Giovanni (DOB 21.4.15) Elvina (DOB 8.3.20) Alida (DOB 27.3.42) Aldo (DOB 21.10.44) Claudia (DOB 9.2.50) BARNABA
| Town/City | Kiama, NSW, 2533 |
|---|---|
| First name | Giovanni (DOB 21.4.15) Elvina (DOB 8.3.20) Alida (DOB 27.3.42) Aldo (DOB 21.10.44) Claudia (DOB 9.2.50) |
| Last name | BARNABA |
| Country of Origin | VERTENEGLIO, ITALY |
| Year of Arrival in Australia | 1955 |
| Submitted by | Aldo Barnaba |
Story
After World War II Yugoslavia laid claim to the then Italian territory of the Peninsula of Istria and immediately began to bear direct influence on the politics and way of life in the Istria region.
In 1950 a formal settlement was reached whereby Istria officially became part of Communist Yugoslavia while Trieste remained under Italian sovereignty.
Life under a communist regime was no longer democratic, free or bearable.
In 1952, like many other residents of Istria, the Barnaba family left their belongings behind and moved to Trieste (Italy) as refugees.
Application was made for migration to the USA, Canada, Argentina, Brazil and Australia.
Australia responded first and the family arrived on the first voyage of the refurbished M/V “Fairsea” on 2.8.55.
The whole family echoes the sentiments of their mother, Elvina, when she said….”Blessed the moment we were able to come to Australia where we have been able to make a good life, and pass our time in perfect peace.”