First Generation

Saturday, 7 November
Wollongong City Gallery exterior panels
Crn of Kembla and Burelli streets, Wollongong
Exhibition launch: Friday, 30 October

Viva La Gong Festival has commissioned photographer Mayu Kanamori, to create a portrait exhibition reflecting aspects of migrant experience in Wollongong. Mayu Kanamori has photographed people who migrated to Wollongong, post World War II, seeking work in the mining and textile industries.

Many of these first generation migrants share the experience of staying in places of temporary accommodation such as the Nissen Huts in Fairy Meadow and Balgownie, family garages, tents in Stuart Park or hostels and boarding houses.

The exhibition will feature contemporary portraits and a selection of archival black and white images from the late 1940s-1960s.   

The MHP Migration Places project was undertaken by Louise Thom, Meredith Walker and Glynnis Cummins in 2007. The MHP Migration Places project was supported by funds from the Wollongong City Council, the NSW Heritage Council and the Migration Heritage Centre. 

Image: Margaret and George Lappin at their first place of accommodation, a remaining Nissen hut at former Fairy Meadow Hostel site. Migrated from Scotland in 1969. Photographer, Mayu Kanamori 2009.

Mayu Kanamori

Migration Heritage Project Inc