ildiko Unica
| First name | ildiko |
|---|---|
| Last name | Unica |
| Country of Origin | Hungary |
| Date of Birth | 23rd July 1953 |
| Year of Arrival in Australia | 1957 |
| Submitted by | Ildiko Unica |
Story
Reason for leaving homeland – 1956 Hugarian revolution
My family escaped under dangerous circumstances. I was 3 and drugged to sleep while we crossed the border. We left the country with no belongings but a teddy for me and a few photos that were sewn into the lining of my winter jacket. Initially we escaped to Austria and my parents wanted to go to Canada, but they changed their minds in the last minute and chose Australia. My family was helped by the Red Cross who also gave me a doll to replace the teddy that I lost during our escape. My only memory is someone being sick on our ship, the “Waterman”. I also remember a crowd and me crying while we looked for the teddy.
My parents Eva and George moved to Bonegilla on the NSW & Vic border then to Wollongong where many families went to and worked at the Steelworks. My father passed away in 2004, my mother is alive and I now have 5 children and 5 grandchildren.