From adapting to changing times... to chasing pirates in the South China Seas – a colourful launch at Brighton Library
Once again, our launch was a great success and enjoyed by all. Dr Walter Uhlenbruch AO, Honorary Lifetime President of the Australian-German Welfare Society, opened the exhibition with great flair and a speech, which combined interesting facts with humorous reminiscences – e.g. that in 1959 the Southern Cross Hotel was the tallest building in Melbourne? Dr Uhlenbruch was president of the AGWS for 26 years, and during his time the Society underwent major changes – from purchasing its own premises, to becoming a partner in creating the Tabulam and Templer Home for the Aged, employing a social worker and starting a variety of new programmes to assist its members. Dr Uhlenbruch, an expatriate and businessman with international credentials, also spared a moment to indulge in the special flavour of the German word “Heimat” (as in the German title of the Book by Sabine Nielsen: Ein bisschen Heimat im Gepäck). Like “Gemütlichkeit” it is not translatable, it is tied to emotions and feelings, which homeland somehow doesn’t cover.
As always our guests were greeted with a welcoming drink and a light supper – delicious finger food created by the German Chef, Achim Hetterich of Die Küche in Beaumaris.
Another highlight was our guest speaker, Carsten Johow, known to many German 3ZZZ listeners as radio and “Hafenkonzert” presenter. Carsten related to us marvellous yarns from his life as an expat, travelling the world (or the seas) to repair ship engines. He finally settled in Melbourne and continued to build up his successful company, until his sense of adventurism led him to take up retirement and the pursuit of hobbies – like travelling. And wherever he goes, he finds marvellous people with a story to tell. Read more about Carsten's stories here.
Expats were the theme during our time at Brighton Library, it started with our speakers and continued with a lively panel discussion: “What is it like – to be an expat wife?”. Expats, unlike many migrants, are sent out by their companies, to spend a number of years living and working in a foreign country. Some decide to stay, some move on to yet another country, some return home. Expats’ experiences differ to some degree from that of migrants because upon arrival they are usually welcomed into a community of other expats. They generally have work engagements waiting and the company might assist with the move and in finding a home. But expats, like migrants, have to face a new language, culture, and traditions. And it is often left to the wife to settle children into kindergarten or school; to find the supermarkets, services, health providers etc.
And they are faced with the same question: How do we maintain the mother tongue, German? A very interesting insight into the joys and difficulties of living in a global world.
The topic of expatriatism allowed us too, to draw parallels between German migrants who arrived just prior to or post WWII and migrants today. While the migrants portrayed in our exhibition faced situations similar to many new migrants (refugees and asylum seekers) today – leaving behind war torn countries, ethnic cleansing, persecution or displacement, starvation and/or poverty, and seeking a chance to bring up their children in a safer environment – German migrants in 2015 tend to be globally savvy – they know what to expect in Australia. They are generally well travelled and have good language skills, good job opportunities and they can keep in contact with their families back home via skype and face book! Very different to the 1950’s when a 3-minute phone call home was a luxury.
At the conclusion of our formal part, many of our guests lingered – to chat, to compare notes or to speak to one of our Zeitzeugen, contemporary witnesses.
As always our guests were greeted with a welcoming drink and a light supper – delicious finger food created by the German Chef, Achim Hetterich of Die Küche in Beaumaris.
Another highlight was our guest speaker, Carsten Johow, known to many German 3ZZZ listeners as radio and “Hafenkonzert” presenter. Carsten related to us marvellous yarns from his life as an expat, travelling the world (or the seas) to repair ship engines. He finally settled in Melbourne and continued to build up his successful company, until his sense of adventurism led him to take up retirement and the pursuit of hobbies – like travelling. And wherever he goes, he finds marvellous people with a story to tell. Read more about Carsten's stories here.
Expats were the theme during our time at Brighton Library, it started with our speakers and continued with a lively panel discussion: “What is it like – to be an expat wife?”. Expats, unlike many migrants, are sent out by their companies, to spend a number of years living and working in a foreign country. Some decide to stay, some move on to yet another country, some return home. Expats’ experiences differ to some degree from that of migrants because upon arrival they are usually welcomed into a community of other expats. They generally have work engagements waiting and the company might assist with the move and in finding a home. But expats, like migrants, have to face a new language, culture, and traditions. And it is often left to the wife to settle children into kindergarten or school; to find the supermarkets, services, health providers etc.
And they are faced with the same question: How do we maintain the mother tongue, German? A very interesting insight into the joys and difficulties of living in a global world.
The topic of expatriatism allowed us too, to draw parallels between German migrants who arrived just prior to or post WWII and migrants today. While the migrants portrayed in our exhibition faced situations similar to many new migrants (refugees and asylum seekers) today – leaving behind war torn countries, ethnic cleansing, persecution or displacement, starvation and/or poverty, and seeking a chance to bring up their children in a safer environment – German migrants in 2015 tend to be globally savvy – they know what to expect in Australia. They are generally well travelled and have good language skills, good job opportunities and they can keep in contact with their families back home via skype and face book! Very different to the 1950’s when a 3-minute phone call home was a luxury.
At the conclusion of our formal part, many of our guests lingered – to chat, to compare notes or to speak to one of our Zeitzeugen, contemporary witnesses.
Special event
Wednesday 18 March, 2–3pm, Venue: Brighton Library, Rotunda
'Experiencing life in Australia as expatriate wife' A panel discussion
Expatriates are professionals or skilled workers, often sent abroad by their companies. They come to Australia, knowing their time here is limited. Unlike migrants, they do not expect to settle in forever. Many modern expatriates form a global middle class with shared work experiences in a multi-national corporation and working and living the global financial and economical centres.
Often, families move to Australia because the husband/father is taking up a job in a German or Australian company. While he is busy at work, trying to learn the ropes and engaging with work colleagues, the wife organises kindergarten and schools, finds baby sitters, health providers, supermarkets and looks for friends. What is life like for an expat wife?
>>> Read Sabine Nielsen's summary of discussions.
'Experiencing life in Australia as expatriate wife' A panel discussion
Expatriates are professionals or skilled workers, often sent abroad by their companies. They come to Australia, knowing their time here is limited. Unlike migrants, they do not expect to settle in forever. Many modern expatriates form a global middle class with shared work experiences in a multi-national corporation and working and living the global financial and economical centres.
Often, families move to Australia because the husband/father is taking up a job in a German or Australian company. While he is busy at work, trying to learn the ropes and engaging with work colleagues, the wife organises kindergarten and schools, finds baby sitters, health providers, supermarkets and looks for friends. What is life like for an expat wife?
>>> Read Sabine Nielsen's summary of discussions.
