PROUD: President Anne Janssen, treasurer Cecile Weerts and publicity officer Liesbeth Van Emmerik from Dutch Australian Friends Incorporated are celebrating 30 years of Dutch culture in Bendigo. Picture: JIM ALDERSEY
THE Dutch Australian Friends Incorporated of Bendigo will mark its 30th anniversary in March.
To celebrate the milestone a lunch will take place on March 3 at the Big Hill Vineyard, starting at midday.
Dutch Australian Friends of Bendigo publicity officer Liesbeth van Emmerik said anyone was welcome to come along to the event.
She said there would be entertainment including performances from Dutch dancers and the history of the group would be explained.
The group was formed in 1983 by three friends – John van Zanten, and Adrian and Madeleine Schoo, who felt there was a need to share the social and traditional activities of the Dutch culture.
Since then the group has grown to 25 members who take part in regular activies, including meeting up for coffee, going out to dinner together and playing Dutch games.
Ms van Emmerik said the group provided people with links to Holland and Dutch culture and the chance to reminisce about the past.
“Dutch people are very good at integrating into Australia society, that they become invisible,” she said.
“This group gives elderly Dutch people the chance to reminisce about their past.”
Ms van Emmerik said the group was aimed at bridging the gap between young and old people of Dutch heritage to carry on their legacy.
The anniversary dinner is $25 per head and bookings can be made to either Liesbeth van Emmerik on 5439 5421 or Anne Janssen on 5439 5831.
