All posts in history

  • Granny's family (and some random guy) leaving the German refugee camp for Australia.
    Granny
  • Granny and her family travelled from Italy to Melbourne on "The Nelly", a converted troop carrier.
    Granny and her family travelled from Italy to Melbourne on "The Nelly", a converted troop carrier.
  • Granny and her family hid out in this cave as they fled to Germany.
    Granny and her family hid out in this cave as they fled to Germany.
  • Awkward historical Ukrainian Family Photos! Now with bonus Awkward Lean and fluffy dog.
    Awkward historical Ukrainian Family Photos! Now with bonus Awkward Lean and fluffy dog.
  • The government gave Granny a job as a nurse at a home for retarded children. Note the British flag.
    The government gave Granny a job as a nurse at a home for retarded children. Note the British flag.
  • My grandparents' wedding day, with bonus in-laws.
    My grandparents
  • Granny's wedding day, with Auntie Barbara on the left.
    Granny
  • My grandfather took this photo of Granny on their honeymoon.
    My grandfather took this photo of Granny on their honeymoon.
  • My grandparents building a house while being total babes.
    My grandparents building a house while being total babes.
  • Dad's family, including their Nana Lorna. Apparently they all fit in that car.
    Dad
  • My Dad's side of the family as teenagers.
    My Dad
  • Granny visited Ukraine when she was in her 40s. Here's a pic of her with the women she went to Grade 1 with.
    Granny visited Ukraine when she was in her 40s. Here
  • Granny and her partner, Bruce.
    Granny and her partner, Bruce.
  • Granny and Auntie Barbara on the 60th anniversary of their arrival in Australia.
    Granny and Auntie Barbara on the 60th anniversary of their arrival in Australia.
  • The Benjamin family at my cousin Dom's wedding, 2007.
    The Benjamin family at my cousin Dom
  • Granny parties hard on her 80th birthday, 2012.
    Granny parties hard on her 80th birthday, 2012.
  • Dad and Granny at her 80th birthday party.
    Dad and Granny at her 80th birthday party.
  • Granny meets her great-granddaughter Matilda, June 2012.
    Granny meets her great-granddaughter Matilda, June 2012.

 

My grandmother and her family came to Australia as refugees from Ukraine in World War II.

She arrived in Australia in 1949 as 17-year old Daria Nimec, and recently celebrated her 80th birthday as Great-Granny Benjamin.

This is a photo gallery of her journey to Australia, and the life she’s led since.

So thank you, Australia.

Written as part of World Refugee Week. You can read more about my Granny’s journey here.