John ( Juan ) de la Torre

Story

I was a student at the time in Barcelona, Spain and had the opportunity of migrating to Australia. The Mitchell family of Sydney promised my parents that they would look after me and were my sponsers. As a ambitious and adventurous young man and with my parents’ blessings I took the offer of the Mitchell family and migrated to Australia. I arrived in Fremantle in December 14th. Then on to Sydney arriving December 21st 1958 where I was welcomed by the Mitchell family.

Note: The 6 a.m. arrival into Sydney Harbour Bridge with clear sky was something I will never forget.

About the Journey – I left Barcelona (Spain) by train to Italy. Arriving in Genova Central Railway Station two days later. On my arrival in Genova I was welcomed by an Australian immigration official and was taken to Board the Ship ” Roma” of the Flotta Lauro Shipping Company. The trip lasted 4 weeks – I recall I started smoking as a way of socialising. We had English lessons every day, I liked that as well as many games, swimming, cinema, dances. On board we had a Catholic Priest who said Mass daily for anyone wishing to attend and for spiritual guidance and education. Soon after we sailed from Genova, the Ship’s Captain welcomed us on board and announced that there was only two non Italian passengers on board. There were 2 Spaniards – Pedro from Madrid and Juan (myself) from Barcelona, so we were somewhat special, I think.

Our first Port of arrival was Fremantle in WA. It was one early Sunday morning. We had to pass the Health Check, then Immigration and finally Customs. We were allowed to go ashore and we hit the town. The town was deserted (that was my impression). As a good Catholic boy and a couple of others with me, we thought of going to Sunday Mass in the local Church. We could only find one place that looked like a kind of a church and music was coming from inside, we went inside and were made very welcome by a lady with a hat saying on it “Salvation Army” we thought that we were in the Army Military Band Concert of some kind, remember we had only been in Oz few hours. Sometime later we learned it was the Salvation Army Citadel. We were surprised not to see kangaroos running around the streets. It was an experience that is hard to put into words.

I have being now in Australia 50 years and looking back, I am amazed to see how we have grown as a Country and the population has more than doubled. Very proud to have made Australia home for me and my children . Thank you Australia

< Back to the Stories