Bernadette Harkins (nee Kerkvliet)
| Town/City | Grove |
|---|---|
| First name | Bernadette |
| Last name | Harkins (nee Kerkvliet) |
| Country of Origin | Holland |
| Date of Birth | 20/01/54 |
| Year of Arrival in Australia | 1960 |
| Submitted by | Louise Andersson |
Story
We left our farm Holland for a better life in Australia.
My parents travelled with their 10 children, 2 – 16 years, on a plane. I was the second youngest and was 6 years old.
It was very warm in March; we had summer dresses on. Mine had a little pocket in the front that I could put things in. Then we went to Bonegilla where it was very crowded. I couldn’t understand the other kids. I had to go to hospital with an ear infection. We settled in Seymour where my father worked on the railway. I had to learn English in Australia when I started school. I married and had children and now have grandchildren. I currently work as a paramedic.