November 17, 2016

Illawarra’s vibrant migrant history celebrated in new exhibition

Migration to the Illawarra showcases contribution to region's cultural and social identity

A new exhibition at the University of Wollongong (UOW) captures the rich multicultural history of the Illawarra and the significant cultural imprint created by the region’s migrant population.

A collaboration between UOW Archives and the Illawarra Migration Heritage Project, the exhibition showcases the contribution made by the Illawarra’s vast influx of migrants, many of whom arrived in the post World War II era after fleeing war-torn Europe in search of a better life.

Migration to the Illawarra, which is on display in UOW’s Library, traces the legacy of music, food, language, beliefs and traditions that migrants contributed to the region, a legacy that continues to this day.

Margie Jantti, UOW Director of Library Services, said the exhibition provided a glimpse into the immense and ongoing impact that migrants have made to the Illawarra.

“The exhibition includes posters, photographs, publications and original memorabilia from the University Archives and private collections, chronicling migrant forbearers, from whom many of us are descended,” Ms Jantti said.

“It captures the spirit of these communities, and the impact they have made on making the Illawarra the multicultural region it is today.”

One of the most poignant items in the exhibit is a double-breasted coat owned by Drago Radinovic, a political refugee who escaped from the former Yugoslavia in the 1950s.

Drago, who had served time in prison for his opposition to the regime, wore the coat during winter in Austria, where he awaited passage to Australia with his wife and baby.

The simple coat captures the challenges that many migrants overcame to start a new life in Australia, a country of which most had never heard. The coat is on loan from Drago’s daughter’s personal collection.

Franca Facci, chairperson of the Migration Heritage Project, said the exhibition was the perfect way to celebrate the contribution of migrants to the Illawarra, which remains an essential part of the region’s identity.

“Wollongong was transformed after the Second World War by the influx of migrants. So much of what they brought with them – courage, resilience, a strong work ethic and hope for a better future – are inherent in the values of our city as it is today,” Ms Facci said.

Migration to the Illawarra runs until 22 January 2017. A number of events will be held to coincide with the exhibition.

For further information visit go.uow.edu.au/migration. 

Main photo: (From left) Hakan Harman, CEO of Multicultural NSW, Professor Joe Chicaro, UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Margie Jantti, Director of UOW Library Services, and Franca Facci, Chairperson of Migrant Heritage Project Inc. Credit: Paul Jones