Post-war migration to Australia
Post-war migration transformed Australia’s population, workforce and national identity. Government immigration schemes brought displaced persons, refugees and other migrants from Europe, many of whom contributed to major projects such as the Snowy Mountains Scheme while adapting to Australia’s policy of assimilation.
MS Johan van Oldenbarnevelt – Dutch emigration ship to Australia
The motor ship Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, widely remembered as the JVO, was one of the most important vessels in the history of post-war Dutch migration to Australia.
Originally built as a prestigious passenger liner for the Netherlands–East Indies service, she subsequently served as an Allied troopship before being converted to carry emigrants. Between 1950 and 1958 she operated under charter in the Australian migrant trade, bringing thousands of Dutch and other European emigrants to Fremantle, Melbourne and Sydney.
After the migrant charter ended, Johan van Oldenbarnevelt continued visiting Australia as a passenger and round-the-world liner until 1963. For the families who travelled aboard her, the ship became closely associated with departure from the Netherlands and the beginning of a new life in Australia.
Johan van Oldenbarnevelt in Sydney Harbour 1958
The migrant ship Johan Van Oldenbarnevelt on its last migrant voyage in 1958.