Frank Vandenberg
| Town/City | Cardiff 2285/ Newcastle |
|---|---|
| First name | Frank |
| Last name | Vandenberg |
| Country of Origin | The Netherlands |
| Date of Birth | 24/05/42 |
| Year of Arrival in Australia | 1950 |
| Submitted by | Frank Vandenberg |
Story
It was just after the war and my father wanted a better life for his family. My grandfather who had been a merchant seaman visited Australia in the early part of the 20th century, loved the place and encouraged my dad to bring us here. Holland had been occupied by the Germans and so when the opportunity arrived to migrate to Australia my father Frank my mother Petronella my younger siblings Harry, Sophia, Petronella and I set off on the best journey of our life.
We left Holland on a ship called “Johan van Olderbarnevelt “(I think that is how its spelt) We sailed for 6 weeks and I as an 8 year old loved every minute. I will never forget stopping in Port Said where we had our first taste of rockmelon and we, my brother Harry and my dad and I, stuffed ourselves – they were so delicious.
As a kid I loved Australia right from the minute we got off the ship but my mother was very homesick. Our first accommodation was Bathurst for 2 weeks and then we were sent to Nelson Bay NSW migrant camp. We all fell in love with Nelson Bay which to us was like paradise with beautiful beaches and sparkling blue waters. I am so happy we migrated and am a very proud Austalian. Australia is my home!!