Public Invited to Step Into the Past

Imagine ... being pulled out of war-torn Europe, put on a boat for 2-3 months, landing in Melbourne, put on a train, deposited at Bonegilla, not speaking any English, and walking into a migrant camp reminiscent of the detainment camp you left behind.

This is just one person’s story but such an experience left some post-war migrants who came to the former Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre with a strong sense of desolation.

For others it did not matter what the experience, they were just glad of the opportunity to start a new life in a peaceful country or excited by the pure adventure of it all.

As part of its activities to ‘Celebrate – The Beginning Place’ on Sunday, Dec 4, The Bonegilla Migrant Experience is inviting all members of the public, young and old, to step into the shoes of the Bonegilla migrants.

The event titled ‘Walk A Mile In Their Shoes’ is a re-enactment of the exhausting, and unknown, walk that migrants may have made from the Bonegilla Railway Siding to ‘Block 19’.  Some were lucky enough to be transported either by truck or bus.

Bonegilla Migrant Experience Steering Committee Chairperson Mr Chris Pidd said the walk was a great way to begin what will be a fun, and fascinating, day of celebrating the ‘migrant experience’.

‘We’ll set off, to the sounds of live, festive, ethnic music, through the back entrance of Latchford Barracks, past sign posts indicating where other ‘blocks’ and buildings such as the hospital, used to be, and then finish at ‘Block 19’, he said.

‘The walk starts at 9.30am from the Bonegilla Railway Siding.  Anyone who cares to join us can park at ‘Block 19’, Bonegilla, and catch a courtesy Mylon’s shuttle bus back to the Railway Siding.’

‘Walk A Mile In Their Shoes’ is open to anyone who would like join in and Defence Force personnel will be on hand to help with marshalling, drinks, etc.

To register for the Walk or for further information on activities planned for the weekend of December 3 and 4, please contact Christine Thorpe (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.