Acknowledgement of Country
This website contains stories of towns established on the land of the Bengalat balug of the Wadawurrung people. We acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners of these lands and pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and Aboriginal Elders of other communities who read these stories.
Several interviews include copies of photographs sourced from either:
• the person being interviewed,
• The Bellarine Historical Society (https://www.bellarinehistory.org)
• Barwon Heads Association. (https://www.barwonheadsassociation.com/new-site/heritage/)
Martin Geerings
Martin Geerings migrated to Ocean Grove from Holland with his family Lin ate 1957 when Martin was 10 years old. He is currently an active member of the local Fire Brigade and the Rotary Club of Ocean Grove and has been a local businessman, now retired.
During this conversation Martin will reflect on leaving Holland with his family to settle in Ocean Grove, memories of his Ocean Grove Primary School days, his working life and his community involvements. He brings a migrant’s perspective to postwar Ocean Grove.
Audio ->