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Visitors 83
Modified 31-Jan-24
Created 28-Sep-09
138 photos

In the early-mid fifties we arrived at Station Pier in Port Melbourne after five weeks at sea, to start a new life in "down-under".
It was the heyday of migration and many of the newcomers were large Dutch families. They left behind the ravages of war, but also a country that slowly got on its feet again and with better times looming ahead. People left their homelands for many different reasons, one of them was the threat of communism from behind the iron-curtain. We left for economic and climatic motives, as well to be reunited with family who had gone before us. The decision to migrate was simplified by the generous assisted passage scheme, a 10-pounds one-way ticket. Well we found our feet and in this gallery you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the past fifty years. A lot of the images are of average or low quality, but we had other things on our mind than nifty camera work.

Aerogramme from a lonely father to his family at the other side of the world

Aerogramme from a lonely father to his family at the other side of the world

Here is it summer, the sun is very warm. The skin on my nose and ears are peeling.

Here is it summer, the sun is very warm. The skin on my nose and ears are peeling.

Unmade Hayden Road in the early fifties, taken from number 10, looking towards (invisible) Westall Rd.

Unmade Hayden Road in the early fifties, taken from number 10, looking towards (invisible) Westall Rd.

Jetty Leferink flanked by her opposite neighbours and sisters Nibbs

Jetty Leferink flanked by her opposite neighbours and sisters Nibbs

Fun on the slope and dressed for school at number 10

Fun on the slope and dressed for school at number 10

The latest arrival (me) fresh from the boat with the Leferink family

The latest arrival (me) fresh from the boat with the Leferink family

Johan van Oldenbarnevelt at Station Pier Port Melbourne

Johan van Oldenbarnevelt at Station Pier Port Melbourne

John Leferink delighted to see his sister Marie at the railing

John Leferink delighted to see his sister Marie at the railing

Arrived at their new place of residence I'm looking for the keys on 47 Victor Road in East Bentleigh.

Arrived at their new place of residence I'm looking for the keys on 47 Victor Road in East Bentleigh.

Bare walls but decorated windows.

Bare walls but decorated windows.

Outside toilet.

Outside toilet.

All dressed for that important trip.

All dressed for that important trip.

Our garage for four Dutch bicycles

Our garage for four Dutch bicycles

Springvale station and its red rattler train ready to depart for the city

Springvale station and its red rattler train ready to depart for the city

Springvale main street in the early fifties.

Springvale main street in the early fifties.

The house John Leferink built on 10 Hayden Road

The house John Leferink built on 10 Hayden Road

My 250 cc silver coated DKW gets a work over.

My 250 cc silver coated DKW gets a work over.

Get together at Cornelissen chicken farm on Westall Road

Get together at Cornelissen chicken farm on Westall Road

Princes Highway - Springvale Road crossing, early 50's.

Princes Highway - Springvale Road crossing, early 50's.

Blanchard corner Princes Highway and Springvale Road. Those two little ones are John and Ann Beus kids.

Blanchard corner Princes Highway and Springvale Road. Those two little ones are John and Ann Beus kids.

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