Back in the 1940s, the Greta Migrant Camp was the second largest in the country with more than 100,000 “New Australians” living there.

And, while the site’s been closed for six-and-a-half decades, it remains a pivotal piece of the region’s past.

So much so, a special celebration this month will mark 75 years of post-war migration to Newcastle and the Hunter.

An exhibition, dinner function, bus tour and movie are planned for the weekend of Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August.

While the Greta Migrant Camp operated from 7 June 1949 until 15 January 1960, Adamstown, Mayfield, Nelson Bay and Port Stephens were also known locations of the federal government’s post-World War II migration accommodation centres, which settled immigrants while they worked in local industries throughout the Hunter Chapter area.

And, since 1977, the Hunter Multicultural Communities (HMC) has continued to help the ageing European populace who primarily toiled in the steelmaking and manufacturing sectors.

“These migrants were predominantly political and economic refugees from Poland, Italy, Greece, Macedonia, Austria, Hungary, Germany and Russia,” a spokesperson said.

“To this day, we still support them with aged care services and cultural events.

“All friends, families and people interested or connected to the post-war migration era are invited to attend the Migration Celebration and share stories and reconnect with peers.”

Post-War Migration Celebration

Post War Migrant Exhibition

• Saturday 17 August (11am-3pm, free, HMC Waratah)
• The Post War Migrant Exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the rich history and contributions of migrants to the region.

Migrant Celebration Two-Course Dinner and Guest Speaker

• Saturday 17 August (5.30pm, $25 per person, HMC Waratah)
• A delightful two-course dinner with special guest speaker, offering an excellent opportunity to share stories and celebrate the diverse community over a delicious meal and to the sounds of the Baltic Bar Mitzvah duo.

Greta Bus Tour and Silver City Movie

• Sunday 18 August (9am-2pm, $20 per person, bus leaves from HMC Waratah at 9am)
• Author and migrant camp researcher Alek Schulha is tour guide as guests visit the former Greta Migrant Camp site to view the memorial, Greta Historical Museum and an Exhibition at Branxton Community Hall. The bus will return to HMC for afternoon tea and an exclusive screening of the AFI Award-winning movie, Silver City, which captures the migrant experience 75 years ago in Australia.

For bookings, phone 4960 8248 or visit huntermulticultural.org.au

For more community stories:

• Port Waratah supports those experiencing homelessness in community
• Hunter schools, students clean up at 2024 Public Education Awards
• Gillieston Heights skate park rolls into construction phase

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