Instead of the usual lunch meeting, on 8 October a group of about 25 members including spouses undertook a visit to the Immigration Museum.   The event started with a pleasant sandwich lunch at the old and charming Rendezvous Hotel (formerly the Commercial Travellers Club) in Flinders Street. 

Noel Halford’s planning of this, yet another external function was again superb.

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Four of our immigrant members provided impromptu presentations over lunch each worthy of a full formal speaking engagement of their early experiences as a newcomer to Australia. Starting with Trevor Jones (he wasn’t even a $10 man albeit his parents were) we heard of the joys? of the 6 week plus sea voyage in 1966 from the UK to Australia.

President Gordon disenchanted with the UK National Health in 1965 told of his journey to Burnie and stay in Tasmania   Gordon recalls that while he was there the local Rugby Union Club was barred  for some  boisterous behaviour…mmm.

Joe Deveruex talked of an earlier time in 1950 when he travelled by ship to Western Australia, and how he became the “entertainment coordinator”  on board, and the sheer pleasure in having a steak on arrival in Fremantle.  

Brain Reid a later arrival in 1970 came via his own finances on a 707 flight under a tourist visa and stayed. This was clearly not as arduous as the 3 long sea voyages, but Brian lamented that the flight involved 4 or 5 refuelling stops on route!

Thanks guys, it was a great prelude to the tour and fascinating to hear of your first observations of Australia, the classless society, the range of foods and perceived opportunities.

Then followed the main show.   First there was an introductory talk of about 20 minutes by one of the Museum staff.  He gave an interesting overview of the various galleries in the Museum and the history of it.

Whereas the site has been an immigration museum for only 10-20 years, its previous history as a Custom House. dates back to the mid-19th century. Our guide gave a wonderful outline of the history of it and its place in Melbourne life from that early time.   Consistent with the prevailing geography of the Yarra and surrounds at the time it is the spot which Batman opined “this is the place for a village”. 

Subsequent to the introduction, members were free to walk around and observe the range of memorabilia and old photographs of aspects of past waves of immigration.   There was a reference library made for those seeking to delve into their ancestry.  The catalogued names on the external walls, and the symbolic flow of water across the related ground placements were thought provoking and even moving.    All in all it was most informative and enjoyable ---many could readily spend a day there without being bored.   

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