scavenger Hunt; Look and Find; Colouring station; Recreational games; and, Much more!
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the historic grounds or pick up some freshly made scones from our Welcome Centre.
SEE WHAT'S ON [[link removed]] Happiest Man on Earth
New book in stock - $30 each
Chronicling the remarkable resilience and triumph of a Holocaust survivor, Eddie Jaku shares how he found gratitude, kindness and hope in the darkest of places.
I’m Australian Too
New book in stock - $25 each
Written by acclaimed Australian author Mem Fox and illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh, this book celebrates diversity and inclusivity through the eyes of children from various cultural backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and belonging.
Honour your family's migration journey
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. If you would like to place your order before any price increases, you can do so by June 30 in person or online.
Plaques are currently $232 each and include your family name, given names and place of origin.
Kindly be aware that it may take up to eight weeks for plaques to be installed on The Arc memorial sculpture.
PLACE YOUR ORDER [[link removed]] Share your stories
After you have found your family's ID card [[link removed]], let us help you record your family stories alongside it. Share a snapshot of what came before and after Bonegilla - for generations to come. Submit up to 10 images, an oral history recording, video or written content for inclusion [mailto:
[email protected]?subject=Submission%20-%20Family%20story%2C%20ID%20card] ►
New school experience a hit with students
Recently added to our range of on-site learning options, our new hands-on activity has been a hit with school students of all ages.
By investigating a variety of artefacts and documents, students learn about life as a migrant and the journey taken to start a new life on the other side of the world.
Combined with a condensed guided tour, the new activity provides an engaging learning experience option for students. Optional workshops can also be added for a tailored learning program.
SCHOOL RESOURCES [[link removed]] We'd love your feedback
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 [[link removed]] ►
Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is general and is not offered as a complete or definitive statement of the relevant facts. Third party comments and information do not necessarily reflect the position of Wodonga Council and are provided only as a matter of interest, we therefore take no responsibility for the accuracy of third party material.
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