Hans-Peter Wanzenboeck

Story

When my parents told us of their intention to migrate to Australia they gave the reasons for their decision as- (a) the perceived threat of instability in Europe due to Russia’s aggression toward Hungary and (b) The isolation and political stability of Australia made for excellent future prospects. My mother had been to England as an “Au pair” so she was familiar with the language as well as the basic customs of the British people and it turned out she was right in saying that we would have very little difficulty with successful integration.

Our ship (the Aurelia) entered Port Phillip Bay near sundown on 20th. May 1957 and as the lights came on from Geelong to Sorrento they seemed to be saying “welcome to your future”. We were all on deck eagerly watching the lights of Melbourne slowly but surely draw nearer; dad-Johann, mom- Rosa, sister- Hannelore, brother- Gerhard and yours truly. There may have been some fears and doubts as to what the future held but for me it was all just one great big adventure.

The train trip from Vienna to Genoa with a delay in Salzburg and some time spent in Rome was full of new and exciting sights, sounds and tastes. For a nine year old from a landlocked country, the ship and the ocean both promised and delivered countless adventures and generated unforgettable memories well worth the odd bout of seasickness.

A lot has happened since that day in May, most of it good. I dabble a little in rhyming verse and here is a sample which gives some insight as to my feelings towards this wonderful country which I now call “HOME”

YARRA VALLEY DREAMING

By Peter Wanzenboeck

On a balmy summer\’s evening beside a lazy stream,

A gentle breeze stirs gumleaves way up high.

A platypus drifts shyly past like a dream within a dream,

As the crows mournfully bid the sun goodbye.

I sit and watch enraptured, at peace in heart and mind,

Contented with the beauty of this land

Thinking; if by some misfortune I am suddenly struck blind,

I\’ll always have the mem\’ry of this vision oh so grand.

These sights and sounds have more effect than any healing balm

as the total picture washes o\’er my mind.

I take advantage of this air of blissful soothing calm,

Which in this life can be so hard to find.

I slip into a reverie as my thoughts take me way back

To places and dear friends of long ago,

And as I greet the gentle folk along my mem\’ry\’s track

I feel a love few people ever know.

I came here from a far off land, a lad of only nine

And spent some time in Melbourne at the start.

Then a spell in Wangaratta whet this appetite of mine

As the country life did something to my heart.

The next move took me to Dunkeld with the Grampians at hand,

Slim Dusty sang at all the country shows.

Then I settled in Mount Evelyn where the Dandenongs looked grand,

Near the valley where the Yarra River flows.

I\’m now on West Australian soil, I like my new life here,

Yet sometimes during peaceful reverie,

When I think of Woori Yallock with the Yarra flowing near

I can hear those crows as if they\’re calling me.

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