Like many new migrants to Australia in the late 50s, Maria and Marko came to Australia by boat. Maria grew up in Slovenia and Marko in Croatia, and their love blossomed during their long journey spanning several seas and oceans.
“We spent 31 days on the boat, and that’s how we met,” said Marko smiling. “We just kept talking. He made me laugh and smile, and I did the same for him - and that’s how we fell in love,” said Maria affectionately.
Remembering their journey, Marko mentioned their boat was really old and it was the last voyage the boat would take. “Sometimes the seas got so rough I thought the boat was going to tip over. So many people got sea sick, including Maria.”
“I remember having a table next to the kitchen and they just kept bringing me wine. What’s funny is that I never drank at home, only on the boat, but it helped calm me down and I didn’t get sea sick.”
Arriving in Australia, Maria and Marko settled in Bonegilla - where new arrivals lived while they were processed and allocated jobs. Marko got work as a painter and Maria took care of the home. “We couldn’t speak English, so it was very hard when we arrived,” Maria recalled.
Unfortunately, their early years in Australia were some of their hardest. They lost their first home in a flood and their second was burnt in a fire. Both times they lost everything. With help from the Salvation Army and friends, they eventually got back on their feet and started again.
“We worked hard all our lives and we were always saving,” said Marko. It seems their hard work and perseverance paid off when they bought a block of land in Newtown and built their new home, where they lived happily with their two beautiful boys. “They are such good boys,” said Maria proudly. “Both sons are married and one has seven children.”
When asked about their Christmas tradition, Maria said, “Christmas in our house was always simple and more about spending time with those we loved.”
