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Australian teachers of English at Bonegilla Camp
Australian teachers of English at Bonegilla Camp

Australian teachers of English at Bonegilla Camp

Date1949
Object numberANMS0287[006]
NamePhotograph
MediumBlack and white photographic print on paper.
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Alex Newman
DescriptionCzech migrant Alex Nypl was sent to the Bonegilla Migrant Camp after arriving in Melbourne on 22 December 1948.HistoryCzech migrant Alex Nypl arrived on the SS PROTEA in Melbourne on 22 December 1948. On 23 December he was issued a Certificate of Exemption from the 1901-1940 Immigration Act so he could enter and settle in Australia. The Immigration Act required a dictation test which Alex would have failed as he knew no English.The Bonegilla Migrant Camp had teachers of English but he was not at Bonegilla for long, he was sent to Woomera to work as a labourer on 26 January 1949.Significance'In two days, I will be celebrating anniversary of 40 wonderful years in this lovely country and I will always be grateful to the Commonwealth of Australia and its people, for giving me the opportunity to start new life here, after the horrific years of Nazi occupation in
1938-1945 and then again the Communist putch in February 1948 and persecution and jail one had to go through, which has hurt lot more as it has been inflicted by our own countrymen and in many cases by friends.

The start over here, not speaking the language, not having any trade or profession,without a penny to my name, has not been easy, but with hardwork and learning English quite quickly, I had a good life, have made a lot of Australian friends and consider Australia home'.

Alex Newman (Nypl), 20 December 1988, letter to the Australian National Maritime Museum.