Spring 2025

Understanding Bonegilla through one life story

At 14 years old, Galina Vasins was the youngest of more than 800 displaced persons to arrive at Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre in December 1947. She was part of the first group of post-war migrants to enter.

Although her identity papers listed her as Latvian, Galina was actually Russian-born Galina Vidritskaya. In 1941, she fled the siege of Leningrad with her parents and younger sisters.

“We had to go from village to village, begging for food or somewhere to stay," she said.

Within a year, the family was captured and imprisoned by the Nazis in the Salaspils camp near Riga - a place especially harsh for children.

Galina was eventually separated from her family. Believed to be orphaned, she was taken in by Irina Vasins, a monastery teacher in Riga. Irina arranged for her parents to adopt Galina using forged identity papers and in 1944 27-year-old Irina and 11-year-old Galina became "sisters".

As Soviet forces approached Riga, the Vasins family fled and ended up in a displaced persons camp in American-occupied Germany. From there, Irina and Galina applied to migrate to Australia, seeking safety and a new start.

At Bonegilla, Galina found the conditions basic but manageable. After her experiences in Europe, she had little reason to complain.

“It was very hot in summer and cold in winter. It didn’t bother me. I had food and shelter.”

The sisters worked at the centre and spent their spare time sewing clothes. Their close bond drew attention - and rumours - with some believing Galina was Irina’s illegitimate daughter.

You can learn more about Galina’s story, along with many other migrants’ stories at Bonegilla Migrant Experience.

1. Galina and Irena Vasins aboard the train to Bonegilla, 1947, ARM 02.205

2. Galina and Irina Vasins standing at the railing aboard the General Stuart Heintzelman at sea enroute to Australia, 1947, ARM 02.218

3. Galina and Irena Vasins in the washroom at Bonegilla, 1947, ARM 02.208

4. Galina and Irina Vasins is standing on the steps to the centre's Administration building,1948, ARM 02.245

5. Sitting on the steps in a doorway to a hut, Galina Vasins has a sore eye covered, Irina Vasins is at back, 1948 to 1949, ARM 02.270

PLAN YOUR VISIT [[link removed]] Mark your calendars

Friday, November 7 to Saturday, November 8

Spring into Bonegilla – join us for history, culture and music! Enjoy an original camp site visit on Friday, guided tours throughout the event and a vibrant, folk-inspired music concert on Saturday afternoon, headlined by Vardos. Stay tuned to your socials and email for event and ticket announcements.

Upcoming guided tours

Explore original camp buildings, hear shared stories and walk in the shoes of the 320,000 migrants who made this their first Australian home. Regular guided tours depart from the Welcome Centre at 11am on a Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday each week, scheduled until the end of October. Book a tour [[link removed]] ►

Handmade Gnocchi workshop

For children and families

Saturday, October 4, 11.30am to 2pm

Roll up your sleeves, get a little messy and have fun making fresh, tasty gnocchi from scratch these school holidays!

Local favourite Leti will guide you step-by-step through the process in this hands-on workshop for children and families. She’ll also share simple techniques and special tips for creating your very own handmade gnocchi at home.

To finish, dish up your freshly made pasta and serve with a delicious tomato-based sauce – ready for you and your family to taste and enjoy together!

Bookings close Sunday, September 28, unless sold out prior. Limited places are available.

$25 per person l Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a participating adult.

BOOK YOUR SPOT [[link removed]] Finding Home

Despite the shock of a new language and with only a suitcase in tow, Theofanis Emmanouilidis carried a strong sense of purpose and hope for a better life during his six-day stay in the February of 1954. Honouring the Greek-Australian migration story these personal memories and more are now captured as part of the Finding Home exhibition. On display now [[link removed]] ►

Commemorate your family’s migration journey

Personalised plaques are available to purchase anytime for inclusion on The Arc memorial sculpture featured at our National Heritage-listed site.

The continually evolving art piece commemorates the journey of individuals and families who arrived at Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre between 1947 and 1971.

Curated by Vicki and Ken Luke, the connection with boats and the Ark of the Bible is intentional. It reflects the opportunity to seek new horizons and a new life across the sea.

Plaque orders are available online [[link removed]] or alternatively drop in and see the friendly team at Bonegilla Migrant Experience during opening hours.

Plaques cost $251 each and include your family name, given names and place of origin. Please note it may take up to eight weeks for your plaque to be installed.

ORDER A PLAQUE [[link removed]] Functions at Block 19

We welcome all types of event bookings - from reunions and celebrations to business meetings and conferences. Choose from flexible and unique function spaces, including our dedicated function centre and historic Tudor Hall. AV equipment, internet access, catering and room setup are all available. Add a guided tour for a memorable touch. Contact us [[link removed]] ►

Share with your school

Engaging talks and site tours, investigative learning activities and cultural workshops are available for all year levels and class sizes. Coupled with comprehensive teaching resources, students explore themes of immigration, cultural diversity and more. Schools can view our resources and get in touch to book a visit [[link removed]] ► [[link removed]]

Honouring Bonegilla’s past through art

Proudly displayed on and nearby our historic site, you’ll find unexpected tributes that highlight significant post-war migrant history.

One such piece is Seven Cases by Yvonne George (2020) - a powerful tribute to the 320,000 migrants who passed through Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre.

Located at the Bonegilla Rail Siding, this sculpture reflects on the journey, hope and courage it took to begin a new life in an unknown land, often with nothing more than a single suitcase.

Each of the seven cases represents not just luggage, but life stories - leaving behind, starting anew and the precious few items one might carry on their journey.

Look closely and you’ll find names and countries of origin as luggage tags, reminding us of the people behind this chapter of our shared history.

You can explore Seven Cases and other public artworks that honour Bonegilla’s past on the Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail.

VIEW THE ART TRAIL [[link removed]] Film festival feature

Independent documentary, Bonegilla - The Migrant's Journey by Simon Reich was officially selected and featured as part of Melbourne’s Documentary Film Festival in July. The film shared personal reflections from former residents of Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre. We congratulate Simon on this achievement.

Baltics bound for Bonegilla - and beyond

On 28 November 1947, over 800 men and women from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania arrived in Fremantle aboard the USS General Stuart Heintzelman.

They were the first of 170,000 European "displaced persons" to arrive in Australia after WWII, seeking safety and a fresh start.

After a few days ashore, they continued to Melbourne aboard HMAS Kanimbla, where Minister Arthur Calwell welcomed them. From there, trains carried them to Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre.

From Bonegilla, they were assigned employment. Soon they were working across the country, including coal mining in the Latrobe Valley, railway fettling in South Australia or as typists in Canberra.

Following two years of service, a special ceremony was held in Canberra to mark the end of these contracts - they were now free to work and settle wherever they liked.

By 1954, more than 30,000 Estonians, Latvians and Lithuanians had made Australia home. They and their descendants have contributed much to Australian life.

Discover their story in the National Archives of Australia, read the article online [[link removed]].

1. Baltic refugees boarding the train for Bonegilla after arriving in Melbourne on the HMAS Kanimbla, 7 December 1947. NAA: A12111, 1/1947/3/6

2. Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre NAA: A12111, 1/1949/22/1

3. Displaced persons enjoying themselves on the banks of the Hume Weir, 1947. NAA: A12111, 1/1947/3/7

4. Immigration Minister Arthur Calwell welcoming Maira Kulnins and her family to Australia in 1949. Maira, who was from Latvia, was the 50,000th displaced person to arrive in Australia. NAA: A8139, VOLUME 7

READ MORE [[link removed]] ID card look-up

Have you tried looking up your family's Bonegilla ID card? Each person or family group at Bonegilla was registered with an ID card which recorded dates of arrival, departure and more. Find someone [[link removed]] ►

We'd love your feedback

Have you recently visited us at Bonegilla Migrant Experience? We would love to hear about your experience. Always welcome, the feedback you provide helps us better what we do every day. Tell us about your experience [[link removed]] ►

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is general and is not offered as a complete or definitive statement of the relevant facts. Third party comments and information do not necessarily reflect the position of Wodonga Council and are provided only as a matter of interest, we therefore take no responsibility for the accuracy of third party material.

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