Bonegilla - The Migrant's Journey

"Bonegilla - The migrant's journey" shows first hand interviews of post war migrants from various European countries and their photos, home movies and documents. After World War 2, there were millions of displaced people searching for homes and a new start. Australia committed itself to accepting boatloads of these refugees. “Bonegilla-The migrant’s journey”, charts the “New Australian’s” time during the war and how that influenced their decision to find a new home. It then charts their travel by ships to the other side of the world, their arrival in a land they knew nothing about. Being housed in spartan migrant camps like Bonegilla and their eventual acceptance of Australia as their new home. You'll laugh. You'll cry. But most of all you'll be truly inspired by these gutsy pioneers who left everything behind and travelled to a country they knew nothing about. The films musical soundtrack is played by a piano and violin live on stage and there is also immersive sound design."Bonegilla-The migrant's journey" has been playing to sold out venues around Australia.

The show runs for 80 minutes with no interval. During a speech at the end of the show, director and filmmaker, Simon Reich, will conduct a Q & A.




"The audience laughed, cried, and exchanged knowing glances, sharing in the collective appreciation for these brave pioneers, whose tenacity, love, and generosity helped shape the heart of our communities.
Simon Reich has not only captured an important chapter in our national story, but he has also reminded us that behind every migration statistic is a human story of courage, sacrifice, and ultimately, belonging. Terese Casu Former CEO of Sydney Mardi Gras and Sydney Film Festival




Simon Reich delivered a moving and masterful work of historical storytelling with Bonegilla, an immersive presentation that deeply resonated with audiences — both those with personal or familial connections to Bonegilla and those with a broader interest in Australia’s migrant history.
Through the powerful combination of oral histories, documentary images, and evocative soundscapes, Simon painted a vivid and emotional portrait of the migrant experience. His presentation prompted laughter, tears, reflection, and a deeper understanding of a defining chapter in Australia’s multicultural journey.  Amie Zar Community History Coordinator of Inner West Council (Sydney).




Bonegilla is a moving film that shares the stories of post-WWII migrants who arrived in Australia through the Bonegilla Migrant Centre. The show blends video interviews, historic photos & live music which brings to life the personal stories in a powerful & accessible way. On the night we had a sell- out audience; there was laughter, tears and the audience left richer for the experience.  Meg Butcher Events Office Ku-ring-gai Council (Sydney)

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