My name is Hans-Joachim Karl Sahariv and I am a proud Australian citizen arriving in this great nation (just before my fifth birthday) on the 29th of November 1950.
My country of embarkation was Bremen in West Germany with my mother and stepfather and a myriad of others from many countries.
My first sighting and memory of arriving in this wonderful land was the Flour Mill at Fremantle with the huge black Dingo on a yellow background.
I was also fascinated with the country the bird life and animals; the friendly nature of the pig farmer next to the hostel and his generosity and welcome he gave our families, not to mention the many pigs on the spit we experienced because of his benevolence.
I don’t think a day goes by without thanking the good Lord and my parents (now deceased) for a decision made by them in Germany to leave the continent and choose Australia as our new home.
Supplied: Hans Joachim (John) Sahariv
Supplied: Hans Joachim (John) Sahariv
I served my nation in an occupation which I loved (the army); and now, I am older and allow myself time to reminisce on how lucky one is to being adopted by those folk so many years ago, they taught me to be the man I am, “A PROUD AUSTRALIAN”!
This is a broad brush insight to this little refugee’s life in this land of milk and honey (still is)!
Were you born overseas? We’d like to hear about your first impression of Australia as a new migrant. Whatever your background, tell us your story in words, pictures or tweets.
