Willie and Hilde Bittkow

Interview conducted by Elisabeth Edwards for research for the Orange Migration Heritage Project, with Wilhelm (Willie) and Hilde Bittkow.

Eugene Dimitriadis

I am one of many migrants who left Orange in 1963, after finishing my Leaving Certificate at Orange High School, to study and work in Sydney. There was little to keep us in Orange except family and we were a financial drag on them, so getting away for independence was important.

My parents stayed in Orange (Bathurst Road them on Dalton Street) until all the kids left home and then moved themselves to be closer to children and grandchildren in Canberra and to receive some family support. I know of others to whom this happened.

Welcome to the Half A World Away blog!

Half A World Away–Orange is a place to share stories, photographs and memories of postwar migration in the Orange district. Developed as an extension to the online exhibition, Half A World Away, its purpose is to help record the experiences of migrants and their families for generations to come. Share with us, connect with us, or follow the blog and learn more about local migration heritage. We welcome your stories, comments and questions! If you would like to contribute, please leave a comment below.