Memories in my Luggage

Memories in my Luggage is a travelling photographic exhibition that tells the stories of German migrants who arrived in Australia immediately before and after World War II.

The exhibition details the lives of these migrants who left behind a country that was preparing for – or trying to come to terms with – a devastating war. They arrived in Australia as displaced persons or refugees and cam to start a new life in Australia – with just their luggage carrying the memories of what they had left behind.

The exhibition started with a book (Ein bisschen Heimat im Gepäack by Sabine Nielsen), telling the life stories of migrants who arrived in Australia between 1935 and 1956 – refugees, displaced or persecuted people, adventurers and those who were looking to start a new life.

German photographer Eva Maria Rugel took portraits of the migrants represented in the book and along with Sabine Nielsen and Melbourne-based designer David Wong, decided to put together a photographic exhibition.

The exhibition shows photographs and texts, digital presentations, information about organisations that assist migrants, and memorabilia which highlights the experience of migration.

Special events at Tabulam and Templer Homes as part of the exhibition include:

Friday July 10: 10am - 11am
On My Bicycle to Australia (in German)
Fred Glasbrenner, a ‘Schwabe’ from Backnang, tells of his 12 month journey to reach Australia. With two friends, he embarked on an adventure of a lifetime, traversing continents and rugged country sides, meeting statesmen, princes and world leaders on his way, and learning to live on his wits.

Sunday July 12: 3pm – 4pm
Margrit Zalisz and the Accordion Accents Ensemble (in English)
Margrit Zalisz is a German-born author who arrived in Australia with her family more than sixty years ago. Music has always been a part of her life. The Accordion Accents Ensemble supplies the background music to her reflections, evoking memories of leaving Berlin; dancing on the boat to Australia; the early years in Melbourne and finally, meeting her husband and being wooed by his accordion playing.

Friday July 17: 10am – 11am
Stories of a German Test Pilot (in German)
Knud Bartels started his career as a test pilot in the HFB 320, the first civil aviation aircraft that was built in Germany after WWII by the HFB (Hamburger Flugzeug Bau). After many adventures in the air, he and his wife, Waltraut, decided to retire in Melbourne.

Friday July 24: 10am – 11am
Ostarbeiter – the Story of my Grandparents (in English)
Dr Kristian Ireland is a musician and researcher. The history of his Soviet/Ukrainian grandparents who were forced labourers in Germany during WWII before they migrated to Australia, is a fascinating story.

The exhibition runs until July 31 at Tabulam and Templer Homes. To RSVP email lifestyle@ttha.org.au or call (03) 8720 1303.

Find out more about Memories in my Luggage here.