Special Items Trigger Memories

As life goes on and situations change there are often some precious items we tend to hold dear and never get rid of, as they often represent a special time in our lives.

Many migrants who came through the former Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre didn’t have much but have held on to what special items they did have - some of which they carried with them all the way from Europe.

A unique event titled ‘Bonegilla Stories’ will provide a ‘show and tell’ session where people can bring along their special item and share the story about it.  Or people can come along and simply tell their migrant story.

‘Bonegilla Stories’ curator Karlie Hawking says many migrant people she has met have some real treasures tucked away.

‘Some people might have a particular piece of clothing, a clock, a suitcase, a radio, a razor, a piece of jewellery, anything that means something to them and their experience at Bonegilla and has a story attached’  Ms Hawking said. ‘We would like people to bring their special item, or a story, that depicts their early experiences and that they are willing to talk about.’

To register your interest in participating in this event please contact the Bonegilla Stories Curator, Karlie Hawking on (02) 6021 5034 or alternatively bring your items and stories along on the day.

‘Bonegilla Stories’ is one of many exciting events being held as part of the ‘Celebrate – The Beginning Place’ festivities planned for the weekend of December 3^rd and 4^th, at ‘Block 19’, Bonegilla.

For further information contact Christine Thorpe on (02) 6023 2327, 04 2222 6451, or in writing at parklands PO Box 1040, Wodonga, VIC, 3689.

For information on travel, accommodation, packages, and for a free regional information pack please phone Ros Quigley on 1300 796 222.

Thanks must go to the Victorian State Government, Victorian Multicultural Commission, Major Projects Victoria, and Tourism Victoria for past and present support.

The Bonegilla Migrant Experience Steering Committee and parklands Albury Wodonga are working in partnership to provide more efficient and effective services to the residents of the Albury Wodonga region and the Victorian community in relation to The Bonegilla Migrant Experience.