Rudi Matas
| Town/City | Newcastle |
|---|---|
| First name | Rudi |
| Last name | Matas |
| Country of Origin | Croatia |
| Date of Birth | 2/11/1939 |
| Year of Arrival in Australia | 1959 |
| Submitted by | Rudi Matas |
Story
Reason for leaving homeland – bad economic conditions
About the Journey – As I was only 18 years old it was more of an adventure even if the conditions were not too good. I had two other friends with me and they have remained my friends up to this day. I sailed on the ship Aurelia
Impressions on Arrival – A different land but exciting to a young man. The language barrier was hard but soon picked up enough to see me through especially with the girls. I was lucky enough to secure employment with an Italian firm A.B.B. and soon worked my way up to supervisor. Married and had three children but the marriage dissolved and many years later I remarried. I have been lucky to be able to go back to see my family a few times. I am now retired.