Emmanuilidis

Autobiography written by Theofanis Emmanuilidis for the Albury Museum / for the exhibition The Bonegilla Experience

“Distinguished Guests, Ladies & Gentlemen.

My name is Theo Emmanouilidis and I come from a small village called Tropeouhos, Florina in Greece.

I am pleased to be here and I would like to offer you a brief account of my personal experiences migrating to Australia.

As all of us are aware, we are celebrating the reunion of the Intergovernmental European Migration which was established in 1947 and the inauguration of the Reception Centre in Bonegilla.

Growing up in Greece and reaching the age of 18, I began to seriously wonder what my future held for me. Several families in my village had relatives who had settled years before in Australia and occasionally they would receive parcels and money from THEM them. I was curious about this Country called Australia.

In 1953 the media announced in Greece that Australia needed labourers and agricultural workers. The agreement was for two years and a very small amount of travelling expenses were compensated. I remember how appealing this sounded to ME and thinking to myself – now here’s an opportunity!

In October 1953 I enrolled in Salonica and my interview and medical examination results were satisfactory. Soon after I received a letter from the Immigration Authorities informing me that I was eligible to migrate to Australia. We would depart on the 22nd January 1954.ทบ

Although I was very excited about my adventure to Australia, they were also sad days leading up to my departure. I found it difficult and depressing to leave my parents behind. I built my own suitcase and packed all my personal belongings and in one corner of the case I left enough room for my dreams.

On the 22nd January 1954 1 was one of 372 Greek migrants who stood before an enormous ship (called The Skaulbryn) in Port Pereus that would sail them to a new future. The authorities walked us single file toward the boat one hand carrying our bag and the other wiping the tears from our eyes. Most of us were so emotional we could barely find the words to say goodbye to our loved ones.

Minutes before the ship set sail from Port Pereus, the majority of us made our way to the rear of the boat to farewell our families and friends one last time.

My terrible sadness made me weak but I found the strength to lift my hand and wave my white handkerchief. My voice crackled with emotion as I called goodbye to my motherland. This country, the only home I’d ever known, had kept me and nurtured WE e for 18 years. I wanted it to bless me now. To keep me fit and healthy on my long journey To make me strong enough to confront any hardships that may come my way in my new country, Australia.

We all began to sing the national anthem and following that we continued to sing other songs that spoke of our feelings before our voyage.

At 4:30pm the siren sounded and the ship began to move toward our future. Slowly everything that was familiar began to disappear from our eyes until we were surround by the vastness of the sea.

Aboard the ship we met and travelled with other migrants from Europe. Our journey was memorable – good service, fine food, lots of entertainment and a few surprises.

On the 17th February 1954 at 7:00am the ship finally docked at Port Melbourne. At 11:00am we disembarked and made our way through Customs. Later we were led toward the train that would take us to Albury Station. On arrival buses were waiting to deliver us to Bonegilla Reception Centre.

By midnight we had arrived at the 5th Block Baracks in Bonegilla. The rooms within the barracks contained two single beds made up with crisp, white sheets and blankets spotlessly clean. A tray sat on each bed holding the necessary cutlery we would NEEID weed and a ‘welcome’ letter.

The following day at 7:30am a loud speaker invited us to morning tea. The golden sunshine in the sky that morning was welcoming us to beautiful Australia.

During my four days stay in Bonegilla I had the opportunity to meet other migrants from Europe but we found it difficult to communicate. Our common bond was our excitement and happiness to be in Australia.

My memory of the accommodation facilities, the attitude and manner of the authorities was faultless, the food and other services were first class also. I could never have asked for a more wonderful welcome to Bonegilla.

Bonegilla was a temporary ‘home’ until we could make our own homes. To me, work is treasure. I was young, strong and eager to confront my new life head on.

Thank God the government was given the power to migrate us and provide us with the opportunity to settle in this beautiful country called Australia. To allow us to start a new life here, build our homes and raise our families in this country.

My prayers to God were that He would keep me strong and in good health, to be a good citizen in my new country and to respectfully abide by the rules and laws like all fine Australians.

MY LIFE CONTINUES IN THIS. WONDERFUL COUNTRY AND I WAS. PLEASED TO DONATE MY SUITCASE AND MY STORY TO THE BONEGILLA MUSEUM, 15. FBB 1997

THEO EMMANOUILIDIS “

Theofanis

Male