Crafting of an Australian Citizenship Quilt NSW Contributions
Crafting of an Australian Citizenship Quilt NSW Contributions
Crafting of an Australian Citizenship Quilt NSW Contributions
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<strong>Crafting</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>an</strong> Australi<strong>an</strong> <strong>Citizenship</strong> <strong>Quilt</strong><br />
<strong>NSW</strong> <strong>Contributions</strong><br />
The <strong>Citizenship</strong> Policy <strong>an</strong>d Promotion Section <strong>of</strong> the Department <strong>of</strong> Immigration <strong>an</strong>d Multicultural <strong>an</strong>d<br />
Indigenous Affairs would like to th<strong>an</strong>k the following <strong>NSW</strong> contributors to the Australi<strong>an</strong> <strong>Citizenship</strong> <strong>Quilt</strong><br />
<strong>an</strong>d the comp<strong>an</strong>ion Young Australi<strong>an</strong> <strong>Citizenship</strong> <strong>Quilt</strong>.<br />
In total, about 400 squares were received <strong>an</strong>d almost 300 selected for the final designs.<br />
qry<strong>NSW</strong>Web<br />
ArtistSurname ArtistFirst Name ArtistSuburb ArtistID<br />
Anderson Katherine Albion Park Rail 46<br />
Arnott Lynne Turramurra 94<br />
B<strong>an</strong>ks Di<strong>an</strong>e Wirrimbi 75<br />
Barrett Judith Katoomba 225<br />
Bartlett Coralie Forestville 284<br />
Betts Elizabeth Coonabarabr<strong>an</strong> 283<br />
Bl<strong>an</strong>chard Maree Marrickville 35<br />
Bloomfield Philippa Turramurra 288<br />
Boyton Gwenda Tuross Head 157<br />
Bray Karina Lilyfield 181<br />
Brown Anne-Marie Frenchs Forest 113<br />
Bryce Ellen Londonderry 133<br />
Cat<strong>an</strong>zariti Caterina Griffith 163<br />
Cat<strong>an</strong>zariti Brend<strong>an</strong> Griffith 164<br />
Cat<strong>an</strong>zariti David Jerabombera 164<br />
Chapm<strong>an</strong> Barbara Gr<strong>an</strong>ville 78<br />
Chapple J<strong>an</strong>e Corrimal 192<br />
Covey D<strong>an</strong>ielle Beacon Hill 285<br />
Daly Lynne Harrington Park 60<br />
Eames Amelia Wahroonga 279<br />
Eldridge Glad Nyng<strong>an</strong> 232<br />
Ev<strong>an</strong>s Helen M<strong>an</strong>ildra 185<br />
Fenton Olga East Lindfield 134<br />
Fleming Vivien Port Macquarie 207<br />
Gatenby Karla Turramurra 289<br />
Gibbs-Carson Felicity Ulladulla 47<br />
Giblin Sally St Ives 70<br />
Gilchrist Anthea Cherrybrook 89<br />
Gras Marlene Griffith 151<br />
Greenwood Pietty Liverpool 203<br />
Greenwood Pietty Liverpool 204<br />
Greenwood Pietty Liverpool 205<br />
Hale Caitlin Wahroonga 280<br />
H<strong>an</strong>sen Je<strong>an</strong> East Gosford 290<br />
Hendricks Anna Gordon 277
qry<strong>NSW</strong>Web<br />
ArtistSurname ArtistFirst Name ArtistSuburb ArtistID<br />
Howard Yvonne Urunga 159<br />
Hyde J<strong>an</strong>et Niagara Park 19<br />
Kelly Sheila Kirrawee 6<br />
Kitto Marina Rockdale 31<br />
Kleinschafer Sister Mary East Maitl<strong>an</strong>d 139<br />
Lemin Je<strong>an</strong> Coor<strong>an</strong>bong 26<br />
Lemin Je<strong>an</strong> Coor<strong>an</strong>bong 27<br />
Lever Leonie Keiraville 22<br />
Levey Catherine Braidwood 63<br />
Lima Teresa Rosemeadow 155<br />
Lloyd Sue Lismore 96<br />
Long Elizabeth Green Point 62<br />
Lovett Patricia Nyng<strong>an</strong> 230<br />
Lucas Judy Roseville 286<br />
Magree Mardi Faulconbridge 59<br />
Mason Kathy North Narrabeen 111<br />
Masters Je<strong>an</strong> Coor<strong>an</strong>bong 16<br />
Masters Je<strong>an</strong> Coor<strong>an</strong>bong 17<br />
McAllister H<strong>an</strong>nah Norm<strong>an</strong>hurst 281<br />
McG<strong>an</strong>n Barbara Gordon 282<br />
McGregor Helen Kellyville 24<br />
McKenna Lily Toongabbie 292<br />
McLeod Jill Via Braidwood 199<br />
Miles Ann Old Toongabbie 293<br />
Mills Elizabeth Ulladulla 177<br />
Mirek Letitia Lewisham 58<br />
M<strong>of</strong>fet Kate Turramurra 287<br />
Morris Caitlin Wahroonga 278<br />
Muir Barbara MARAYONG 38<br />
Pages V<strong>an</strong>essa Leeton 164<br />
Pardy Yvonne Nyng<strong>an</strong> 231<br />
Patel Dami Ingleburn 193<br />
Perry Monica Green Point 291<br />
Power Julie Grafton 55<br />
Procopis Di<strong>an</strong>ne Davidson 179<br />
Reeds Jo Penrith 154<br />
Rigg Judy Berry 66<br />
Scarborough Nerida Rydalmere 57<br />
Selby-Morton Anne Port Macquary 187<br />
Stacey Gail Cr<strong>an</strong>brook 150<br />
Sutton Judith Palm Beach 61<br />
Thomas Elizabeth MAYFIELD 36<br />
Thorpe Dr Leon Griffith 130<br />
Thorpe Suz<strong>an</strong>ne Griffith 129<br />
Turner Steph<strong>an</strong>ie Peakhurst 174<br />
Turner Steph<strong>an</strong>ie Peakhurst 175
qry<strong>NSW</strong>Web<br />
ArtistSurname ArtistFirst Name ArtistSuburb ArtistID<br />
Turner Steph<strong>an</strong>ie Peakhurst 176<br />
Urquhart Elsa Dural 34<br />
Vukoja Durdica Fairfield 49<br />
Wall Shirla Dubbo 307<br />
Watson Elizabeth Cooma 51<br />
Weatherstone June Via Braidwood 189<br />
Weedon Heather Point Clare 56<br />
White Carole Saratoga 74<br />
Wiencke Edna Wagga Wagga 95
Anderson, Katherine<br />
Albion Park Rail <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“The Sea Chest”<br />
ID046<br />
The artist’s parents married in Engl<strong>an</strong>d in August 1939,<br />
with three children born in war time circumst<strong>an</strong>ces,<br />
surviving strictly rationed food <strong>an</strong>d dreadful nights in air<br />
raid shelters, listening to sirens <strong>an</strong>d bomb blasts,<br />
clutching our gas masks <strong>an</strong>d praying. Her father, a<br />
coach builder by trade, joined the Royal Air Force<br />
repairing damaged aircraft, m<strong>an</strong>y flown by Australi<strong>an</strong><br />
airmen who <strong>of</strong>ten told him stories about how wonderful<br />
it was to live in Australia. These stories gave her<br />
parents “hope for a better, brighter, happier future in a<br />
new country.”<br />
“We had our personal belongings in a sea chest that my<br />
father bought <strong>of</strong>f a sailor, who had assured him it would<br />
survive the voyage. It did. In fact, that chest is still kept<br />
in the family some 51 years on.<br />
“As we settled in this beautiful country, Australia<br />
became our perm<strong>an</strong>ent home. My mother <strong>an</strong>d father<br />
never regretted coming to Australia <strong>an</strong>d never returned<br />
to Engl<strong>an</strong>d. Sadly, my mother <strong>an</strong>d father have now<br />
both passed away. My brothers <strong>an</strong>d I decided to<br />
become Australi<strong>an</strong> citizens as a tribute to them, as now<br />
our children <strong>an</strong>d gr<strong>an</strong>dchildren benefit from their<br />
courage to make us all a new life in Australia – the<br />
‘lucky country’.”<br />
The artist’s “Sea Chest” design includes a<br />
toy to represent the children, a rose for<br />
her parents whose ashes are in her rose<br />
garden <strong>an</strong>d her father’s Royal Air Force<br />
badge.<br />
17 June 1954 – the last night before the Palmer<br />
family left Engl<strong>an</strong>d for Australia
Arnott, Lynne<br />
Turramurra <strong>NSW</strong><br />
No story provided.<br />
ID094<br />
B<strong>an</strong>ks, Di<strong>an</strong>e<br />
Wirrimbi <strong>NSW</strong><br />
No story provided.<br />
ID075<br />
Barrett, Judith<br />
Katoomba <strong>NSW</strong><br />
No story provided.<br />
ID225
Bartlett, Coralie<br />
Forestville <strong>NSW</strong><br />
No story provided.<br />
ID284<br />
Betts, Elizabeth<br />
Coonabarabr<strong>an</strong> <strong>NSW</strong><br />
Coonabarabr<strong>an</strong> Junior Guides & Lone Waratah<br />
Guides<br />
“We come together as a group with all different cultures<br />
<strong>an</strong>d socio-economic backgrounds. We abide by our<br />
Promise <strong>an</strong>d the Guide Laws.”<br />
ID283
Betty Viazim<br />
Photograph: Peter Holderness, courtesy <strong>of</strong> NIDA<br />
Bl<strong>an</strong>chard, Maree<br />
Marickville <strong>NSW</strong><br />
The artist’s father, Gregory Nikitich Viazim, fled<br />
Russia with his brother in 1922 for Sh<strong>an</strong>ghai<br />
where he lived with the expatriate Russi<strong>an</strong><br />
community before migrating to Australia in 1925.<br />
He worked as <strong>an</strong> electrical welder in Townsville,<br />
Darwin <strong>an</strong>d Port Kembla before arriving in Sydney.<br />
He met <strong>an</strong>d married Betty Viazim, who received<br />
<strong>an</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> the British Empire in 1981 for her<br />
services to Australia’s Film Industry. Apart from<br />
credits in classic Australi<strong>an</strong> films <strong>an</strong>d television<br />
productions including “We <strong>of</strong> the Never Never”,<br />
“Careful He Might Hear You” <strong>an</strong>d “My Brother<br />
Jack”, she lectured in theatre crafts at the National<br />
Institute <strong>of</strong> Dramatic Art (NIDA) from 1974 – 1983.<br />
Betty Viazim’s millinery extended to creating hats<br />
for collectable dolls. After Betty’s death, the artist<br />
created the <strong>an</strong>nual “Betty Viazim Craft Award” in<br />
her mother’s honour.<br />
ID035
“I would not be here if Australia had not accepted<br />
[my father] as a migr<strong>an</strong>t … his brother went to<br />
America <strong>an</strong>d his parents <strong>an</strong>d sister were not heard<br />
<strong>of</strong> again. I think Australi<strong>an</strong> citizenship is just the<br />
most prestigious thing in the world to have. We<br />
are really, really lucky.”<br />
Gregory Viazim received his Certificate <strong>of</strong><br />
Naturalization on 15 April 1940.<br />
The artist’s husb<strong>an</strong>d is descended from the<br />
second “free” Greek settler in Australia, John<br />
Peters (Io<strong>an</strong>nis Iakoumis), who l<strong>an</strong>ded in Sydney<br />
in 1838 <strong>an</strong>d married <strong>an</strong> Irish wom<strong>an</strong> with whom he<br />
had 16 children. He was a “boatm<strong>an</strong>” on the<br />
Parramatta River before moving with his family to<br />
the “Bedervale” property near Braidwood, <strong>NSW</strong>,<br />
where he worked as a shepherd <strong>an</strong>d gold<br />
prospector at nearby Little River.<br />
Bloomfield, Philippa (Pip)<br />
Turramurra <strong>NSW</strong><br />
The artist is fourth generation Australi<strong>an</strong> <strong>of</strong> English<br />
<strong>an</strong>d Scottish descent.<br />
ID288<br />
“Australia is unique <strong>an</strong>d a diverse l<strong>an</strong>d – both its<br />
l<strong>an</strong>dscape <strong>an</strong>d people make it so special to me. I<br />
see Australia as a l<strong>an</strong>d <strong>of</strong> colour, a l<strong>an</strong>d <strong>of</strong> deserts<br />
<strong>an</strong>d plains, mountains, forests <strong>an</strong>d oce<strong>an</strong>s all with<br />
wonderful <strong>an</strong>d str<strong>an</strong>ge flora <strong>an</strong>d fauna. The<br />
colours <strong>of</strong> Australia are also the people. The<br />
Aboriginal people with their underst<strong>an</strong>ding <strong>of</strong> the<br />
l<strong>an</strong>d <strong>an</strong>d their <strong>an</strong>cient culture. People from<br />
Europe<strong>an</strong> countries, from Asia, Africa, the<br />
Americas <strong>an</strong>d the Middle East all bring their own<br />
vibr<strong>an</strong>t colours <strong>of</strong> food, l<strong>an</strong>guage <strong>an</strong>d culture to<br />
make Australia the great nation it is today.”
Boyton, Gwenda<br />
Tuross Head <strong>NSW</strong><br />
The artist’s paternal <strong>an</strong>cestors came to Australia from<br />
Essex, Engl<strong>an</strong>d <strong>an</strong>d from Dumfrieshire, Scotl<strong>an</strong>d, on<br />
her maternal side. Before recently retiring to the South<br />
Coast <strong>of</strong> <strong>NSW</strong>, the artist <strong>an</strong>d her husb<strong>an</strong>d were farmers<br />
in SW <strong>NSW</strong> near Wagga Wagga.<br />
“The k<strong>an</strong>garoo represents the l<strong>an</strong>d <strong>an</strong>d the dolphins the<br />
surrounding water. This makes us a free <strong>an</strong>d complete<br />
country. I am lucky to live in this lovely country.<br />
ID157<br />
Bray, Karina<br />
Lilyfield <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“Free Speech”<br />
Artist dedicates her square to free speech.<br />
“I am glad to be a citizen <strong>of</strong> a country where we have<br />
the right to free speech. The Prime Minister, Mr John<br />
Howard, reminded us <strong>of</strong> this right <strong>an</strong>d how import<strong>an</strong>t it<br />
is, when he first came to power. Because in m<strong>an</strong>y<br />
countries people don’t have this right <strong>an</strong>d they go jail for<br />
saying something wrong about politici<strong>an</strong>s or religion.”<br />
ID181<br />
Brown, Anne-Marie (Anna)<br />
Frenchs Forest<br />
The artist was born in Engl<strong>an</strong>d in 1953. She pays<br />
tribute to her parents who, in 1970, had the “courage to<br />
leave their home for a better life”. She grew up in<br />
Queensl<strong>an</strong>d with memories <strong>of</strong> “sun <strong>an</strong>d surf, <strong>an</strong>d<br />
wonderful holidays!” She now lives with her husb<strong>an</strong>d<br />
<strong>an</strong>d two children in Sydney.<br />
ID113<br />
“I became <strong>an</strong> Australi<strong>an</strong> citizen in 1988, as <strong>an</strong><br />
acknowledgement that this is my home. My small quilt<br />
[square] attempts to show the wonderful wide open<br />
spaces <strong>an</strong>d colours <strong>of</strong> this beautiful country.”
Bryce, Ellen<br />
Londonderry <strong>NSW</strong><br />
The artist’s parents, Sara <strong>an</strong>d Mas<strong>an</strong>, fled their<br />
“beloved country” (former Yugoslavia) independently<br />
during World War II over the Velebit Mountains,<br />
eventually arriving in Egypt as refugees, where Mas<strong>an</strong><br />
joined the English Army. The pair met <strong>an</strong>d married in<br />
Egypt <strong>an</strong>d had two children by the end <strong>of</strong> the war, when<br />
they accepted Australia’s <strong>of</strong>fer <strong>of</strong> a new beginning for<br />
their family. The couple went on to have four children,<br />
13 gr<strong>an</strong>dchildren <strong>an</strong>d five great gr<strong>an</strong>dchildren.<br />
ID133<br />
“They are the legacy they leave to Australia in th<strong>an</strong>ks<br />
for what Australia has given them – over 55 years <strong>of</strong><br />
living with no fear for their freedom, their health <strong>an</strong>d, in<br />
the end, their happiness.<br />
“Our parents never yearned to return home, they<br />
appreciated their new home <strong>an</strong>d worked hard to provide<br />
for their family. They worked the l<strong>an</strong>d just as they had<br />
back home, but here they reaped more. They provided<br />
a home, <strong>an</strong> education <strong>an</strong>d a safe environment for their<br />
children.<br />
“The quilt square shows Sara’s mountains, her cows<br />
<strong>an</strong>d sheep, her water well at her home. Mas<strong>an</strong>’s l<strong>an</strong>d in<br />
Zaton at the base <strong>of</strong> the mountains. Sara’s irises,<br />
pl<strong>an</strong>ted on her mother’s grave 85 years ago (<strong>an</strong>d still<br />
there), the pyramids <strong>of</strong> Egypt where they met <strong>an</strong>d<br />
married, the <strong>of</strong>fer <strong>of</strong> peace <strong>an</strong>d the boat trip to Australia,<br />
the K<strong>an</strong>garoo representing their Australi<strong>an</strong> born<br />
children, their four children, <strong>an</strong>d the beautiful flowers <strong>of</strong><br />
Australia.<br />
“Sara is 91 years old <strong>an</strong>d still enjoying being <strong>an</strong><br />
Australi<strong>an</strong> citizen. Th<strong>an</strong>k you mum <strong>an</strong>d dad, th<strong>an</strong>k you<br />
Australia for inviting my parents to make Australia their<br />
home.”
Cat<strong>an</strong>zariti, Caterina & Brend<strong>an</strong><br />
Griffith <strong>NSW</strong><br />
Cat<strong>an</strong>zariti, David<br />
Jerabombera <strong>NSW</strong><br />
Pages, V<strong>an</strong>essa<br />
Leeton <strong>NSW</strong><br />
Hillam, Ann-Marie<br />
Weipa QLD<br />
ID163<br />
”The students in the square are my six<br />
gr<strong>an</strong>dchildren who share their Australi<strong>an</strong><br />
heritage with their multicultural background…<br />
The teacher is me.” – Catarina<br />
Caterina Cat<strong>an</strong>zariti’s father was the first to arrive from<br />
Italy in Australia on 29 June 1949, establishing <strong>an</strong><br />
orchard in Griffith with his brother. In 1952, when she<br />
was seven years old, she <strong>an</strong>d her mother joined their<br />
father in Australia.<br />
“On the 11 th <strong>of</strong> April 1955, my brother Pasquale was<br />
born, bringing much happiness to our family as my<br />
parents had lost two baby boys due to common<br />
childhood illnesses in Italy. My school days were very<br />
enjoyable <strong>an</strong>d I was doing well [but] at the age <strong>of</strong><br />
fourteen I was told by my father that I was to leave<br />
school because <strong>of</strong> our cultural traditions. Most girls<br />
from the same cultural background were not permitted<br />
to attend school beyond that age. After I left school I<br />
became a dressmaker <strong>an</strong>d sewed until I got married.<br />
In 1964, she married Joe. Joe’s father had also come<br />
to Australia ahead <strong>of</strong> his family in 1949, with the rest <strong>of</strong><br />
the family joining him in 1951. Joe was 15 when he<br />
arrived in Australia. He became <strong>an</strong> Australi<strong>an</strong> citizen at<br />
20, establishing a Real Estate Business by the age <strong>of</strong><br />
23.<br />
ID164<br />
Each year, the couple <strong>an</strong>d their children,<br />
spent their summer vacations at Terrigal<br />
Beach, <strong>NSW</strong>. The “square” contributed by<br />
their children recalls the “surf, s<strong>an</strong>d <strong>an</strong>d<br />
endless happy days spent there. We are<br />
very proud to call Australia home <strong>an</strong>d proud<br />
<strong>of</strong> our great nation.” – David, Ann-Marie,<br />
Brend<strong>an</strong> <strong>an</strong>d V<strong>an</strong>essa<br />
“I was very fortunate to have married my husb<strong>an</strong>d who<br />
was very liberal in his thinking <strong>an</strong>d all our [two<br />
daughters <strong>an</strong>d two sons] obtained university<br />
educations. We always encouraged our children to<br />
strive for high ideals. He also encouraged me to follow<br />
my own dream <strong>of</strong> one day completing my own<br />
education… In 1995, I graduated from University with a<br />
Bachelor <strong>of</strong> Education. For the past nine years I have<br />
been working as <strong>an</strong> ESL teacher at our local Catholic<br />
school, teaching English to migr<strong>an</strong>t children. Th<strong>an</strong>k you<br />
mum <strong>an</strong>d dad for migrating to Australia <strong>an</strong>d becoming<br />
Australi<strong>an</strong> citizens, where your dream for a better future<br />
did come true!”
Chapm<strong>an</strong>, Barbara<br />
Gr<strong>an</strong>ville <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“The square … depicts the end <strong>of</strong> a hard day on the<br />
l<strong>an</strong>d where the horse is watering by the windmill prior to<br />
bedding down to recover for the next days work. The<br />
material around the end … represents the hard sun<br />
baked cracked earth <strong>of</strong> the drought.”<br />
ID078<br />
Chapple, J<strong>an</strong>e<br />
Corrimal <strong>NSW</strong><br />
No story provided.<br />
ID192<br />
Covey, D<strong>an</strong>ielle<br />
Beacon Hill<br />
Frenchs Forest Senior Guides<br />
No story provided.<br />
ID285
Daly, Lynne<br />
Harrington Park <strong>NSW</strong><br />
The artist is fifth generation Australi<strong>an</strong>, with her<br />
<strong>an</strong>cestors arriving by sea from Engl<strong>an</strong>d, Irel<strong>an</strong>d <strong>an</strong>d<br />
Wales in search <strong>of</strong> a new life.<br />
“I have travelled far <strong>an</strong>d wide <strong>an</strong>d am always proud to<br />
say ‘I’m Australi<strong>an</strong>’! I hope future generations continue<br />
to appreciate what we have here, <strong>an</strong>d look after our<br />
l<strong>an</strong>d, so that my <strong>of</strong>fspring <strong>an</strong>d theirs c<strong>an</strong> enjoy<br />
Australia, its freedom <strong>an</strong>d all its jewels.”<br />
ID070<br />
Eames, Amelia<br />
Wahroonga <strong>NSW</strong><br />
Wahroonga Guides<br />
“I moved to Sydney this year <strong>an</strong>d tr<strong>an</strong>sferred to<br />
Wahroonga Guides. I am 10 years old <strong>an</strong>d have been<br />
a guide for four years. My mother has <strong>an</strong> apron with<br />
Australi<strong>an</strong> wildflowers printed on it <strong>an</strong>d we have the<br />
same material as curtains at our Guide Hut. The purple<br />
flower is my favourite <strong>an</strong>d this is why I chose if for my<br />
patchwork. It blooms in Western Australia in the spring<br />
time”.<br />
ID279<br />
Eldridge, Glad<br />
Nyng<strong>an</strong> <strong>NSW</strong><br />
Nyng<strong>an</strong> Trefoil Guide<br />
“This is our l<strong>an</strong>d, Australia. These flowers are all God’s<br />
creation. How beautiful they all are – unique each one,<br />
just as we hum<strong>an</strong>s are…<br />
“I have lived in Nyng<strong>an</strong> in Western <strong>NSW</strong> all my life, <strong>an</strong>d<br />
have always gathered the wild flowers every spring to<br />
make daisy chains… Even today I go <strong>an</strong>d gather a<br />
bunch as they remind me <strong>of</strong> my childhood…”<br />
ID232
Ev<strong>an</strong>s, Helen & John<br />
M<strong>an</strong>ildra <strong>NSW</strong><br />
The artists are sheep farmers in the Central West<br />
region <strong>of</strong> New South Wales, with <strong>an</strong>cestors from<br />
Irel<strong>an</strong>d, Engl<strong>an</strong>d, Scotl<strong>an</strong>d, Wales <strong>an</strong>d Italy.<br />
ID185<br />
“Our <strong>an</strong>cestors came looking for freedom in a new <strong>an</strong>d<br />
better lifestyle. What courage <strong>an</strong>d hope they showed.<br />
We hope their dreams were fulfilled as they gave our<br />
family the ch<strong>an</strong>ce to enjoy this freedom <strong>an</strong>d love for a<br />
wonderful country. We’re proud to be Australi<strong>an</strong>s: to be<br />
able to enjoy the blue sky with the warmth <strong>of</strong> the sun,<br />
clear starry nights, the welcome rains <strong>an</strong>d the smell <strong>of</strong><br />
the gums.”<br />
Fenton, Olga<br />
East Lindfield <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“I made a quilt square using traditional elements <strong>of</strong><br />
Kazakh ornaments. As well, I tried to be as accurate as<br />
possible with the traditional style <strong>of</strong> the local patchwork<br />
tapestry. Kazakhst<strong>an</strong> is a country <strong>of</strong> my origin.”<br />
ID134<br />
Fleming, Vivien<br />
Port Macquarie <strong>NSW</strong><br />
No story provided.<br />
ID207
Gatenby. Karla<br />
Turramurra <strong>NSW</strong><br />
3A Wahroonga Girl Guides<br />
“The platypus is our patrol symbol. The platypus is shy<br />
<strong>an</strong>d likes to play in the water, just like me.”<br />
ID289
“Dad would smother the porridge in brown sugar<br />
<strong>an</strong>d full cream milk that was usually delivered in<br />
bottles every morning by a milkm<strong>an</strong> to our door.<br />
Forty years later I still love porridge, but my poor<br />
sister turns pale when she thinks <strong>of</strong> it. She’s<br />
never eaten porridge again.<br />
ID047<br />
Gibbs-Carson, Felicity<br />
Ulladulla <strong>NSW</strong><br />
What it Me<strong>an</strong>s to be <strong>an</strong> Australi<strong>an</strong> Citizen<br />
“I am a sixth generation Australi<strong>an</strong> <strong>of</strong> English<br />
<strong>an</strong>d Irish descent. Most <strong>of</strong> my <strong>an</strong>cestors came<br />
to New South Wales in the 1820s. Some were<br />
looking for a better life <strong>an</strong>d some were convicts.<br />
“I was born in 1959 <strong>an</strong>d I suppose that is when<br />
my Australi<strong>an</strong> citizenship begins. I grew up in<br />
Or<strong>an</strong>ge on the Central Western Tablel<strong>an</strong>ds <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>NSW</strong>. Growing up in Australia in the 1960s was<br />
a very interesting time. I have a vivid memory<br />
<strong>of</strong> listening to the wireless reporting the<br />
disappear<strong>an</strong>ce <strong>of</strong> our then Prime Minister,<br />
Harold Holt. I remember watching the Moon<br />
l<strong>an</strong>ding in glorious black <strong>an</strong>d white, <strong>an</strong>d growing<br />
up listening to my parents reliving the horrors <strong>of</strong><br />
‘their war’, World War II. It didn’t seem long<br />
before our boys were <strong>of</strong>f to Vietnam <strong>an</strong>d my<br />
generation’s war.<br />
“ In my quilt I have tried to represent the<br />
memories that st<strong>an</strong>d out the most to me as a<br />
child growing up in Australia. For breakfast<br />
every day my Dad made Uncle Toby’s Oats for<br />
my sister <strong>an</strong>d I. He was hard working <strong>an</strong>d loved<br />
our family <strong>an</strong>d it was his way <strong>of</strong> helping Mum<br />
while she got ready for work.<br />
“Billy tea also played a big part <strong>of</strong> our growing up<br />
in Australia. I had the most wonderful<br />
gr<strong>an</strong>dmother who made the best afternoon teas<br />
with fresh pikelets, strawberry jam <strong>an</strong>d cream.<br />
N<strong>an</strong> had a beautiful large pink teapot <strong>an</strong>d I was<br />
always told ‘one spoonful <strong>of</strong> tea for each person<br />
<strong>an</strong>d one for the pot’. Years later when N<strong>an</strong> was<br />
very old <strong>an</strong>d after the amazing invention <strong>of</strong> tea<br />
bags, that beautiful teapot sat on the side board<br />
in the ‘good room’. That’s where N<strong>an</strong> kept her<br />
secret money. I remember Mum going to her on<br />
occasions when times were tough <strong>an</strong>d there<br />
were bills to pay. N<strong>an</strong> would quietly go to her<br />
teapot, take a note from it, <strong>an</strong>d slip it into Mum’s<br />
h<strong>an</strong>d. What would we have done without our<br />
N<strong>an</strong>’s generosity?<br />
“Aeropl<strong>an</strong>e Jelly was Mum’s favourite <strong>an</strong>d she<br />
always made raspberry jelly for a special treat.<br />
Mum always tried so hard to make everything<br />
special when we were growing up. ‘Any colour,<br />
as long as it’s pink’, she would say. That went<br />
for food, clothes, or flowers, she just loved pink<br />
<strong>an</strong>d she was wonderful.<br />
“These three very import<strong>an</strong>t people are gone<br />
now, but they will never be forgotten. They are<br />
the people who taught me what it is to be<br />
‘Australi<strong>an</strong>’. So what is so special about being<br />
<strong>an</strong> Aussie? I would have to say our loyalty, our<br />
generosity, our sense <strong>of</strong> humour, our fierce<br />
determination, our larrikinism, our sporting<br />
achievements, our fair play <strong>an</strong>d always watching<br />
out for the under dog. We are so fortunate to<br />
live in this wonderful country. Our way <strong>of</strong> life <strong>an</strong>d<br />
our history, born here or not, is what makes up<br />
proud Australi<strong>an</strong>s <strong>an</strong>d we are all Australi<strong>an</strong>.”
Giblin, Sally<br />
St Ives <strong>NSW</strong><br />
THE BEST MONEY I EVER SPENT WAS THE ₤10 IT<br />
COST ME TO EMIGRATE TO AUSTRALIA!<br />
ID070<br />
“I arrived in Sydney, aged 22, on a very hot <strong>an</strong>d humid<br />
13 th February 1973 wearing a sueded trouser suit,<br />
suede knee-high boots <strong>an</strong>d socks, polo-neck sweater<br />
<strong>an</strong>d vest (singlet) <strong>an</strong>d waist length hair. To say I was a<br />
little warm was the understatement <strong>of</strong> the century! My<br />
lone journey took 54 hours, flying Q<strong>an</strong>tas 747, from<br />
London via New York, S<strong>an</strong> Fr<strong>an</strong>cisco, Honolulu <strong>an</strong>d Fiji<br />
– a route no longer taken by Q<strong>an</strong>tas. I still have all the<br />
menus from the flight.<br />
“I was met by my Godmother… <strong>an</strong>d the first meal she<br />
fed me was Seafood Paella … a meal I have never<br />
forgotten (some <strong>of</strong> the ingredients I had never heard<br />
about – let alone eaten!) My first surf experience was<br />
at Palm Beach, <strong>an</strong>d being a typical lily-white POM, I<br />
was not a very good swimmer – <strong>an</strong>d short-sighted to<br />
boot. The waves weren’t terribly big, but unfortunately<br />
for me they were “dumpers” <strong>an</strong>d I was thoroughly<br />
initiated by being dumped when I unwisely turned my<br />
back to the sea.<br />
“As a fully qualified State Registered Nurse, I was<br />
employed as a Sister at the Royal North Shore Hospital.<br />
It was there that I met my husb<strong>an</strong>d to be … <strong>an</strong> Intern..<br />
My wages were five times greater th<strong>an</strong> my English<br />
salary <strong>an</strong>d I was so shocked at my first pay, that I went<br />
to the fin<strong>an</strong>ce Officer to query it … you see I was afraid<br />
they would take it all back the next week!”
Gilchrist, Anthea<br />
Cherrybrook <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“Our <strong>Citizenship</strong> Day”<br />
The artist migrated with her family from South Africa <strong>an</strong>d has incorporated a photograph <strong>of</strong> her<br />
<strong>Citizenship</strong> ceremony in her square for the Australi<strong>an</strong> <strong>Citizenship</strong> <strong>Quilt</strong>, describing the day as “one <strong>of</strong><br />
the happiest in their lives.”<br />
ID089<br />
“When we grew up we had the same kind <strong>of</strong> freedom that children have here. We could ride our bikes<br />
to the corner shop, we could play in the park, we could be out until dark, without fear. As time went on<br />
South Africa became <strong>an</strong> unsafe place to live. Crime rates soared, we couldn’t let our children out <strong>of</strong> our<br />
sight for a minute. We lived behind big fences <strong>an</strong>d gates <strong>an</strong>d had p<strong>an</strong>ic buttons <strong>an</strong>d guns to protect<br />
ourselves <strong>an</strong>d our home. Life became very stressful. We didn’t w<strong>an</strong>t our children growing up like that…<br />
We were so determined that Australia was going to be our home forever that we applied for our<br />
citizenship as soon as we were eligible. That day we took the oath was one <strong>of</strong> the happiest in our lives.<br />
We knew that from then on our children would have a brighter future <strong>an</strong>d we could live a happier, safer<br />
life. We have never looked back <strong>an</strong>d we never take for gr<strong>an</strong>ted how lucky we are to live in such a<br />
wonderful country.”
Gras, Marlene<br />
Griffith <strong>NSW</strong><br />
The artist has incorporated <strong>an</strong> historic photograph <strong>of</strong> her husb<strong>an</strong>d’s pioneer <strong>an</strong>cestors from Spain c1920<br />
in her square. Her husb<strong>an</strong>d is descended from one <strong>of</strong> the first Sp<strong>an</strong>ish settlers <strong>an</strong>d one <strong>of</strong> the earliest<br />
l<strong>an</strong>dholders in the Griffith area, Ju<strong>an</strong> (John) Gras. He was the first <strong>of</strong> three brothers to arrive in<br />
Australia in 1906, with his siblings, Fr<strong>an</strong>cisco (Fr<strong>an</strong>k), Sigismundo (Peter), joining him in 1911 along<br />
with a nephew, Jacinto.<br />
ID151<br />
“Peter brought with him his only child, son Jaime (Charlie) then 8 years old. Peter’s wife had died<br />
during childbirth. They all came from Villa de Fordera, Spain.”<br />
The brothers <strong>an</strong>d Jacinto worked a vegetable lease in West Hurstville in Sydney, until identifying l<strong>an</strong>d in<br />
the Griffith area in <strong>NSW</strong>.<br />
“In 1916, John, Peter, Fr<strong>an</strong>k <strong>an</strong>d Jacinto drew farms 16, 15, 2 <strong>an</strong>d 1134 respectively… Living conditions<br />
were very primitive… Most people lived in ‘bag’ huts, hence the original town name ‘Bagtown’.”<br />
Jacinto passed away in 1920 aged 23 <strong>an</strong>d his farm was sold. John, Peter <strong>an</strong>d Fr<strong>an</strong>k all built houses on<br />
their farms after which they travelled back to Spain <strong>an</strong>d returned with brides. Peter eventually moved<br />
back to Spain, leaving his son, Charlie, to take over the farm.<br />
“All members <strong>of</strong> the Gras family became naturalized Australi<strong>an</strong> citizens.”
Hale, Caitlin<br />
Wahroonga <strong>NSW</strong><br />
3A Wahroonga Guides (Aged 8)<br />
“Fish in the Great Barrier Reef”<br />
“One day I hope to go [to the Great Barrier Reef], swim<br />
with the fish <strong>an</strong>d dive for a treasure chest.”<br />
ID280I<br />
H<strong>an</strong>sen, Je<strong>an</strong><br />
East Gosford <strong>NSW</strong>”<br />
“Not <strong>an</strong> Alien”<br />
“I was five months old when war was declared in 1939.<br />
All I remember from Engl<strong>an</strong>d is the War, our house<br />
being bombed, food rationing … <strong>an</strong>d moving house<br />
<strong>an</strong>d school.<br />
“In April 1948, I sailed from Engl<strong>an</strong>d, aged nine years,<br />
on the SS Strathaird with my parents <strong>an</strong>d brother.<br />
ID290<br />
“In 1958 I married Arne, a D<strong>an</strong>ish Australi<strong>an</strong>, <strong>an</strong>d we<br />
have five Australi<strong>an</strong> sons, their Australi<strong>an</strong> wives <strong>an</strong>d<br />
now ten Australi<strong>an</strong> gr<strong>an</strong>dchildren. In 1966 when I was<br />
going to renew my passport I decided I didn’t w<strong>an</strong>t to<br />
be the only non-Australi<strong>an</strong> in the family because when<br />
you come back to Australia you have to go through the<br />
Alien’s gate <strong>an</strong>d I didn’t feel like <strong>an</strong> Alien.”
Hendricks, Anna<br />
Gordon <strong>NSW</strong><br />
3A Wahroonga Guides<br />
“Southern Cross”<br />
“I chose to do the Southern Cross because it is the<br />
symbol on our flag <strong>an</strong>d we are learning the names <strong>of</strong><br />
the stars at our guide meeting.”<br />
ID277<br />
Howard, Yvonne<br />
Urunga <strong>NSW</strong><br />
No story provided.<br />
ID159<br />
Hyde, J<strong>an</strong>et<br />
Niagara Park <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“I Love a Sunburnt Country” by Dorothea McKellar<br />
“I learnt ‘My Country’ back in the 1960s in Primary<br />
School <strong>an</strong>d have always loved it.”<br />
ID019
Kelly, Sheila<br />
Kirrawee <strong>NSW</strong><br />
No story provided.<br />
ID006<br />
Kitto, Marina<br />
Rockdale <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“Kiwi Forest Meets Aussie Outback”<br />
No story provided.<br />
ID031<br />
Kleinschafer, Sister Mary<br />
East Maitl<strong>an</strong>d <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“Proud to be <strong>an</strong> Australi<strong>an</strong>”<br />
No story provided.<br />
ID139
Lemin, Je<strong>an</strong><br />
Coor<strong>an</strong>bong <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“Lamingtons”<br />
The artist <strong>an</strong>d her husb<strong>an</strong>d, both nurses, migrated to<br />
Australia from the United Kingdom in 1978 with their<br />
two sons. The artist had worked in Ethiopia for four<br />
years in the 1950s before her marriage, <strong>an</strong>d returned<br />
for a further period as a missionary nurse with her<br />
husb<strong>an</strong>d after their marriage.<br />
“My husb<strong>an</strong>d tells the story that we came to Australia<br />
because <strong>of</strong> Lamingtons. It goes like this:<br />
ID026<br />
“We were living in Liverpool, Engl<strong>an</strong>d, <strong>an</strong>d we were<br />
invited to a doctor’s house for tea one Sunday<br />
afternoon in 1975. The couple were both Australi<strong>an</strong><br />
doctors <strong>an</strong>d had children about the same age as ours.<br />
Part <strong>of</strong> the tea included these delicious chocolate <strong>an</strong>d<br />
coconut covered sponge-like cakes. [My husb<strong>an</strong>d]<br />
asked what they were <strong>an</strong>d our hostess was surprised<br />
that we did not know they were Lamingtons. ‘Well’, he<br />
said, ‘I will come to tea every Sunday for these.’ ‘No<br />
you won’t,’ she said. ‘You will have to come to<br />
Australia before you get these again.’ Three years<br />
later we were in Australia <strong>an</strong>d we just love it <strong>an</strong>d our<br />
sons think it was the best thing we ever did for them.<br />
And yes, our hostess in Liverpool did give us<br />
Lamingtons when we visited them in Sydney after we<br />
had migrated to Australia.”<br />
IID027<br />
Lever, Leonie<br />
Keiraville <strong>NSW</strong><br />
The artist was born in Wollongong where she works as<br />
a Geography teacher.<br />
“Wollongong has become a very multicultural city due<br />
to m<strong>an</strong>y migr<strong>an</strong>t coming to Australia to work in the<br />
steelworks at Port Kembla… I have studied <strong>an</strong>d<br />
travelled to m<strong>an</strong>y countries around the world but I think<br />
Australia is still the best place in the world to live.”<br />
ID022
Levey, Catherine<br />
Braidwood <strong>NSW</strong><br />
The artist arrived from Scotl<strong>an</strong>d as a 13 year old in<br />
1950 with her mother, father <strong>an</strong>d four brothers <strong>an</strong>d<br />
sisters to the promise <strong>of</strong> work at <strong>an</strong> outback station out<br />
<strong>of</strong> Brisb<strong>an</strong>e which had “nominated” the family. The<br />
artist went on to marry <strong>an</strong>d have four children.<br />
ID063<br />
“After a three-day journey by train, we arrived in the<br />
middle <strong>of</strong> nowhere at a railway siding. All our goods<br />
<strong>an</strong>d chattels were dumped out with all seven <strong>of</strong> us. We<br />
waited over <strong>an</strong> hour for someone to turn up – we were<br />
hot, sticky <strong>an</strong>d dirty. A truck arrived <strong>an</strong>d all <strong>of</strong> us kids<br />
sat in the back <strong>of</strong> the truck with our luggage – Mum <strong>an</strong>d<br />
Dad in the front. Forty minutes later we were at the<br />
property.<br />
“Us kids were fascinated by it all – men on horses.<br />
Mum <strong>an</strong>d Dad <strong>an</strong>d all <strong>of</strong> us went in the back door to<br />
meet the boss who told us that the house they had for<br />
us had burnt down <strong>an</strong>d my older sister would be going<br />
to Katherine to be a maid – my brother would stay <strong>an</strong>d<br />
help at the station with Mum <strong>an</strong>d Dad <strong>an</strong>d us three<br />
younger ones would be sent back to Brisb<strong>an</strong>e to<br />
boarding school.<br />
“My 5’1” mother just asked when the next train would<br />
be coming through <strong>an</strong>d the next day we were dumped<br />
at the siding to await the train. People from all over the<br />
region came <strong>an</strong>d <strong>of</strong>fered my mother <strong>an</strong>d father work<br />
<strong>an</strong>d to give us accommodation. We met truly<br />
wonderful Australi<strong>an</strong>s, but Mum <strong>an</strong>d Dad said ‘no’ that<br />
we would go back to Brisb<strong>an</strong>e <strong>an</strong>d start a new life there<br />
where we could finish our education <strong>an</strong>d get good jobs.<br />
That was 55 years ago.<br />
“I am a quilter, gardener <strong>an</strong>d reader. I love my<br />
country.”
Lima, Teresa<br />
Rosemeadow <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“Migrating from Uruguay, South America, in 1977 the<br />
only visions we had <strong>of</strong> our new intended home were<br />
the Harbour Bridge <strong>an</strong>d the Sydney Opera House,<br />
th<strong>an</strong>ks to a picture on the wall in the capital,<br />
Montevideo.<br />
ID155<br />
“This was all that we knew about where we were going,<br />
but after 28 years, my family <strong>an</strong>d I know that Australia<br />
is much more th<strong>an</strong> that. It is a beautiful country which<br />
we are proud to call home <strong>an</strong>d proud to be Australi<strong>an</strong><br />
citizens.”<br />
Constructing quilt squares ID203, 204 & 205<br />
Photo: Courtesy <strong>NSW</strong> Liverpool Migr<strong>an</strong>t Resource Centre Arabic Playgroup
Liverpool Migr<strong>an</strong>t Resource Centre, <strong>NSW</strong><br />
Arabic Playgroup<br />
Families who attend this group have children under the<br />
age <strong>of</strong> five, living in Green Valley or surrounding areas.<br />
They include Australi<strong>an</strong>/Kuwaiti ,Australi<strong>an</strong>/Pakist<strong>an</strong>i<br />
<strong>an</strong>d Australi<strong>an</strong>/Fiji<strong>an</strong> families. With the help <strong>of</strong> Arabic<br />
speaking local artists, the families worked together to<br />
contribute a series <strong>of</strong> three “squares” for the Australi<strong>an</strong><br />
<strong>Citizenship</strong> <strong>Quilt</strong>.<br />
ID203<br />
ID204<br />
ID205<br />
New Bride<br />
One day while I was walking on one <strong>of</strong> Sydney’s<br />
beaches<br />
I remembered the wedding ceremonies in Pakist<strong>an</strong><br />
how the bride sits on a camel<br />
with colourful curtains around her<br />
<strong>an</strong>d is taken to the couple’s new home.<br />
With this beautiful memory<br />
I feel that I am that bride, with all the new possibilities<br />
opening up before her.<br />
The purity <strong>of</strong> the Australi<strong>an</strong> oce<strong>an</strong> symbolises the bad<br />
experiences <strong>of</strong> my past being cle<strong>an</strong>sed away.<br />
Like a new bride<br />
I c<strong>an</strong> start a new life.<br />
I am a new bride everyday<br />
in my new country<br />
Australia.<br />
The Coconut<br />
Coconut, brown, white <strong>an</strong>d pure water.<br />
A present sent to me by my cousin from Australia.<br />
I was a child at the time.<br />
I spent a long time looking at it before I opened it <strong>an</strong>d<br />
decided that my dream was inside it.<br />
A dream to be where my cousin lives<br />
Australia - brown coconut, white hearts <strong>an</strong>d pure<br />
relationships between people.<br />
Australia’s Sun<br />
As I walked I felt the sunshine on my skin.<br />
The Australi<strong>an</strong> sun goes inside my body, washes my<br />
soul with her bright light.<br />
Makes me whiter <strong>an</strong>d lighter.<br />
Gives me the energy to live in this beautiful l<strong>an</strong>d, <strong>an</strong>d<br />
take all the adv<strong>an</strong>tages it <strong>of</strong>fers to me.<br />
Carrying inside <strong>of</strong> me the most beautiful bright sun,<br />
Australi<strong>an</strong> sun.
Lloyd, Sue<br />
Lismore Heights Guide Leader <strong>NSW</strong><br />
No story provided.<br />
ID096<br />
Long, Elizabeth<br />
Green Point <strong>NSW</strong><br />
The artist arrived in Australia in 1947 in the ship<br />
“Joh<strong>an</strong>n De Witt” from the Netherl<strong>an</strong>ds with her Dutchborn<br />
father <strong>an</strong>d Germ<strong>an</strong>-born mother. The family<br />
settled in Bronte <strong>an</strong>d became Australi<strong>an</strong> citizens in<br />
1956.<br />
ID062<br />
“We settled quickly into the hot weather climate <strong>an</strong>d<br />
outdoor living, enjoying surfing, campaign, bushwalking<br />
<strong>an</strong>d Christmas picnics. We were introduced to pikelets,<br />
pe<strong>an</strong>ut butter, vegemite <strong>an</strong>d baked be<strong>an</strong>s…<br />
Sometimes I feel more ‘Aussie’ th<strong>an</strong> my Australi<strong>an</strong> born<br />
friends, but I will always love ‘wog tucker’.<br />
“My square represents a contemporary windmill.<br />
(Australia is pl<strong>an</strong>ning m<strong>an</strong>y windmills to harness wind<br />
power for cle<strong>an</strong> energy). In Aboriginal ‘dot art’ – the<br />
colours are for bushfires, oce<strong>an</strong> <strong>an</strong>d bushl<strong>an</strong>d.”<br />
In 2001 the artist became involved in the Centenary <strong>of</strong><br />
Federation “Peoplescape” exhibition in C<strong>an</strong>berra in<br />
which 4,000 figures were displayed. In 2003 she was<br />
rewarded for her efforts with the Centenary Medal for<br />
Service to the Community.<br />
“What a privilege to live in this marvellous country.”
Lovett, Patricia<br />
Nyng<strong>an</strong> <strong>NSW</strong><br />
No story provided.<br />
ID230<br />
Lucas, Judy<br />
Roseville <strong>NSW</strong><br />
Frenchs Forest Senior Guides<br />
No story provided.<br />
ID286
Magree, Mardi<br />
Faulconbridge <strong>NSW</strong><br />
No story provided.<br />
ID059<br />
Mason, Kathy<br />
Narrabeen <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“The Best Thing in my Life”<br />
“In 1969 most young people from New Zeal<strong>an</strong>d<br />
travelled to Britain for their great adventure. To be<br />
different, I decided to go to C<strong>an</strong>ada, via Sydney, which<br />
I’d never before visited. I arrived here in early<br />
December, fell in love in J<strong>an</strong>uary <strong>an</strong>d was engaged in<br />
March <strong>an</strong>d married my Aussie bloke [John] in J<strong>an</strong>uary<br />
1972… In 1988, he passed away. The best thing <strong>an</strong>d<br />
the worst thing in my life happened here. Within twelve<br />
months <strong>of</strong> John’s death I became a proud Aussie. …<br />
<strong>an</strong>d yes I finally made it to C<strong>an</strong>ada in 2001.”<br />
ID111
Masters, Je<strong>an</strong><br />
Coorabong <strong>NSW</strong> 2265<br />
From designs by Margaret Rolfe<br />
No story provided.<br />
ID016<br />
McAllister, H<strong>an</strong>nah<br />
Norm<strong>an</strong>hurst <strong>NSW</strong><br />
3A Wahroonga Guides<br />
“The koala is my patrol symbol. The koala is a<br />
marsupial <strong>an</strong>d eats certain types <strong>of</strong> eucalyptus leaves.<br />
They are not easy to see in the trees.”<br />
ID281
McG<strong>an</strong>n, Barbara<br />
Gordon <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“The Family Bible & The Sturt Desert Pea”<br />
The artist is a fifth generation Australi<strong>an</strong>, with three<br />
children <strong>an</strong>d five gr<strong>an</strong>dchildren. Her <strong>an</strong>cestor, Mary<br />
Ann Lewis, migrated to Australia in 1834.<br />
“When she arrived in Sydney she was only 18. She<br />
was <strong>an</strong> educated wom<strong>an</strong> <strong>an</strong>d worked as a nurserymaid<br />
in Parramatta. Her son’s birth in 1836 made him a first<br />
generation born Australi<strong>an</strong>.<br />
ID282<br />
“Mary Ann recorded his birth date in her Bible. This<br />
tradition was carried on by his wife, who recorded the<br />
births <strong>of</strong> their seven children in the Bible.<br />
“They lived in Rawsonville on a property they called ‘Mt<br />
Druitt’. My gr<strong>an</strong>dmother, the eleventh child <strong>of</strong> their<br />
second son Henry, was raised by her gr<strong>an</strong>dparents<br />
after her mother died giving birth to her third set <strong>of</strong><br />
twins. The eldest child was ten.<br />
“The family Bible was passed to her <strong>an</strong>d she gave me<br />
the Bible before her death. I am the keeper <strong>of</strong> a small<br />
part <strong>of</strong> Australi<strong>an</strong> history.<br />
“I chose to do the Sturt Desert Pea as they are delicate<br />
but hardy pl<strong>an</strong>ts, just like the children <strong>of</strong> my <strong>an</strong>cestors.<br />
The pl<strong>an</strong>t has a spreading nature, <strong>an</strong>d I feel that this<br />
pl<strong>an</strong>t typifies the growth <strong>of</strong> my family. From one small<br />
child the family has spread <strong>an</strong>d multiplied across this<br />
wonderful country we call Australia.”
McGregor, Helen<br />
Kellyville <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“2005: The Year <strong>of</strong> My Australi<strong>an</strong> <strong>Citizenship</strong>”<br />
The artist arrived in Australia from the United States in<br />
the 1960s.<br />
ID024<br />
“After 38 years as a perm<strong>an</strong>ent resident, I became a<br />
citizen on Australia Day, to the cheers <strong>of</strong> my Australi<strong>an</strong><br />
husb<strong>an</strong>d <strong>an</strong>d children. It was a very moving<br />
experience as approximately 1,200 <strong>of</strong> us recited our<br />
Pledge at Olympic Park in Sydney. From all the l<strong>an</strong>ds<br />
on Earth we came <strong>an</strong>d s<strong>an</strong>g with one voice. We are<br />
Australi<strong>an</strong>s! My Australi<strong>an</strong> tree is growing well.<br />
“My quilt block uses the traditional log cabin design to<br />
symbolise that my heartl<strong>an</strong>d is built upon the solid<br />
foundation <strong>of</strong> my Pennsylv<strong>an</strong>i<strong>an</strong> heritage, interlocked<br />
with my Australi<strong>an</strong> heritage.”<br />
McKenna, Lily<br />
Toongabbie <strong>NSW</strong><br />
1 st Labour Park Gumnut Guides<br />
No story provided.<br />
ID292
McLeod, Jill<br />
Braidwood, <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“Sheep Wheat & Gold”<br />
The artist dedicates her square to honour her father’s<br />
pioneer <strong>an</strong>cestors who arrived in the Barraba district <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>NSW</strong> in the 1800s from Engl<strong>an</strong>d.<br />
“One <strong>of</strong> our family’s prized possessions is a book <strong>of</strong><br />
foldout maps on c<strong>an</strong>vas depicting various parts <strong>of</strong> the<br />
coastline <strong>of</strong> Australia with only the minimum <strong>of</strong> detail.<br />
The date on the inside front cover is 1839.<br />
ID199<br />
“The family took up l<strong>an</strong>d on the M<strong>an</strong>illa River <strong>an</strong>d<br />
raised sheep <strong>an</strong>d grew wheat. They also found gold on<br />
the l<strong>an</strong>d …<br />
“The name <strong>of</strong> the property was ‘Barraba Station’ <strong>an</strong>d<br />
has been occupied to this day by direct descendents <strong>of</strong><br />
the original pioneer family.<br />
“My block represents the farml<strong>an</strong>d, sheep, wheat <strong>an</strong>d<br />
the metallic thread represents the gold.”<br />
Miles, Ann<br />
Old Toongabbie, <strong>NSW</strong><br />
Greater Parramatta Region Guides<br />
No story provided.<br />
ID293
Mills, Elizabeth<br />
Ulladulla <strong>NSW</strong><br />
ID177<br />
“Arriving in Sydney in early 1970, from California, I was<br />
dazzled by the beautiful clear blue skies <strong>an</strong>d waters <strong>of</strong><br />
Australia. The Opera House was being constructed<br />
<strong>an</strong>d soon became my favourite visiting place. My<br />
Australi<strong>an</strong> husb<strong>an</strong>d <strong>an</strong>d I were married nearby <strong>an</strong>d had<br />
our wedding photographs taken on the front steps.<br />
Since then we have enjoyed m<strong>an</strong>y operas, concerts,<br />
ballets <strong>an</strong>d the restaur<strong>an</strong>ts at the Opera House.<br />
There’s no time or place better to have a glass <strong>of</strong><br />
champagne th<strong>an</strong> during a concert intermission<br />
overlooking the harbour on a starry night.”<br />
Mirek, Letitia A.<br />
Lewisham <strong>NSW</strong><br />
The artist arrived in Australia from the Netherl<strong>an</strong>ds on<br />
14 December 1961.<br />
“Arriving in Sydney Harbour … on a bright, sunny day<br />
was a good start for somebody fleeing cold grey clouds<br />
<strong>an</strong>d <strong>an</strong> atmosphere <strong>of</strong> hopelessness that was prevalent<br />
in Holl<strong>an</strong>d, as in the rest <strong>of</strong> Europe, at that time.<br />
ID058<br />
“It was not long after that I heard the infectious laughter<br />
<strong>of</strong> a kookaburra for the first time. It personified for me<br />
what I like so much about Australia almost right from<br />
the start: <strong>an</strong> irreverence <strong>an</strong>d light heartedness, a<br />
relaxed she’ll-be-right-Jack attitude…<br />
“Living abroad for differing periods <strong>of</strong> time in the course<br />
<strong>of</strong> my work I found nowhere better to live – this is<br />
home! On 9 February 1967, I <strong>an</strong>d quite a few other<br />
people, became naturalised in a wonderful ceremony in<br />
R<strong>an</strong>dwick Town Hall – the culmination <strong>of</strong> a decision to<br />
throw in my lot with that <strong>of</strong> all other Australi<strong>an</strong>s, as well<br />
as saying THANK YOU for making us feel welcome.”
M<strong>of</strong>fet, Kte<br />
Turramurra <strong>NSW</strong><br />
3A Wahroonga Guides (Age 12)<br />
“Our patrol is called ‘Lorikeets’ after the beautiful green<br />
birds that fly around our suburb. I chose to do a<br />
patchwork <strong>of</strong> the lorikeets as I enjoy feeding the wild<br />
birds when they come to our backyard.”<br />
ID287<br />
Morris, Caitlin<br />
Wahroonga <strong>NSW</strong><br />
3A Wahroonga Guides (Age 9)<br />
“The Trefoil is our Girl Guide symbol. I wear the Trefoil<br />
badge on the left side collar <strong>of</strong> my shirt when I go to<br />
public meetings.”<br />
ID278<br />
Muir, Barbara<br />
Marayong <strong>NSW</strong><br />
The artist migrated to Australia from the UK with her<br />
husb<strong>an</strong>d <strong>an</strong>d three children in 1970. They bought a<br />
house (the great Australi<strong>an</strong> dream) in 1973 <strong>an</strong>d took<br />
out Australi<strong>an</strong> citizenship in 1987.<br />
“I am a descend<strong>an</strong>t <strong>of</strong> Mathew Flinders, my mother’s<br />
name was Flinders, but we didn’t realise how<br />
widespread his presence was in Australia until we<br />
came here.<br />
ID038<br />
“We have had a good life here <strong>an</strong>d although we have<br />
been back to the UK four times to visit relatives, the<br />
best part <strong>of</strong> the journey is when the pl<strong>an</strong>e touches<br />
down in Sydney <strong>an</strong>d we know we are home. This is a<br />
great place to live.”
Pages, V<strong>an</strong>essa<br />
Leeton <strong>NSW</strong><br />
ID164<br />
See: Cat<strong>an</strong>zariti, Caterina <strong>NSW</strong><br />
Pardy, Yvonne<br />
Nyng<strong>an</strong> <strong>NSW</strong><br />
Trefoil Guild (Past Guides/Guide Leaders)<br />
“I love a sunburnt country”<br />
ID231<br />
“I was born <strong>an</strong>d have lived all my life in a small country<br />
town in central <strong>NSW</strong>. My dad was the local electrici<strong>an</strong><br />
who was kept busy when the 240 volt mains electricity<br />
came to our area. As a youngster I travelled m<strong>an</strong>y<br />
miles with him, enjoying the wide brown l<strong>an</strong>dscape<br />
which spread before me. I have always loved this part<br />
<strong>of</strong> the country. The green <strong>of</strong> the coastal strip is nice for<br />
a ch<strong>an</strong>ge, but I really love to come back to this<br />
‘Sunburnt Country’.”<br />
Patel, Dami<br />
Ingleburn <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“Freedom from Poverty”<br />
The artist was born in Africa where she became a<br />
qualified registered nurse. She moved to India on<br />
marrying her Indi<strong>an</strong>-born husb<strong>an</strong>d, <strong>an</strong>d the couple had<br />
one daughter. They struggled to survive <strong>an</strong>d raise her<br />
in India. Later, the artist migrated to Australia where<br />
she beg<strong>an</strong> a career with the Macarthur Health Service<br />
in <strong>NSW</strong>.<br />
ID193<br />
“If only we could go to some foreign country to start<br />
again <strong>an</strong>d I was the only gate way to everyone’s<br />
freedom from poverty... A decision was made <strong>an</strong>d I<br />
migrated to Australia.”
Perry, Monica<br />
Green Point <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“Crossroads”<br />
The artist was born in Engl<strong>an</strong>d where her interest in<br />
one day visiting Australia was fuelled by a relationship<br />
with a penfriend she found through the Girl Guides.<br />
She arrived in Australia as part <strong>of</strong> a world holiday in<br />
1969.<br />
ID291<br />
“I met my husb<strong>an</strong>d <strong>an</strong>d we decided Australia would<br />
become home. The friendliness <strong>of</strong> the people <strong>an</strong>d the<br />
diversity <strong>of</strong> their cultures were a major factor in my<br />
decision. Of course the climate, the beauty <strong>of</strong> the flora<br />
<strong>an</strong>d fauna <strong>an</strong>d the unbelievable outback scenery had a<br />
positive influence.<br />
“As the children grew up, we had numerous family<br />
visits to Engl<strong>an</strong>d. As time went on it became very<br />
apparent that Australia really was home to us all.<br />
“In 2000, the year one <strong>of</strong> our daughters got married, my<br />
husb<strong>an</strong>d <strong>an</strong>d I decided to become Australi<strong>an</strong> citizens<br />
… <strong>an</strong>other crossroads in our lives had been reached.<br />
It was a very import<strong>an</strong>t step for us to take <strong>an</strong>d much<br />
discussion took place. It is a decision neither <strong>of</strong> us has<br />
regretted <strong>an</strong>d our citizenship ceremony took place at<br />
the right time in our lives.<br />
“The green <strong>an</strong>d yellow fabrics represent Australia’s<br />
national colours. The Union Jacks are there to depict<br />
my British heritage <strong>an</strong>d the Southern Crosses were<br />
selected to depict my country <strong>of</strong> choice. Being a citizen<br />
<strong>of</strong> Australia is a privilege I cherish <strong>an</strong>d not one I take<br />
for gr<strong>an</strong>ted.”
Power, Julie<br />
Grafton <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“Jacar<strong>an</strong>da”<br />
The artist arrived in Sydney as a six year old with her<br />
family in December 1970 after a six week voyage from<br />
Engl<strong>an</strong>d aboard the ‘Fairstar’. The family first lived in<br />
Merryl<strong>an</strong>ds, before building a house at Marayong. The<br />
artist married in 1985, eventually moving to her<br />
husb<strong>an</strong>d’s family home in Grafton, <strong>NSW</strong>.<br />
ID055<br />
“I have lots <strong>of</strong> happy memories <strong>of</strong> growing up in<br />
Australia, like learning to swim in my uncle’s above<br />
ground swimming pool, swinging around the clothes line<br />
with my friends <strong>an</strong>d learning the Australi<strong>an</strong> l<strong>an</strong>guage.<br />
“My girls have been lucky enough to grow up in a<br />
wonderful town with <strong>an</strong> extended family that they love<br />
all round them. I have never regretted that my family<br />
chose to move to this country. I consider myself one <strong>of</strong><br />
the lucky ones.”<br />
Procopis, Di<strong>an</strong>ne<br />
Davidson, <strong>NSW</strong><br />
The artist was born in New Zeal<strong>an</strong>d <strong>an</strong>d migrated to<br />
Australia with her parents <strong>an</strong>d siblings at the age <strong>of</strong> 11<br />
in 1964.<br />
ID179<br />
“My paternal gr<strong>an</strong>dfather was <strong>of</strong> Scottish origin <strong>an</strong>d<br />
came to Australia during the gold rush. He served<br />
Australia in the Boer War as a Serge<strong>an</strong>t in the 1 st<br />
Tasm<strong>an</strong>i<strong>an</strong> Light Horse Brigade. When discharged he<br />
travelled to New Zeal<strong>an</strong>d where he met <strong>an</strong>d married my<br />
gr<strong>an</strong>dmother. My gr<strong>an</strong>dmother was born in Loen,<br />
Victoria to Scottish parents. The family moved on to<br />
New Zeal<strong>an</strong>d. My father having brought us to Australia<br />
– like a boomer<strong>an</strong>g we returned.<br />
“I married a migr<strong>an</strong>t from the isl<strong>an</strong>d <strong>of</strong> Kefallonia in<br />
Greece, who came to Australia as a 17 year old in<br />
1949. We are both naturalised Australi<strong>an</strong>s <strong>an</strong>d are<br />
proud to be so, ever grateful to live in the ‘Lucky<br />
Country’.”
Reeds, Jo<br />
Penrith <strong>NSW</strong><br />
The artist <strong>an</strong>d her husb<strong>an</strong>d flew from the UK to<br />
Australia with their four children on 27 July 1968 as “ten<br />
pound Poms”.<br />
ID154<br />
“We were taken to Cabramatta Hostel where we were<br />
to spend our first year on Australi<strong>an</strong> soil. As we did not<br />
know a soul in Australia this was a great benefit to us<br />
as migr<strong>an</strong>ts. We made some wonderful friends there,<br />
as we were all in the same boat, struggling to make a<br />
life for our young families. We had been told the<br />
prospects for young families were so much better here<br />
<strong>an</strong>d that has certainly proven to be true.<br />
“Now 37 years later all six <strong>of</strong> us are very proud to be<br />
Australi<strong>an</strong> citizens. Our family has grown: our four<br />
children have all married, so we now have two<br />
daughters-in-law <strong>an</strong>d two sons- in- law <strong>an</strong>d eight<br />
delightful gr<strong>an</strong>dchildren, who are now spread around<br />
this beautiful state <strong>of</strong> <strong>NSW</strong>.<br />
“Since retiring in 1999, we have bought a carav<strong>an</strong> <strong>an</strong>d<br />
c<strong>an</strong> now enjoy travelling around this beautiful, vast<br />
adopted country <strong>an</strong>d we are proud to say ‘we call<br />
Australia home’.”
Rigg, Judy<br />
Berry <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“Sydney Harbour Bridge”<br />
ID066<br />
The Sydney Harbour Bridge was the reason my family<br />
came to Australia. My father, Harry Br<strong>an</strong>d, lived in<br />
Middlesbrough, UK… <strong>an</strong>d was employed by Dorm<strong>an</strong> &<br />
Long to help make two <strong>of</strong> the large pivot bolts at the<br />
base <strong>of</strong> the Harbour Bridge pylons. Due to their<br />
enormous size <strong>an</strong>d weight, a cr<strong>an</strong>e had to be used to<br />
m<strong>an</strong>oeuvre them during m<strong>an</strong>ufacture. Dad developed a<br />
great interest in the bridge <strong>an</strong>d a determination to see<br />
the finished product. After marrying in his twenties <strong>an</strong>d<br />
raising two children, the family migrated to Australia in<br />
1957 under the Assisted Passage Scheme.<br />
“We were sponsored by BHP. A telegram greeted our<br />
arrival in Melbourne, stating that employment was no<br />
longer available. We put our hold luggage back on<br />
board the ship <strong>an</strong>d continued on to Sydney <strong>an</strong>d were<br />
tr<strong>an</strong>sported by bus to the Heathcote Road Hostel, a<br />
disused army camp at East Hill, <strong>NSW</strong>. Employment<br />
was immediately available for Dad <strong>an</strong>d my brother,<br />
Edward, in the engineering trade.”<br />
Before retiring to Berry <strong>NSW</strong>, the artist worked in the<br />
health sector, <strong>an</strong>d continues to do much work in a<br />
volunteer capacity.<br />
“Volunteer work is my way <strong>of</strong> showing appreciation for<br />
being given the wonderful opportunity <strong>of</strong> living in the<br />
best country in the world – Australia.”<br />
Selby-Morton, Anne<br />
Port Macquarie <strong>NSW</strong><br />
The artist is a fourth generation Australi<strong>an</strong>, born in Hay<br />
<strong>NSW</strong>. Her square <strong>of</strong> Sydney Harbour Bridge is inspired<br />
by the painter, Blamirc Young.<br />
ID187
Stacey, Gail<br />
Cr<strong>an</strong>brook <strong>NSW</strong><br />
The artist is a sixth generation Australi<strong>an</strong> <strong>of</strong> English,<br />
Irish, Norwegi<strong>an</strong> <strong>an</strong>d Germ<strong>an</strong> <strong>an</strong>cestry.<br />
Her earliest <strong>an</strong>cestor to arrive in Australia was a convict<br />
sent out from Irel<strong>an</strong>d in 1826 for stealing a sheep to<br />
feed his family. His daughter married a convict guard<br />
<strong>an</strong>d they were among the earliest settlers to arrive in<br />
Wagga Wagga, <strong>NSW</strong>, in 1849.<br />
ID150<br />
The artist’s great gr<strong>an</strong>dfather was a ships cook from<br />
Norway who arrived in Australia in 1866 with his Irish<br />
wife who he married in Boston, USA, en route to<br />
Australia. Their daughter settled in Wagga Wagga as<br />
well in 1892.<br />
“I was born <strong>an</strong>d spent my formative years in Wagga<br />
Wagga where I spent m<strong>an</strong>y happy hours playing the<br />
bush among the gum trees on the hill near our home<br />
“Australia is represented in my mind by the scent <strong>an</strong>d<br />
rustle <strong>of</strong> the leaves in those memorable childhood days.<br />
So my quilt is a simple design representing gum leaves<br />
against a background <strong>of</strong> our golden brown sunburnt<br />
country. The blue border reminds me that Australia is<br />
<strong>an</strong> isl<strong>an</strong>d surrounded by oce<strong>an</strong>s <strong>an</strong>d the most beautiful<br />
beaches in the world…<br />
“I am married to a first generation Australi<strong>an</strong> who<br />
arrived with his parents as a migr<strong>an</strong>t from Britain in<br />
1959. We have four children <strong>an</strong>d seven gr<strong>an</strong>dchildren.<br />
We are all very proud Australi<strong>an</strong>s <strong>an</strong>d th<strong>an</strong>kful to live in<br />
such a beautiful <strong>an</strong>d free country.”
Sutton, Judith A<br />
Palm Beach <strong>NSW</strong><br />
ID061<br />
“The first glimpse <strong>of</strong> the mighty liner made my heart<br />
jump. Never had I envisaged <strong>an</strong>ything so large or<br />
imagined that it could actually float. As we slowly<br />
passed through Custom’s Hall from one table to the<br />
other, we finally crossed the quay where the mighty<br />
vessel totally overshadowed us. A royal Navy b<strong>an</strong>d<br />
beg<strong>an</strong> to play <strong>an</strong>d continued to play until we sailed <strong>an</strong><br />
hour later. The g<strong>an</strong>gpl<strong>an</strong>k looked small <strong>an</strong>d steep.<br />
Sailors greeted us <strong>an</strong>d <strong>of</strong>fered to carry our bags up to<br />
the cabin, listed as ‘A Deck, 6 berth cabin with<br />
Porthole’…<br />
“The black <strong>an</strong>d white MV Georgic was on its secondlast<br />
trip to Australia carrying 2,000 migr<strong>an</strong>ts <strong>an</strong>d a crew<br />
<strong>of</strong> 500… At 6am on Friday 13 May 1949 we sailed<br />
slowly into wonderful Sydney Harbour, docking at Pier<br />
7, Woolloomooloo.<br />
“Almost 20 years after the day <strong>of</strong> arrival, I became <strong>an</strong><br />
Australi<strong>an</strong> citizen in the Council Chambers <strong>of</strong> the City <strong>of</strong><br />
Wagga Wagga. By that time I had qualified as a<br />
teacher, met <strong>an</strong>d married a seventh generation<br />
Australi<strong>an</strong> architect <strong>an</strong>d become the mother <strong>of</strong> three<br />
beautiful little Australi<strong>an</strong>s. All the benefits that my<br />
parents hoped for their children became reality <strong>an</strong>d a<br />
new generation was born.”<br />
Thomas, Elizabeth<br />
Mayfield <strong>NSW</strong><br />
No story provided.<br />
ID036
Thorpe, Suz<strong>an</strong>ne & Leon (Dr)<br />
Griffith <strong>NSW</strong><br />
The Ch<strong>an</strong>ging Face <strong>of</strong> Oz<br />
Australi<strong>an</strong> citizenship is really quite a prize<br />
Folk <strong>of</strong> other nations look with envious eyes<br />
Those guilty <strong>of</strong> a felony either small or great<br />
Were sent to found a colony, the start <strong>of</strong> a new State<br />
ID130<br />
Son <strong>an</strong>d father shipped in chains<br />
to the far side <strong>of</strong> the earth<br />
Leaving wife <strong>an</strong>d nine kids in the country <strong>of</strong> their birth<br />
Before they left old Engl<strong>an</strong>d<br />
they heard John Wesley preach<br />
So in their Dural orchard his message they did teach<br />
Free settlers joined the convicts<br />
to make our country great<br />
They helped each other through hard times<br />
<strong>an</strong>d called each other mate<br />
At evening in the orchard shed<br />
the migr<strong>an</strong>t Cossacks d<strong>an</strong>ced<br />
And joined in British singing<br />
Each culture was enh<strong>an</strong>ced<br />
ID129<br />
A young m<strong>an</strong> from the goldfields, in Sydney for a trip<br />
Saw a lady bound for Melbourne<br />
So he climbed aboard the ship<br />
Persistence won the lady’s heart,<br />
Helped find the “Welcome” gold<br />
But m<strong>an</strong>y shared the nugget’s wealth<br />
so just small shares we’re told<br />
Following generations had various careers<br />
Curators, clerks <strong>an</strong>d lawyer have followed down the<br />
years<br />
Both cl<strong>an</strong>s met in Sydney but as crowds got them down<br />
One couple thought it best<br />
to leave the city for the town<br />
They built out where the dusty street had not been<br />
tarred as yet<br />
And like the other folks in town<br />
Knew everyone they met<br />
Now they wouldn’t know the place or people not<br />
because<br />
A hundred different races find their home in good old<br />
Oz
Turner, Steph<strong>an</strong>ie<br />
Peakhurst <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“My favourite place in Australia is Sydney Harbour. The<br />
fabric I have used in my squares is a dress fabric I<br />
bought years ago <strong>an</strong>d have saved the <strong>of</strong>f cuts for<br />
something special. This project seems to be the perfect<br />
opportunity.”<br />
ID174<br />
ID175<br />
ID176
Urquart, Elsa<br />
Dural <strong>NSW</strong><br />
The artist arrived from the Netherl<strong>an</strong>ds in 1959 as a ten<br />
year old with her parents, brother <strong>an</strong>d sister.<br />
ID034<br />
“We arrived in Sydney in November, a very hot day felt<br />
even more so after leaving Amsterdam on a chilly<br />
October morning. The sea journey took six weeks as<br />
we travelled through P<strong>an</strong>ama City, we saw people <strong>an</strong>d<br />
places one could only imagine. From that day our lives<br />
were irrevocably ch<strong>an</strong>ged. Not only did our journey<br />
take us thous<strong>an</strong>ds <strong>of</strong> miles away from our birthplace,<br />
but the country, l<strong>an</strong>guage <strong>an</strong>d culture had ch<strong>an</strong>ged<br />
from something familiar, to a place <strong>an</strong>d a way <strong>of</strong> life that<br />
at the time seemed so str<strong>an</strong>ge <strong>an</strong>d foreign.<br />
“This country became MY COUNTRY <strong>an</strong>d I love it with<br />
the strength <strong>an</strong>d passion <strong>of</strong> <strong>an</strong> Australi<strong>an</strong>-born. In my<br />
early twenties I married a wonderful Australi<strong>an</strong> m<strong>an</strong> <strong>an</strong>d<br />
we had five children <strong>an</strong>d now have five gr<strong>an</strong>dchildren. I<br />
became <strong>an</strong> Australi<strong>an</strong> citizen in the mid-70s when my<br />
children were born. I found it only fitting to become a<br />
citizen <strong>of</strong> a country, its people <strong>an</strong>d a way <strong>of</strong> life I had<br />
grown to love. To me it me<strong>an</strong>s a sense <strong>of</strong> belonging<br />
<strong>an</strong>d continuation that also has <strong>an</strong> impact on my children<br />
<strong>an</strong>d theirs. It me<strong>an</strong>s a willingness to work towards a<br />
common goal, <strong>an</strong>d that is a commitment toward the<br />
common good <strong>of</strong> the country that in return benefits our<br />
children. It gives them the privilege to live in a<br />
prosperous <strong>an</strong>d democratic country, where hard work<br />
<strong>an</strong>d commitment is well rewarded.<br />
“Being a new Australi<strong>an</strong> citizen is definitely more th<strong>an</strong><br />
just a certificate. It is a whole new way <strong>of</strong> life. A<br />
wonderful way <strong>of</strong> life.”
Vukoja, Durdica<br />
Fairfield <strong>NSW</strong><br />
To You My L<strong>an</strong>d<br />
To you my l<strong>an</strong>d saviour, I write these words<br />
You took me in your embrace<br />
After m<strong>an</strong>y years <strong>of</strong> misery, despair<br />
Good Lord heard my prayers<br />
I prayed for you my l<strong>an</strong>d<br />
ID049<br />
For far away l<strong>an</strong>d, to forget my sorrow<br />
For Australia, my true ardent, desired<br />
In two years <strong>of</strong> prayers <strong>an</strong>d hope<br />
I was sent to you<br />
Yet <strong>an</strong>other two I’ve spent in the warmth <strong>of</strong> your arms<br />
You accepted me for eternity<br />
Peace <strong>an</strong>d freedom prevail in you<br />
My tired arms I open wide<br />
In desire to wholly embrace you<br />
I am happy, so happy <strong>an</strong>d live in tr<strong>an</strong>quillity<br />
Th<strong>an</strong>k you almighty God<br />
And you, Australia dear l<strong>an</strong>d
Wall, Shirla<br />
Dubbo <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“A Journey to Australi<strong>an</strong> <strong>Citizenship</strong>”<br />
ID307<br />
“I grew up in Singapore <strong>an</strong>d had no idea what I w<strong>an</strong>ted<br />
to do with the rest <strong>of</strong> my life. I met <strong>an</strong> ex-patriot<br />
English family who I got to know very well. They asked<br />
me if I w<strong>an</strong>ted to be their live-in n<strong>an</strong>ny for their children<br />
whilst there were living <strong>an</strong>d working in Singapore. I<br />
thought this a good idea, as I w<strong>an</strong>ted to help develop<br />
children as individuals through music, creativity, arts<br />
<strong>an</strong>d craft <strong>an</strong>d multi-linguistics, as I speak four Asi<strong>an</strong><br />
l<strong>an</strong>guages myself. I discovered I had a hidden talent<br />
for connecting with young children.<br />
“I was asked to travel to Australia with the English<br />
family after the husb<strong>an</strong>d was tr<strong>an</strong>sferred to Sydney with<br />
his job. My first impressions <strong>of</strong> this new country were <strong>of</strong><br />
the beautiful native flora <strong>an</strong>d fauna, which were in<br />
abund<strong>an</strong>ce everywhere. I was also impressed with the<br />
multiculturalism I found <strong>an</strong>d people’s toler<strong>an</strong>ce <strong>of</strong><br />
different races.<br />
“My two most memorable experiences were <strong>of</strong> “Rocky<br />
Road’ chocolate, <strong>an</strong>d the first time I saw a road sign<br />
saying ‘Beware <strong>of</strong> K<strong>an</strong>garoos’. I thought they were in<br />
every street I travelled down.<br />
“Looking at both sides <strong>of</strong> the coin, I am very lucky to<br />
have two homes – one in Singapore <strong>an</strong>d the other<br />
Australia – knowing that I could keep my own heritage<br />
intact I chose my own destiny. I married my husb<strong>an</strong>d<br />
Michael in July 1995. He is <strong>an</strong> ambul<strong>an</strong>ce <strong>of</strong>ficer <strong>an</strong>d<br />
we have chosen to make our home in Dubbo in Central<br />
<strong>NSW</strong>. I have since completed a TAFE course in<br />
childcare <strong>an</strong>d am now a pre school teacher.”
Watson, Elizabeth<br />
Cooma <strong>NSW</strong><br />
&<br />
Gray, Eileen<br />
Mawson ACT<br />
“The Two Sisters”<br />
ID051<br />
The artists fled Sh<strong>an</strong>ghai, China, with their mother for<br />
Australia ahead <strong>of</strong> the Jap<strong>an</strong>ese invasion in October<br />
1941. Their father, a British citizen, was captured,<br />
tortured <strong>an</strong>d interned by the Jap<strong>an</strong>ese for the duration<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Second World War. After a period as war time<br />
refugees in Australia, the sisters returned with their<br />
mother to China in 1946, but the family fled again in the<br />
midst <strong>of</strong> the Communist Revolution in 1949, arriving in<br />
Australia on Australia Day 1949.<br />
“Over the years we have lived here we have enjoyed<br />
the beauties <strong>of</strong> this country, its m<strong>an</strong>y opportunities for<br />
all <strong>an</strong>d the freedom <strong>of</strong> speech. My sister is especially<br />
interested in conserving the environment, while I have<br />
spent my life making the most <strong>of</strong> the musical<br />
opportunities afforded to me. While I share my sister’s<br />
love <strong>of</strong> nature, my great love <strong>of</strong> music has been the<br />
motivating force in my life…<br />
ID050<br />
“This country has so much to <strong>of</strong>fer those who are<br />
prepared to seize its opportunities <strong>an</strong>d use their own<br />
inborn talents to make the country richer for all. As<br />
Australi<strong>an</strong> citizens we have never been idle <strong>an</strong>d by dint<br />
<strong>of</strong> hard work have carved out our own niches for<br />
ourselves <strong>an</strong>d our children <strong>an</strong>d gr<strong>an</strong>dchildren. Our<br />
parents eventually loved this country <strong>an</strong>d died happy<br />
knowing they had given much <strong>of</strong> themselves <strong>an</strong>d<br />
shared all that the country had to <strong>of</strong>fer.”
Weatherstone, June<br />
Braidwood, <strong>NSW</strong><br />
The artist’s great gr<strong>an</strong>dfather was a free settler from<br />
Scotl<strong>an</strong>d who came to take up farming in the<br />
Braidwood district, where her family has been ever<br />
since.<br />
“My gr<strong>an</strong>dfather was a teamster. He hauled goods <strong>an</strong>d<br />
supplies up the Clyde Mountain from Nelligen to<br />
Braidwood. My father bred superfine Merinos; my<br />
mother was a passionate gardener.”<br />
ID189<br />
The artist dedicates her “square” to her daughter-inlaw,<br />
Olivia.<br />
“[Olivia, a] Singapore<strong>an</strong>-born Chinese came into my<br />
family with m<strong>an</strong>y gifts. First <strong>an</strong>d foremost two gorgeous<br />
little girls… She introduced us to new taste delights<br />
such as steamboat, ‘gado gado’, laksa, rojak to name a<br />
few… My meagre studies <strong>of</strong> Chinese art had not given<br />
me <strong>an</strong>y insight into Chinese beliefs <strong>an</strong>d culture. My<br />
daughter-in-law has exp<strong>an</strong>ded my knowledge <strong>an</strong>d<br />
underst<strong>an</strong>ding <strong>of</strong> Chinese customs <strong>an</strong>d has also<br />
introduced me to the m<strong>an</strong>y myths <strong>an</strong>d legends <strong>of</strong> that<br />
<strong>an</strong>cient country…<br />
“The central motif is the Merlion, the Symbol <strong>of</strong><br />
Singapore looking a little foreign sitting among the<br />
k<strong>an</strong>garoos, but they are getting on well together. The<br />
sheep are for my father, the flowers for my mother who<br />
could grow p<strong>an</strong>sies as big as saucers in very tough<br />
conditions.”<br />
Weedon, Heather<br />
Point Clare <strong>NSW</strong><br />
No story provided.<br />
ID056
White, Carole<br />
Saratoga <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“On the 20 th May 1943 I was born at my mother’s<br />
parents’ home in London in the front room during <strong>an</strong> air<br />
raid. The family had pushed the pi<strong>an</strong>o in front <strong>of</strong> my<br />
mother while she was in labour so if the bombs<br />
shattered the front windows, the glass would not fall on<br />
her. Thus the family saying, ‘Carole was born behind<br />
the pi<strong>an</strong>o’.<br />
ID074<br />
The artist on the voyage from Engl<strong>an</strong>d to<br />
Australia aboard the Moolt<strong>an</strong> in 1949 with<br />
her parents <strong>an</strong>d baby brother.<br />
Becoming <strong>an</strong> Australi<strong>an</strong> citizens on<br />
27 May 1988 at Blacktown Civic Hall, <strong>NSW</strong><br />
“My journey towards Australi<strong>an</strong> citizenship started when<br />
my father was stationed in Australia; serving in the<br />
British Navy during the war … He fell in love with the<br />
environment <strong>an</strong>d the people. When the war was over<br />
he returned to Engl<strong>an</strong>d <strong>an</strong>d tried to persuade my<br />
mother to start a new life in Australia. When my brother<br />
was born six weeks premature, doctors advised that<br />
this would be a good move to help the tiny baby to<br />
thrive, so in May 1949 my parents, younger brother <strong>an</strong>d<br />
myself migrated to Australia. My mother came from a<br />
large extended family, being one <strong>of</strong> 12 children. On the<br />
trip over she became very sea sick, <strong>an</strong>d for m<strong>an</strong>y years<br />
suffered severe homesickness, missing her family very<br />
much. As for myself, being so young (I turned six on<br />
the ship going through the Suez C<strong>an</strong>al) I had no<br />
memory <strong>of</strong> Engl<strong>an</strong>d at all. So as I grew <strong>an</strong>d developed<br />
over the years I accepted Australia as my homel<strong>an</strong>d.<br />
“My parents had a third child in Australia – a boy. He<br />
always reminded us that he was the only true Ozzie in<br />
the family. Over the years I addressed the subject <strong>of</strong><br />
becoming a naturalised Australi<strong>an</strong> m<strong>an</strong>y times, but my<br />
parents became so upset <strong>an</strong>d claimed I was ashamed<br />
<strong>of</strong> my English heritage, so I would let the matter go in<br />
respect for them. Then in 1988, the Bicentenary, at the<br />
age <strong>of</strong> 45 I decided it was time. I explained to my<br />
parents, that when you bring young children to <strong>an</strong>other<br />
country to live, you have to accept that is going to be<br />
their home. So I became a naturalised Australi<strong>an</strong>. I<br />
love this wonderful country <strong>an</strong>d I am very proud to be<br />
<strong>an</strong> Australi<strong>an</strong> citizen. When my mother passed away, I<br />
kept my promise to her <strong>an</strong>d took her ashes back to<br />
Engl<strong>an</strong>d to be placed in her mother’s grave. It was<br />
great to meet my extended family at last, <strong>an</strong>d to see<br />
Engl<strong>an</strong>d <strong>an</strong>d all its history but to use Peter Allen’s<br />
words, ‘I still call Australia Home’.”
Wiencke, Edna<br />
Wagga Wagga <strong>NSW</strong><br />
No story provided.<br />
ID095