Spring 2026

A pioneer’s journey to Bonegilla: the beginning of a lifetime in Australia

Arriving on June 6, 1956, 27-year-old Hristos Nikos stepped off the SS Cyrenia with very few possessions but great hopes for a better life.

As the first person from the mountain village of Manoliassa, Greece, to migrate overseas, Hristos was leaving behind a childhood shaped by hardship, the challenges of war and economic uncertainty.

“As an assisted migrant, Hristos's passage to Australia was paid for by the Australian Government under the post-war migration program,” shared Georgia, daughter of the late Hristos.

“Leaving behind his family, friends and everything familiar, he set out for an unknown future.”

The long voyage to Australia became more than a passage between two countries for him. It was the beginning of friendships that would provide comfort, support and companionship for a lifetime.

“During the weeks aboard the Cyrenia, Hristos formed close bonds with fellow Greek migrants who shared similar dreams and experiences,” revealed Georgia.

Among them were Panagiotis Liondos, Dimitrios Liondos, Napoleon Hristopoulos and Evristhenis Daras.

“The friendships formed during that voyage became one of the greatest gifts of the journey.”

Hristos, together with his newfound comrades, was headed for Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre, where he spent five weeks alongside thousands of other newly arrived migrants.

As they navigated the challenges of settlement together, from securing employment to adapting to a new language and culture, these friendships provided strength and a sense of belonging.

“For a young man from a small mountain village in Epirus, Australia was unlike anything he had ever known. The vast open spaces, different language, unfamiliar customs and multicultural environment were a world away from Manoliassa.”

“Yet Bonegilla provided a starting point for migrants seeking to establish themselves in their new homeland.”

From Bonegilla, Hristos travelled north to Queensland to take up employment working on the railways. Later, he moved to Sydney where he settled with his future family.

This story has been made possible thanks to the important preservation work Georgia Nicos undertook by uploading her father Hristos’s journey to the Bonegilla Identity Card and Memory Collection [[link removed]].

Image: Bonegilla Reception Centre entrance sign. Dated 1950 – 1955, ARM 10.715

READ THE FULL STORY [[link removed]] Guided tours

Led by a knowledgeable guide, explore original camp buildings and gain a deeper understanding of daily life at the camp — bringing to life the stories, experiences and memories of its residents. Walk in the footsteps of a migrant, view upcoming tour dates [[link removed]] ►

Exhibition coming soon

Featuring post-war Australian rules football guernseys and sporting memorabilia, Assimilation Through Sport reveals how sport helped migrants create opportunities, forge connections and provide a pathway to belonging, employment and community. Watch out for the opening announcement on our Facebook page [[link removed]] ►

Bespoke Tour and High Tea at Bonegilla

Wednesday, October 14, 10am to 12pm

$30 per person

Step back in time and discover the remarkable stories of Australia’s post-war migrants — their challenges, triumphs and the journeys that helped shape our nation.

Begin your visit with a selection of sweet and savoury refreshments and a warm cuppa, before joining a bespoke guided tour of the Bonegilla Migrant Experience.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, you'll explore original camp buildings, uncover shared migrant stories and gain a deeper understanding of the people who passed through Bonegilla in search of a new life in Australia.

Forming part of Wodonga's Senior Celebrations 2026 [[link removed]] festival, this engaging and insightful experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with an important chapter of our shared history while enjoying the company of fellow visitors in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

BOOK YOUR PLACE [[link removed]] Preserving Bonegilla's history

For more than 25 years, the Albury LibraryMuseum has been preserving important artefacts from Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre, through its extensive archives.

These archives form part of the Bonegilla Collection, collating more than 3300 artefacts, including online objects generously donated by former residents of the migrant reception and training centre. These items include photographs, books, clothing, children’s toys and domestic appliances, plus personal belongings brought by migrants from their homeland that offered comfort and a connection to home.

These archives are available for the community to search and explore online, providing free access to the unique artefacts that form part of Bonegilla’s rich migrant history.

The preservation of this significant collection plays an important role in helping to share the history of Bonegilla’s National-heritage listed site for generations to come.

A selection of items from the collection are also on display at Albury LibraryMuseum, which is open for the community to browse in-person.

Extend your exploration of Bonegilla Migrant Experience with a trip across the border to Albury LibraryMuseum or explore the collection online.

Images: Paul Temple

ONLINE COLLECTION [[link removed]] Chapel exhibition

For the thousands who passed through Bonegilla, Australia’s symbols were often encountered here for the first time. Inspired by the National Museum of Australia’s collection, Defining Symbols of Australia explores symbols that define Australia and its people. On display in the Chapel [[link removed]] ►

Reunite with family at Bonegilla

From family reunions and intimate occasions to Christmas catch-ups and special celebrations, the historic buildings and peaceful surrounds provide the perfect backdrop to share memories and create new ones. Reconnect at a place where your family’s Australian story began [[link removed]] ►

The first to take flight

On September 4, 1958 the first aircraft to fly emigrants from Finland to Australia by air took off, landing three days later in Wagga Wagga, NSW.

Finnish papers reported on the milestone journey by air, describing the large American Douglas aircraft which carried 74 emigrants to Australia, with the youngest of those travelers being eight-month old Aki Jaatinen.

Aki and the Jaatinen family were transferred to Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre where they stayed for a week in Block 18, before continuing their journey onwards.

Recently, Aki took the opportunity to reconnect with his family’s past by visiting Bonegilla Migrant Experience to explore the site and see his family's plaque which forms part of The Arc memorial sculpture.

Aki’s journey forms one of the many Finnish migration stories, with almost 4000 Finn’s beginning a new life in Australia through Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre during its operation.

A special visitor

It was a privilege to welcome Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria to Bonegilla Migrant Experience in August. Amongst other engagements, Her Excellency spent time exploring the original site at Bonegilla, which offered a unique insight into the history of the region.

Bonegilla's history on air

Recently, Robbie Mackinlay from Radio 2AY caught up with one of our team members, Diana, at Bonegilla Migrant Experience, for Episode 37 of the Riding with Robbie [[link removed]] radio program.

In this episode, the two spoke about the history of Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre and its legacy as a now National Heritage-listed facility - exploring the important role it plays in preserving Australia’s rich migration history.

Diana’s family history at Bonegilla extends back to 1961, when her parents arrived at the centre from Belgium.

Now, Diana has been part of the team at Bonegilla Migrant Experience for almost 10 years, including as one of our much-loved expert tour guides.

Listen to the full episode and take a moment to learn more about the story behind Bonegilla Migrant Experience.

BONEGILLA INTERVIEW [[link removed]] Honour your family's migration journey

Commemorating the journey of individuals and families who arrived at Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre between 1947 and 1971, personalised plaques are available to purchase anytime for inclusion on The Arc memorial sculpture. Learn more [[link removed]] ►

Working life at Bonegilla

Many migrants found their first Australian job at Bonegilla Reception and Training Centre, helping to keep the site running day to day.

Between 400 and 1000 migrants were employed at any one time in roles ranging from kitchen, cleaning and garden duties to positions in transport, recreation, hospitals and administration.

"I was a garbologist at Bonegilla," - Alek Lyras, Greece 1956.

"I spoke five languages and this was helpful. My job was as a typist, but I also did a lot of interpreting, timesheets and wages. Sometimes we worked overtime at the finance office but it was always fun," - Eleonora Conolly, Serbia 1949.

Staff also had more comfortable accommodation and additional food provisions, with dedicated staff facilities such as the mess halls in Block 19.

Beyond employment, work at Bonegilla helped foster friendships and a sense of community among migrants from varying nations and non-migrant staff alike. For many, these roles became an important stepping stone as they built new lives in Australia.

Image 1: Alek Lyras standing with Hans Hounsteidt and another person in front of a work truck at Bonegilla, c.1961-1962, ARM 15.913

Image 2: Stepan Tscherepko standing with two other kitchen staff outside a hut, c.1952, ARM 99.102

Image 3: Irina and Galin Vasins cleaning the administrative building at Bonegilla, 1948, ARM 02.245

ID card lookup

Did you know you can search for a Bonegilla ID card via the Bonegilla Identity Card and Memory Collection? Each person or family group at Bonegilla was registered with an ID card which recorded dates of arrival, departure and more. Find someone [[link removed]] ►

Preserve your story

Every family of Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre has a story worth preserving. You can add your family's story to an existing identity card in the online Bonegilla Identity Card and Memory Collection. These stories help preserve our migrant history and ensure it lives on for future generations. Submit your story [[link removed]] ►

Mutton on the menu

While the food at Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre was considered plentiful for many newcomers, compliments for what was available were rarely offered by migrants.

Here’s a taste of a typical day in the Kitchen and Mess Halls during the centre’s operation …

Breakfast

Porridge and milk, bread with butter and jam, coffee or tea, one boiled egg or baked beans on toast.

Lunch

Boiled meat and white sauce or cold meat and potato salad, vegetables, baked jam roll with custard and tea.

Dinner

Pea soup, roast mutton and gravy, baked potatoes, vegetables and tea.

Many migrants supplemented their diet with food purchased elsewhere, with the canteen selling a variety of foodstuffs and goods. Plus, the Cinderella Café, along the road past Block 19 towards the Hume Dam, served food items that were familiar to immigrants.

"We never went short of food at Bonegilla, but I got sick of continuously eating mutton and lamb." - Aima, Estonia, 1949

Food looms large in the memories of former residents. Some remember that it was plentiful after the lean war years - others remember the unfamiliar tastes and smells introduced at the centre.

Image: Dining at Bonegilla c.1960s ARM 02.063

Thank you — and welcome friends

Thank you to our most recent Friends of Bonegilla. We appreciate the generous donations made in your names to the Bonegilla Migrant Experience Gift Fund.

Gordana Fabbro Rosanda Lukic Mark Sander

We’re so pleased to welcome you into a growing community of supporters who share our commitment to preserving a vital chapter of Australia’s migration story.

Today, Block 19 is all that remains of the original 24 accommodation blocks that once formed the largest and longest operating reception centre during the post-war period.

Open to the public by Bonegilla Migrant Experience, Block 19 and its original buildings stand as a powerful reminder of the stories, struggles and triumphs of those who helped shape modern Australia.

Your valued contribution helps preserve this legacy through heritage restoration, exhibitions and displays, tours and education programs.

You too can become a Friend of Bonegilla — with a donation of $40 or more you’ll receive an email of appreciation and be acknowledged in our e-newsletter.

All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Bonegilla Migrant Experience is a not-for-profit organisation.

MAKE A DONATION [[link removed]] We welcome your feedback

Have you recently visited us at Bonegilla Migrant Experience? We would love to hear about your experience. Always welcome, the feedback you provide helps us better what we do every day. Tell us about your experience [[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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