Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™ LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

The arrival of the 'Beautiful Balts'

Konstancija Brundzaite presents a gift to Arthur Calwell, Minister for Immigration, 1947.

Konstancija Brundzaite presents a gift to Arthur Calwell, Minister for Immigration, 1947. Credit: ANMM Collection Gift from the Australian Lithuanian Community

This month marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the first large group of non-white refugees in Australia. This group is now known as the “Beautiful Balts”. Historian Ingeborg van Teeseling explains the origin of this fascinating name.


This interview is in Dutch.


Share

Follow SBS Dutch

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS News in Dutch

Watch it onDemand

Watch now