1953 letter that started journey of enjoyment

By PETER NORMAN

ON JULY 8, 1953 a letter from the Commonwealth of Australia addressed to Mr and Mrs A G Norman of Little Shelford arrived to tell them that their application to become “ten pound poms” had been approved.

They were sponsored by his brother at Kaniva. On April 8 1954 they were to board the boat train that would take them to Tilbary Dock where they were to board RMS Strathaid for the four week trip to Australia.

RMS Strathaird had been a troop ship during the war and was a one class ship. A receipt for luggage shows that they travelled with 15 pieces of luggage at a total cost of eight pounds two shillings and six pence. This luggage duly arrived at Kaniva railway station, the only casualty on being un packed being the top of a potato dish.

London. Gibraltar, Port Said, Suez canal, Aden, Colombo, Fremantle, Adelaide and Melbourne on May, 1954. A journey of four weeks. On April 27, 1954 we were all “ducked” by King Neptune when we crossed the equator.

Prior to this on March 19, 1953 a “Docu- ment of Identity” had been issued to my father that contained details of my mother and us six children. This was instead of passports.

It is interesting that recently my sister applied for an Australian pension and because she had not taken out Australian Citizenship she had to produce this document to prove that she came into the country legally. (lucky I still have it!)

On May 8, 1954 we arrived in Melbourne, we were met by my uncle and aunty.

The idea being that the “older” people would stay that night at the Peoples Palace and mum, my aunty and us other kids would go on the Overland to Kaniva. That was okay!

We were overcarried to Serviceton at 5am. What a welcome to Kaniva!

It was undoubtedly a culture shock to my mum and dad. They left a modest two story council house with total central heating to a typical three bedroom weatherboard house. No heating and no air-conditioning, not even a fan.

The first summer was one to remember with almost all the Little Desert alight.

My dad had been a telecom technician, so to begin work as a farm hand was very hard on the hands even though he wore clothes to handle the hay!

They were very brave or very foolish, brave I would say

However, at that time the Kaniva station was not long enough to take all the Overland train in one go and would unload the front of the train and then move forward to disembark the passengers at the rear.

However on this occasion they did not do that but kept going with my mum, aunty and us kids waving frantically at the open door!

My older brother was too old to go to school and soon obtained a job as a painter.

My first day at school I well remember.

Mum took me and I was taken into the office and asked a couple of questions and from my answers they determined what my level was and the class in which i was to go into.

Having been brought up on the round ball game (soccer) I was given an Aussie Rules football.

“Do you play rugger here “ I asked. Could not then kick the “b” thing and still can’t.

A “Pommy kid” with a strong posh Cambridgeshire accent, barracking for the English cricketers is another story!

Because mum and dad came as ten pound poms , if they returned “home” within two years they had to pay the government the full cost of their fares to Australia.

They very desperately wanted to go home, however because of this requirement they had to stay. Pleased to say at the end of two years they had settled and that’s why I am still here.

I think they were very brave or very foolish, brave I would say.

They purchased 99 Commercial Street, before that they resided at 24 Yarrock Stret Kaniva

They both are now deceased and buried in Horsham.

Their decision at the time has led to six children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren now enjoying the life that we now lead here.

As they say the rest is history.

Death Notice

SMITH - GEOFFREY THOMAS

24-1-2023. Aged 93

Much loved brother of Shirley and respected brother-in-law of Ken (Dec.) Hargreaves.

Uncle to Greg and Alison, Michelle and Rod, Scott and Wendy and their families.

Bereavement Thanks

Mulquiny

The Mulquiny & their extended families with much appreciation would like to thank everyone who sent cards, flowers, their condolences, love and support on the passing of Justin (JJ). Each and everyone of you have touched our hearts.

Christopher (Chris)

James Cox

A year of heartache no one can heal, memories of you no one can steal. You asked for little and gave so much. You are remembered with Pride by our family and community Tracey, Peter, Thomas, William, Alexandra and Katherine.

Public Notices

Help shape the catchment’s future

We’re putting the call out for a community member from the region’s west to be part of a key committee and help shape the future of the organisation.

We’re looking or a new member of our Strategic Direction Committee, a subcommittee of the Board that influences, and has input into, a range of important strategies and the delivery of the North Central Regional Catchment Strategy (RCS).

The Strategic Directions committee also supports the development of our Climate Change Action Plan, North Central River Health Strategy 2005, North Central Floodplain Management Strategy 2018-28, and Business Development Strategy.

The committee plays an important role in shaping the CMA’s response to natural resource management across the whole region.

Years of experience is not required. We’re keen to find someone who cares for the environment and wants to contribute to the way their region is managed.

We’d love someone from the region who will build on the diversity of views around the table and there is always room for First Nations representation.

If you’re interested, please call Rachel Murphy on 5448 7124 or email info@nccma.vic.gov.au for more information about the position and how to apply. Applications close March 28, 2023

Meetings

Notice of an Application for Planning Approval

The land a ected by the application is located at: Road Reserve adjacent to 2830 Calder Hwy, Derby

The application is for a permit to: Removal of Native Vegetation (to create a south bound passing lane)

The applicant for the permit is: Department of Transport

The application reference number is: 5852

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the Responsible Authority.

Loddon Shire Council Offices – 41 High Street Wedderburn VIC 3518

This can be done during office hours and is free of charge.

Please direct any queries to the Planning Department by calling (03) 5494 1200 or emailing planning@loddon.vic.gov.au .

Any person who may be a ected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority.

An objection must:

 be in writing

 state how you will be a ected by the granting of the permit  be sent to the Responsible Authority at PO Box 21 Wedderburn 3518

The Responsible Authority will not decide on this application before: 20 February, 2023

If you object, the Responsible Authority will tell you its decision

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Monday 27 February 2023 at 5:30pm Inglewood Town Hall

25 Verdon Street Inglewood

Please join us, RSVP essential by Friday 24 February to: Sharon Williams - ea@idhs.vic.gov.au or telephone 03 5431 7000

Wanted To Buy

Meetings

Join Our Team

Open Access Meeting

WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2023 AT 2PM

BOORT MEMORIAL HALL SUPPER ROOM

Members of the public are asked to email questions to the meeting organiser prior to the event at Kathryn.Velleley@bdh.vic.gov.au

Alternatively, there will be an opportunity to submit questions during the meeting.

Guest speaker: Claire Edwards, Strategic Plan Consultant

For more information please contact Kathryn Velleley on 5451 5204 or email Kathryn.Velleley@bdh.vic.gov.au

2021-2022 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2023 AT 3PM

BOORT MEMORIAL HALL SUPPER ROOM

Please join us as our Board Chair Wendy Gladman looks back on another extradordinary year at Boort District Health

Including service award presentations and guest speaker Simone O’Brien, Nurse Practioner at Boort District Medical Clinic

Afternoon tea will be available.

Are you looking for a new EXCITING opportunity within the health industry?

Join our vibrant and supportive team IDHS invites applications for the following employment opportunities

 Registered Nurse

Program

 Food & Domestic Services Assistant

 Physiotherapists – Grade 1 or 2

 Occupational Therapist Grade 1

 Health Care Worker – Trainee

To view the full details of the position and how to apply, please visit https://www.idhs.vic.gov.au/positions-vacant and service to our customers.

This position would suit someone looking to commence or continue their career in Agricultural retail.

This position is full time, and you will be required to work some Saturday mornings on a roster. For a full job description please check our website millerag.com.au/job-opportunities/ Applications close on Friday February 3, 2023.