Veronika Wild

 -Image by Bru-nO at Pixaba It was the very success of earlier migrations that encouraged optimism with respect to subsequent migration programs. Though most refugee camps were now empty, those who had arrived earlier often encouraged others to come or sponsored relatives under the family reunion scheme.  As economic conditions improved in Europe by the 1970s, there were fewer migrants from that source and some even began returning home. However, social and economic upheavals in other parts of the world continued to bring migrants to Australia’s shores. A rough timeline follows which also reflects changes in Australia’s immigration policy. Apologies to all those I have had to leave out. Note how the various Independence movements sparked waves of immigration. 1945 THE DUTCH Among the first to arrive in the Post War Period were the Dutch. A few Dutch settlers had arrived after the war under a scheme whereby Allied servicemen could apply for Assisted passage to Australia, bu...

A glimpse of the Great Lake as we reach the Plateau The day dawned with low cloud and drizzle which obscured the mountains and sent fingers of mist down into the valleys. The contrast with the day before couldn't have been greater, nor could the landscape. Optimistically, we drove up into the mist anyway. At least it would be an interesting drive even if we couldn’t get to the falls. After turning right  at the Highland Lakes Road (B51), we stopped at Pine Lake and said Hello to the Pencil Pines, that being one of the few places where you can see them easily without having to do heroic backpacking trips into the mountains.  This is one the highest points on the Highland Lakes Road It is also one of the few places where you can see ancient Pencil Pines - Arthrotaxis cupressoides. These have been estimated to be over 1000 years old, though they can live to be 1500. They are related to Sequoias and date from the same geological period This was heroic enough. A biting wind was...

  Easter Greetings -Thank you for this image Couleur from Pixabay I am not religious, but this Easter I am praying for a miracle – several in fact. The resurrection of common decency An end to all those useless wars The rise of Politicians with integrity and honesty, who will put the welfare of the people before greed and personal ambition  And an end to the war on science and knowledge A genuine desire to heal the world and protect nature I ask you all to pray with me and vote accordingly -Amen Perhaps I should also wish you lots of Eggs! PS: It's taking me an awfully long time to bring you the next episode of the Migration story. I'm up to 23 pages and still not done - a lot has happened since WW II, and I am trying to condense it somehow, so a bit more of the Central Plateau (Tas) next and then I hope I will have something postable       

  This is the International Friendship Wall set in a little park under one of our government buildings- I couldn't count all the commemorative stones here. In the front is an Aboriginal Artwork entitled "Reaching Out" It symbolises the roots and branches of migration spreading out and how the one sky unites us all       The Early C20th JEWISH MIGRATION Jewish people had been arriving in Australia since convict times with 800 of them being transported here between 1788 and 1868. One Judah Solomon who was transported to Tasmania served his time and became a successful businessman. By 1845 he had already built a synagogue in Hobart. Others arrived of their own volition and settled mostly around cities such as Melbourne and Sydney. Some also joined the Gold Rush, often setting up stores to supply miners.   Towards the end of the century, a combination of widespread poverty in Europe, persecution and progroms in places such as Russia and Poland, prompted o...