www.awnw.com.au
Issue #245 – Wednesday, 13 August, 2014
Albury Wodonga’s largest circulating newspaper
History is coming up roses To commemorate the Centenary of Australian Red Cross and its own 100th birthday, the Beechworth Red Cross Branch will plant “Red Cross roses” and lay a plaque at the Town Hall Gardens on Monday. FOR THE FULL STORY TURN TO PAGE 2
Track winds back BROTHERS Russell and Stephen Burns are preparing for a blast from the past when the Variety Dick Smith B to B Bash makes a special pitstop at the historic Bonegilla Migrant Camp, just outside Albury, on Friday. Their mother Stelia and their nonna Guseppina Scarpin were housed at Bonegilla when they first settled in Australia after fleeing Italy when the communist regime moved into their tiny island town of Lussin Poccolo. It will be the first time any member of the family has visited the facility since their mother’s arrival on 25 October 1950 and the brothers expect it to be an emotional experience. They grew up hearing stories about the facility that their nonna and one-year-old mother called home after they made the hasty decision to leave Italy. Russell’s dad Ron is also doing the 4929 kilometre charity bash, in a separate vehicle. Russell says there won’t be a dry eye among the three family members when they stand in front of the memorial plaque inscribed with their ancestors’ names and arrival date. “It is going to be emotional, but like the families that Variety supports, mine is stoic and resilient,” he said. “We have overcome adversity just as many Aussie kids and their families have done, with a little help from Variety.” Russell recalls his nonna’s stories about the tough camp conditions and how it was run with strict military precision. “I remember Nonna reminiscing about her time at Bonegilla and how hard it was to look after my mum there, especially as her husband was sent to work in Sydney,” he said. “The food was scarce and she
would often go hungry to make sure mum had enough food to eat. I remember her telling me how she and the other migrants scavenged for native roots and herbs to supplement their meagre rations.” The Bonegilla visit is one of many pitstops during the 10-day adventure through 17 regional and remote towns across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. The outrageously themed vintage vehicles – which include an F-100 M*A*S*H ambulance with novelty helicopter pad, a Hogwart’s Express vintage Holden and Ford Falcon Thunderbirds car – will finish on Sunday by crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The colourful crew is expected to lob at Bonegilla around 4.30pm on Friday.
Russell Burns’ car in action.
“
Stelia and her mother Guseppina
It is going to be emotional, but like the families that Variety supports, mine is stoic and resilient… Russell Burns
The Burns brothers on the road.
Scarpin.
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