When the soldiers came to town!

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Greta Army Camp (1939-1949) and the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Greta Migrant Camp (1949-1960). These two camps had a significant impact not just on the Hunter Valley, but for the entire nation.  

What happens to a town when thousands of out-of-town soldiers arrive on its doorstep? The exhibition ‘When the soldiers came to town’ explores the social impact of the Greta Army Camp on the local population, its interactions with the soldiers, the fiercely patriotic Cessnock District Mayor’s Comfort Fund and a one chance encounter which led to a life-long romance.  

The Greta Migrant Camp saw tens of thousands of refugees and migrants pass through its gates, one of the largest post-World War II migrant camps in the country. Beautiful photos bring camp to life in all its happiness and its contradictions.    

These two exhibitions will be on display in the foyer of Cessnock Library 1 April to the 30 May.  As part of the commemoration two significant author talks have been organised at Cessnock Library.  

On Thursday 11 April, historian Christopher Keating, who has written the only book on the Greta Army Camp and the Greta Migrant Camp, will give us an insight into writing the book.   

On Thursday 9 May, journalist Alek Schulha presents his decades-long work collecting the stories of the people who called the Greta Migrant Camp home. This is a chance to hear from the camp residents.

Author talk with Christopher Keating

Author talk with Alek Schulha

Exhibitions