I didn’t know us was here (SBS)

HALF DUTCH / HALF ENGLISH – After World War II the Netherlands made it easier for their citizens to move to other countries. This was done to battle the poor economic prospects caused by the occupation of the Nazis. Especially Canada and Australia became popular destinations for Dutch immigrants. A lot of these expats got together and formed clubs. One such club, Neerlandia, celebrates it’s 70th anniversary in a few days. I spoke with the current president of the club who came to Australia with his parents in the 1950’s when he was 12, but didn’t discover the Dutch club until some 15 years ago… Gerry Smolders talks about his memories of the Netherlands, coming to Australia on the first passenger ship to travel the newly established Suez Canal and the ‘requirements’ to join the Dutch club.