Dunera Association Inc

The Dunera Association Inc is a charitable organisation dedicated to preserving and sharing the legacy of the Dunera Boys—a group of men, primarily Jewish refugees from Nazi-occupied Europe, who were forcibly transported from Britain to Australia in 1940 during the Second World War. Their story is a remarkable chapter in Australian history, marked by resilience, cultural enrichment, and eventual integration into Australian society. The association serves as a bridge between past and present, ensuring that the experiences, contributions, and memories of the Dunera Boys and their descendants remain alive for future generations.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Dunera Association Inc is to honour the memory of the Dunera Boys, to educate the public about their experiences, and to promote understanding of the impact of war, displacement, and migration. Its vision is to foster a society that values diversity, tolerance, and the contributions of migrants, while ensuring that the lessons of history are not forgotten.

Main Objectives

• To preserve historical records, artefacts, and personal stories related to the Dunera Boys and their families.
• To organise commemorative events, exhibitions, and educational programs that highlight the Dunera experience.
• To support research into the history and legacy of the Dunera Boys, collaborating with academic institutions and historians.
• To maintain connections among survivors, their families, and the wider community, both in Australia and internationally.
• To advocate for social justice and the rights of refugees, drawing on the Dunera Boys’ experiences as a powerful example of resilience and integration.

Benefiting Groups

The primary beneficiaries of Dunera Association Inc are the descendants of the Dunera Boys, many of whom are second or third generation Australians. The association also serves wider communities interested in migration history, multiculturalism, and human rights. Schools, universities, museums, and cultural organisations benefit from the association’s resources and programs, which help to educate Australians about the nation’s diverse heritage.

Services and Activities

• Annual reunions and commemorative events that bring together survivors, families, and supporters to share stories and celebrate contributions to Australian society.
• Educational outreach, including school visits, lectures, and the development of teaching materials about the Dunera experience.
• Exhibitions and publications showcasing art, music, and literature created by internees, as well as historical documents and photographs.
• Support for research projects and the maintenance of online archives that make Dunera stories accessible to a global audience.
• Collaboration with museums such as the Hay Internment & Prisoner of War Camps Interpretive Centre, which features exhibits on the Dunera Boys and their legacy.
• Community engagement through social media, newsletters, and public talks that highlight the ongoing relevance of the Dunera story in contemporary discussions about migration and multiculturalism.

Through these efforts, Dunera Association Inc ensures that the social profiles of the Dunera Boys—as intellectuals, artists, workers, and contributors to Australia’s multicultural fabric—are recognised and celebrated. The association’s work not only honours the past but also inspires a more inclusive and compassionate future.