Trish Morrow
Yungaba is a special place to many Queenslanders. It was my first home when I arrived in Australia, at the age of three, the place where my sister lost my favourite teddy bear. Later as an adult I returned there for briefing and meetings with the Overseas Service Bureau/Australian Volunteers International, before representing Australia as a volunteer in Guatemala for two years, and working in Timor-Leste for two years also. There were many festivals and cultural events which I attended there over the years, and meetings with multicultural groups such as the Guatemalan women's group. Apart from a small percentage of Australians who are indigenous, we are a nation of first/second/third/forth generation immigrants. It would be great to remember our history and provide an immigration museum as a tourist attraction.
Christine Brown
I am one of many migrants who stayed at Yungaba in 1974, "my home away from home" a comfort to help me settle into my new life!
Louise Comino
As a child migrant to this country I am one of thousands of others who were fortunate enough to be temporarily housed at Yungaba while my parents found work and purchased our first home at Ashgrove. I stayed at Yungaba for about 6 weeks and attended the Kangaroo Point State School for this period of time. Yungaba was a fantastic introduction to the Australian way of life for me and my brother as the hostel was home to many families and dozens of other children. I have very happy memories of my time in the hostel and am devastated to learn that the site will be sold off to developers for the almost exclusive benefit of a small number of wealthy property owners. Yungaba is part of Queensland's cultural heritage. All Queenslanders should be able to visit the site to appreciate the significant part that it has played in our history and to enjoy the beauty of the grounds and the river vistas. Louise Comino (nee Feekery)
Story from Xavier family, Coorparoo ..
“YUNGABA” NEEDS ELEVATION, NOT ELIMINATION
It is with great dismay and utter disbelief that I pen this short, but indelible memories of this magnificent landmark which catered and nurtured my family and me when we migrated from Dublin in 1987.When we landed at the Brisbane International airport on January 26, 1987 we were taken to Yungaba migrant hostel where we stayed only for a few days before we flew to our place of employment in North Queensland.
Within this short span of time we realized the importance and usefulness of this wonderful place of residence. It was a haven to those who did not have any known faces in this foreign city to commence their Aussie life. The site and situation of this charming city’s landscape was greatly appreciated by our children who enjoyed the activities happening along the river banks on one side and flush vegetative greenery on the other.
The most attractive aspect of this place was its easy access to the city centre either by crossing the Brisbane river by ferries or making a stroll on foot across the famous Story Bridge which produced a spectacular scenery for enjoyment. Furthermore, Yungaba was a symbol of multiculturalism where people from the East and the West were seen mingling together during any function that was conducted in this building. Its natural beauty became the key factor for various groups to organize weekly outings and get-togethers. It was also a place devoid of noise and air pollution at that time.
Now, after twenty years of rapid erosion of cultural values and demise of heritage maintenance the developers are forcing their way to destroy this excellent landscape for their pecuniary interests. We are very disappointed and heart-broken to hear the loss of this heritage monument and we the members of Xavier family earnestly request the heritage-loving citizens of Brisbane to rally round to mount their solid support to save at least a piece of heritage building at Yungaba.
Xaviers from Coorparoo
13 February 2007
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Leyla's Story..
Annelies Zeissink's Story..
Inside Yungaba - Beautiful wooden archways