Wanda’s parents, Bogdan and Valerie met while working at the Bonegilla Hospital. They were married in 1951, in a small ceremony held in a corrugated hut that had been consecrated by the Catholic Church.

Wanda, their first child, was born the following year.

The trauma of war was rarely acknowledged, but Wanda says the stories of her family seeped into her very being, referring to it as “a transmitted memory from a kind of European dreamtime which had turned into an abyss of loss on one hand and compelling curiosity on the other“.

As long-term Bonegilla residents and staff members, Bogdan and Valerie’s experience of the camp differed from those people still “in transit”.

For the migrant staff, socialising happened in the evenings, paying a visit to someone else’s room or visiting the ‘mess’ hall to eat at nights. The discussion was often about what to do in their new country, where to go or where work might be.

The possibility of a good job was a welcome distraction from the shared memories of the war, but Wanda remembers a conspiratorial tone to the adult plans, and a hungry sense or need to always forge ahead.

The presence of children at Bonegilla also provided a healthy distraction. Life continued, birthdays were celebrated and family needs were met. For Wanda, the whole world was Bonegilla.

Wanda later moved to Sydney where she became a teacher and then a psychologist. She has written about her parents and about Bonegilla.

Read more about Wanda’s family story onsite during your next visit to Bonegilla Migrant Experience.

ARM 03.018 - Bogdan Skowroński arrived at Bonegilla in 1951 and stayed six years.
ARM 03.022 - Wanda Skowrońska (back row, right) with other Bonegilla camp children in 1956-7 at the camp kindergarten.
ARM 03.019 - The Skowronksi family

Pack a picnic, get the family together and enjoy a day of discovery at Bonegilla Migrant Experience over the summer school holidays.

Go back in time as you explore the historic site and learn about the fascinating history of Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre. 

Available each day, take part in activities designed for all ages:

• Follow the suitcase trail
• Participate in traditional board and lawn games 
• Take the Scavenger Hunt or complete the Look and Find
• Keep little hands busy at the colouring station
• Tuck into freshly made scones with jam and cream

Guided tours are also available on selected days.

Open daily from 10am to 4pm, closed Christmas day. Free admission for children 16 years and under. Multi-visit passes available. 

Last month our historic grounds were brought to life with an exciting program of events that honoured Australia’s post-war migrant history during Spring into Bongeilla.

The program opened on Friday with a sold-out in-depth tour of the former migrant camp, Latchford Barracks and other places rarely accessible to the public.

At the heart of the weekend, more than 100 attendees enjoyed a vibrant afternoon of lively folk and Romani music during Music in the open-air with Vardos.

Throughout the weekend, more than 60 attendees delved into migrant history during our regular guided tours of the site.

Thank you to all those who attended the festivities throughout the weekend. 

In October, we were honoured to welcome former resident, Adriano Cukon, who returned to Bonegilla after 64 years to celebrate his 85th birthday with family.

It was a special opportunity to hear his memories of Bonegilla — and give his grandkids a tour of the place where his Australian journey began all those decades ago.

Fleeing oppression in Yugoslavia, Adriano arrived with nothing but a suitcase in his hand on January 12, 1961 after sailing on the SS Conte Grande.

Adriano’s family passed on their heartfelt thanks to Bonegilla Migrant Experience's team for making their visit so memorable.

You can learn about Adriano’s migration journey via the @_lifestamp_ instagram account.

We're excited to announce the opportunity to donate to Bonegilla Migrant Experience is now available in-person or online.

Help us preserve a place of resilience, hope and new beginnings — for future generations to come. Your valued contribution directly supports the important work of Bonegilla Migrant Experience by helping to:

• Preserve Block 19 and its original buildings for public access
• Maintain its historic collections 
• Conserve personal migrant stories and records
• Deliver exhibitions, tours and workshops
• Facilitate educational programs 

Become a Friend of Bonegilla — with a donation of $40 or more you’ll receive an email of appreciation and be acknowledged in our e-newsletter (or elect to remain anonymous).

All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Bonegilla Migrant Experience is a not-for-profit organisation.

Bonegilla Migrant Experience was saddened by the passing of Theo (Theofanis) Emmanouilidis, aged 90, earlier in October. 

Theo’s journey in Australia began with a six-day stay at Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre during February 1954, after a long journey by sea from Greece aboard the Skaubryn - with only a suitcase in tow.

From those beginnings, he became a passionate advocate for preserving Bonegilla’s migrant history, most notably through his long-standing role as President of the Bonegilla Former Greek Residents Association.

A proud supporter of Bonegilla Migrant Experience, Theo regularly returned to the site, often bringing groups of Greek former residents to share stories and memories. His enthusiasm and commitment helped strengthen and preserve the history of Bonegilla’s largest and longest running migrant centre in the post-war era.

Earlier this year, we reconnected with Theo when preparing the new exhibition, Finding Home, documenting the Greek Diaspora experience of migration and community building in Australia.

Theo was happy to reshare his personal experience of Bonegilla and artifacts connected to his migration journey, allowing us to develop a small but crucial standalone display as part of the larger exhibition.

The standalone display will remain permanently at Bonegilla Migrant Experience in honour of his legacy.

We pay tribute to Theo Emmanouilidis for his lifelong dedication, generosity and invaluable role in preserving the history of Bonegilla and the Greek migrant experience in Australia.