By VANESSA VALENZUELA
TALES of migrant families have filled the pages of a new book about the making of multicultural Sunshine.
Author and Sunshine historian Olwen Ford will launch her second book, Harvester City, which captures the stories of migrants who moved to the area from 1939 to 1975.
“The book tells the stories of migrants who came to work in Sunshine at a time when the City was home to some of the country’s most important factories,” she said.
“Writing the book I developed a greater appreciation of the ways which new migrants have sought to maintain their own cultural traditions while also embracing Australian culture.”
Ms Ford, who has lived in Sunshine for more than 50 years, became a member of the Sunshine Historical Society when it formed in 1972 and taught history in several local schools.
After publishing her first book Harvester Town five years ago, Ms Ford decided to record the next wave of development in Sunshine.
She said it had been a delight speaking to migrants who flocked to Sunshine after the beginning of World War II.
“I found that people in Sunshine are very good storytellers. It’s really nice to have the chance to listen to them,” she said.
Sunshine residents Frank and Carmen Testa have their story featured in the 592-page book which recounts their move from Malta to Sunshine in 1951.
Mr Testa said when he first arrived as a teenager there were plenty of jobs available at nearby factories, but the community had to work together to build new shops and houses.
“You had to build, you had no choice. You’d build a little bit, and a little bit, until we have now. It was very hard,” he said.
“But we were happy. It was beautiful. We came from a packed area in Malta and we loved the space.”
Ms Ford will launch her book Harvester City: The making of multicultural Sunshine on 19 December.
For more information call The Sunshine Historical Society on 9312 2284.
