The Finding Home exhibition at the Bonegilla Migrant Experience (opened 6 June 2025) highlights the post–World War II Greek-Australian migration story. Greek migrant narratives in the Finding Home Exhibition notes it “portrays the arduous journey of thousands, who were compelled to leave their homeland with nothing more than a suitcase, seeking refuge and a new beginning in Australia” bonegilla.org.au. The display is designed to “illuminate the trials and triumphs faced by Greek migrants, showcasing their resilience and remarkable contributions” bonegilla.org.au. It is officially “presented in partnership with the Dardalis Archives of the Hellenic Diaspora at La Trobe University and Wodonga Council,” bonegilla.org.au, reflecting La Trobe’s central role in providing archival support for the exhibit. (The exhibition runs for one year, until 30 June 2026.)
Personal Stories of Greek Migrants
Theofanis Emmanouilidis
One featured narrative is that of Theofanis Emmanouilidis, who arrived in Australia in early 1954. As a 19‑year‑old, he spent a six-day stay at Bonegilla’s Block 19 in February 1954. He later recalled the experience vividly: “It was completely strange, but I wanted to be a good citizen in Australia because I was thinking of staying here. It was my last stop,” he said. Falling asleep in Italy and waking to the Australian sunrise made a lasting impression on him: “I woke up… and I realised I was in this wonderful country of Australia. It was very special and I will never, ever forget this moment”. The exhibition preserves memories like Theofanis’s first sunrise in Australia, emphasizing its significance in his family’s migration story. (Bonegilla historian notes that Block 19 was “the ‘first step’” in Emmanouilidis’ new life.)
Ilias Tsinanis
Another story is that of Ilias Tsinanis, who as a 10-year-old, spent two months at Bonegilla in late 1967. He remembered the camp as an “adventure,” but also recalls the anxiety shared by his parents. “In the evenings, people would sit outside their residential quarters, and some of the conversations revolved around uncertainty and trepidation,” Ilias said. Coming from a small village in Greece, he felt the disorientation of camp life: “We were connected to a community, but in Bonegilla, it was just the four of us. Our village had disappeared, and because people were coming from all different parts of the world… it was hard to find connections,” he explained. His words capture the isolation and hope experienced by many Greek migrants upon arrival.
La Trobe University’s Role and Support
The exhibition was made possible by La Trobe University’s Dardalis Archives of the Hellenic Diaspora, which provided many of the displayed items (photographs, suitcases, documents, and keepsakes). La Trobe’s website notes the Dardalis collection holds “a unique collection of more than 180,000 items documenting the migration of the Greek community to Australia”. These archives form the backbone of Finding Home. La Trobe’s Greek archivist Emmanouela Giannoulidou, who co-curated the exhibition, emphasized the migrants’ cultural legacy: “Beyond the challenges of displacement, these migrants carried with them their rich heritage, vibrant culture and cherished memories,” she said g. In other words, the exhibition not only traces hardship but also celebrates how Greek customs and values endured in Australia. La Trobe’s academic programs (such as Greek language and cultural studies) further reflect this ongoing commitment.
Vice-Chancellor Theo Farrell’s Involvement
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell publicly supported the Finding Home project, underscoring the university’s pride in sharing its archives. At the exhibition launch, he noted that La Trobe was “proud to make the Dardalis Archives available to the public” through this partnership. He highlighted La Trobe’s deep connections with Victoria’s Greek community and explained that custodianship of the archives “ensures we are preserving and celebrating Greek heritage”. Farrell said the university was “proud to partner with Wodonga Council to present this exhibition,” viewing it as a way to share immigrant stories with the wider community. In sum, his remarks (and La Trobe’s curatorial support) reinforce the university’s commitment to preserving Greek-Australian history and promoting the Finding Home exhibition.
Sources: Exhibition details and La Trobe’s involvement are documented on the Bonegilla Migrant Experience and La Trobe sites.
