Child's diary on board JOHAN VAN OLDENBARNEVELT
Date1955
Object number00008062
NameDiary
MediumPencil, pencil, pen
DimensionsOverall: 210 × 165 mm
ClassificationsBooks and journals
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Margaret Hendrikson
DescriptionA diary written by a child on board the JOHAN VAN OLDENBARNEVELT. It starts on 11 March and finishes on 2 April 1955 and features a number of illustrations. The diary mentions passing through the Suez canal on the 20 March. The text is in Dutch and is most likely by Joke Schoevers. She and her family migrated from the Netherlands to Australia on board JOHAN VAN OLDENBARNEVELT and she turned 13 while onboard.HistoryMany Dutch people migrated to Australia in the wake of World War II. Many Dutch people lost their lives during the German occupation and Allied bombing and as Europe was facing economic and social devastation, survivors were encouraged by the Dutch and Australian governments to come to Australia. The Netherlands Australia Migration Agreement (NAMA) of 1951 facilitated the immigration of Dutch people to Australia, including those residing in the Netherlands East Indies.
The JOHAN VAN OLDENBARNEVELT was chartered by the Dutch government in order to assist Dutch migration in to Australia in 1950. The ship carried many thousands of immigrants to Melbourne, making a total of 44 journeys.
SignificanceImmigration after WWII was at a record high and after the Netherlands experienced such hardship during the war, many residents were encouraged to immigrate to start a new life in Australia where they were promised a fresh start and opportunities.
Nederland Line [Stoomvaart Maatschappij Nederland]
26 March 1955