Discover Bonegilla
Saturday, November 16
10am to 4pm
Bonegilla Migrant Experience
Admission: Adult $7 | Concession $6 | Children 16 years and under free
Bonegilla Migrant Experience guided tour: Adult $13 | Concession $11 | Child (16 years and under) $10.50 | Family $50 (two adults and two children) - tour prices exclude admission
A back to Bonegilla gathering and discovery for visitors
Get together with family and friends and celebrate Australia’s post-war migrant history at a place with a powerful past.
Formerly the Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre, the national heritage listed site is set to come alive with a curated program of cultural experiences, exploration and entertainment:
- Delve into history at an author talk, discussion panel or information session
- Join a guided tour or explore the historic site at your own leisure
- Stop by and speak with cultural and history exhibitors
- Participate in traditional games and activities for all ages
- Enjoy live music from Rosy Red Cheeks and Chloe Jade
- Pick up a delicious bite to eat, a cold drink, hot coffee or a sweet treat
- Rekindle old connections with catch-up opportunities for ex-residents and staff
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Talks and discussions
Author talk with Andra Putnis
10.30am to 11.30am l Tudor Hall
Stories My Grandmothers Didn't Tell Me, Andra Putnis
In her talk, Andra will take us to Latvia in the 1940s, through war-torn Europe, and all the way to the migrant camps of Australia and how important they were in helping post-war refugees build new lives. As the world grapples with its modern day challenges, Andra will reflect on why we need the stories of the people who came before us – our parents and grandparents – to better understand where we come from and who we want to be.
Followed by book signing
Wodonga Family History Society discussion panel
11.30am to 12.30pm l Recreation Hut
With the help from an experienced family historian, delve into your family's past. Join the Wodonga Family History Society for a detailed discussion and information session about researching your family history in Australia and abroad.
Volunteer opportunities at Bonegilla Migrant Experience
11.30am to 12pm l Tudor Hall
Are you interested in volunteering at Bonegilla Migrant Experience? Learn about the current opportunities available and how you can contribute to ongoing projects which support preservation, education and research of the former migrant camp.
Bonegilla Identity Cards and adding stories
1.30pm to 2pm l Tudor Hall
Each person or family that came through Bonegilla was registered with an identity card.
In this session learn more about the Bonegilla ID Card Lookup and how you can record your family stories alongside it, sharing a snapshot of what came before and after Bonegilla – for generations to come.
Tours
Bonegilla Migrant Experience guided tours
11am, 12.30pm and 2pm l Departing from the Welcome Centre picnic area
Step back in time, explore the last remaining original camp buildings, hear shared stories and truly walk in the shoes of the 320,000 migrants who made this site their first Australian home.
Adult $13 | Concession $11 | Child (16 years and under) $10.50 | Family $50 (two adults and two children) - excludes admission
Allow 1.5 hours
Wodonga & District Historical Society - Hut 97 guided tours
10am to 3pm | Available throughout the day
Come on a journey and discover the fascinating collection of the Wodonga & District Historical Society. Take a tour through their collection of historically significant memorabilia which illustrates how locals lived in the past.
From their passionate team of volunteers discover Wodonga’s rich history including the stories of pioneering settlers, prominent local families, the North Eastern Railway and the construction of the Hume Dam.
Donation l $5 - excludes admission
Cultural and history exhibitors
Fascinated by history? Delve into the past, stop by and speak with our cultural and history exhibitors and tenant to discover more.
- Albury Library Museum - Bonegilla Collection
- Yarra Valley Italian Cultural Group
- Jindera Pioneer Museum
- Wodonga & District Historical Society, Hut 97 – Open to the public
Games and activities for all ages
10am to 4pm l Various locations throughout the site
Reminiscent of favourite activities from the past, explore and discover hands-on fun that will turn back time.
- Traditional board and lawn games
- Drop-in paper quilling sessions
- Kite making and paper plane station
- Look and find
- Scavenger hunt
- Suitcase trail
Live music and entrainment
Chloe Jade, indie-folk singer songwriter
Alternating sets | Top lawn
Be captivated by Chloe Jade’s unique, soulful yet relaxed vibe. With a blend of folk, blues and country she is set to showcase original songs and renditions of old favourites, a perfect pairing to our quaint setting.
Rosy Red Cheeks, gypsy jazz and old time swing band
Alternating sets | Top lawn
Get into the swing of it with Rosy Red Cheeks as they play a rather smashing variety of hip tunes from every decade. From gypsy and classic jazz to modern pop and rock, replastered and remodelled. Rosy Red Cheeks are going to Shoop Shoop your Glad Rags and Doo Wop your Diddly Bop.
Food and drink
10am to 3.30pm l Top lawn
Pick up a delicious bite to eat, hot coffee or a sweet treat:
- Rotary Club of West Wodonga will be serving kranskys, sausages, burgers including veggie options and soft drinks
- Mouse Tails Expresso, coffee van
- Cakes and slices stall