Thousands of German migrants started a new life at Bonegilla, Victoria in the 1950s. Among them were five men who met each other in Wodonga, became friends and decided to form a German Austrian Club, where they could enjoy the company of likeminded individuals. They were Kurt Mueller, Willi Klimt, Toni Krischa and Erwin Klein from Germany and Manfred Teissl from Austria. On the 16th July 1960, after advertising in the Border Morning Mail, the German Austrian Club in Wodonga was born. Office bearers were Paul Peters as President. Gerhard Ziermann as Secretary and Günter Schmehl as Treasurer. Their aim was "To promote the upkeep of the German language in written and spoken form and to promote good German fellowship, while enjoying functions of a cultural and entertaining nature". By 1963 the Club boasted 40 members, holding meetings at the RSL Clubrooms and other suitable locations before they found a house in Hovell Street, Wodonga. It was used for meetings, Skat meetings, film nights and "Sonnabendschule” or Saturday school where children of members could continue to learn German. The Committee organised a wide range of activities and functions in their small rooms but dreamed of having a bigger home. This became reality in July 1979, when the Committee purchased land from the Albury Wodonga Development Corporation at 5 McFarland Road, Wodonga. The first brick was laid on the Club's land in May 1980, and the double-storey brick building was completed within 12 months voluntarily by Club members. At the same time members supported other organisations and charities in the Wodonga and wider community. The first Oktoberfest in Wodonga was held in 1975, drawing 4,000 attendees. The event was organized to promote German culture, and the profits from the first year were donated to the Wodonga District Hospital, raising $20,000. In 2001 the German Austrian Club was presented with the Certificate of Meritorious Service by the Government of Victoria for Community Works in Wodonga and district. The Club raised $23,000 for the Wodonga Hospital, had numerous fundraisers to assist in bushfires and drought situations and was involved in the Red Cross Calling campaign for many years. After much fundraising, hard work and making their way through extensive government red tape, the Club moved to its new premises in McFarland Road on 1st August 1981. The members continued to make necessary internal adjustments and sought an alcohol licence. The building was officially opened in May 1983. The Club prospered and had 300 members, making it necessary for new applicants to be put on a waiting list to be accepted as members. Interest groups consisted of Competition Air Rifle Shooting Group, a Skat (German Card game) Group, Folk Dancing Group, Ladies Group, Table Tennis Group, Darts Group, Chess Group and the Billiard Group. In later years, as so many Australians became members, the Club’s name was changed to the German Austrian Australian Club. Over recent years patronage and interest in the Club and its activities changed. Children of the original members had become “real Aussies” and did not always want to carry on traditions. Aging membership and lack of volunteers forced the Club to disband in 2025. The Club building has been gifted to the Albury Wodonga Theatre Company.These items are significant because they are representative of an important cultural organisation which operated in Wodonga for over 60 years.Two small flags of Germany and Austria attached to metal stands with string. Each stand has a metal circular base. "Lufthansa" is inscribed on the base.On base: Lufthansagerman austrian australian club, german austrian club

Thousands of German migrants started a new life at Bonegilla, Victoria in the 1950s. Among them were five men who met each other in Wodonga, became friends and decided to form a German Austrian Club, where they could enjoy the company of likeminded individuals. They were Kurt Mueller, Willi Klimt, Toni Krischa and Erwin Klein from Germany and Manfred Teissl from Austria. On the 16th July 1960, after advertising in the Border Morning Mail the German Austrian Club in Wodonga was born. Office bearers were Paul Peters as President. Gerhard Ziermann as Secretary and Günter Schmehl as Treasurer. Their aim was "To promote the upkeep of the German language in written and spoken form and to promote good German fellowship, while enjoying functions of a cultural and entertaining nature". By 1963 the Club boasted 40 members, holding meetings at the RSL Clubrooms and other suitable locations before they found a house in Hovell Street, Wodonga. It was used for meetings, Skat meetings, film nights and Sonnabendschule” or Saturday school where children of members could continue to learn German. The Committee organised a wide range of activities and functions in their small rooms but dreamed of having a bigger home. This became reality in July 1979, when the Committee purchased land from the Albury Wodonga Development Corporation at 5 McFarland Road, Wodonga. The first brick was laid on the Club's land in May 1980, and the double-story brick building was completed within 12 months voluntarily by Club members. At the same time members supported other organisations and charities in the Wodonga and wider community. The first Oktoberfest in Wodonga was held in 1975, drawing 4,000 attendees. The event was organized to promote German culture, and the profits from the first year were donated to the Wodonga District Hospital, raising $20,000. In 2001 the German Austrian Club was presented with the Certificate of Meritorious Service by the Government of Victoria for Community Works in Wodonga and district. The Club raised $23,000 for the Wodonga Hospital, had numerous fundraisers to assist in bushfires and drought situations and was involved in the Red Cross Calling campaign for many years. After much fundraising, hard work and making their way through extensive government red tape, the Club moved to its new premises in McFarland Road on 1st August 1981. The members continued to make necessary internal adjustments and sought an alcohol licence. The building was officially opened in May 1983. The Club prospered and had 300 members, making it necessary for new applicants to be put on a waiting list to be accepted as members. Interest groups formed consisted of Competition Air Rifle Shooting Group, a Skat (German Card game) Group, Folk Dancing Group, Ladies Group, Table Tennis Group, Darts Group, Chess Group and the Billiard Group. In later years, as so many Australians became members, the Club’s name was changed to the German Austrian Australian Club. Over recent years patronage and interest in the Club and its activities changed. Children of the original members had become “real Aussies” and did not always want to carry on traditions. Aging membership and lack of volunteers forced the Club to disband in 2025. The Club building has been gifted to the Albury Wodonga Theatre Company. These items are significant because they are representative of an important cultural organisation which operated in Wodonga for over 60 years.A metal plaque attached to a wooden backing shaped like a scroll. The text is in the form of a letter.Emblem of the Austrian - Australian Clubs Inc. Canberra 28/5/1983 To German Austrian Club Wodonga To Commemorate the Opening of your Club House. You have all the Best Wishes from the Committee & Members of the Austrian Australian Club Canberra Yours Sincerely, Dr. Gunter Brandstetter Presidentgerman austrian australian club, german migrants wodonga

Thousands of German migrants started a new life at Bonegilla, Victoria in the 1950s. Among them were five men who met each other in Wodonga, became friends and decided to form a German Austrian Club, where they could enjoy the company of likeminded individuals. They were Kurt Mueller, Willi Klimt, Toni Krischa and Erwin Klein from Germany and Manfred Teissl from Austria. On the 16th July 1960, after advertising in the Border Morning Mail the German Austrian Club in Wodonga was born. Office bearers were Paul Peters as President. Gerhard Ziermann as Secretary and Günter Schmehl as Treasurer. Their aim was "To promote the upkeep of the German language in written and spoken form and to promote good German fellowship, while enjoying functions of a cultural and entertaining nature". By 1963 the Club boasted 40 members, holding meetings at the RSL Clubrooms and other suitable locations before they found a house in Hovell Street, Wodonga. It was used for meetings, Skat meetings, film nights and Sonnabendschule” or Saturday school where children of members could continue to learn German. The Committee organised a wide range of activities and functions in their small rooms but dreamed of having a bigger home. This became reality in July 1979, when the Committee purchased land from the Albury Wodonga Development Corporation at 5 McFarland Road, Wodonga. The first brick was laid on the Club's land in May 1980, and the double-story brick building was completed within 12 months voluntarily by Club members. At the same time members supported other organisations and charities in the Wodonga and wider community. The first Oktoberfest in Wodonga was held in 1975, drawing 4,000 attendees. The event was organized to promote German culture, and the profits from the first year were donated to the Wodonga District Hospital, raising $20,000. In 2001 the German Austrian Club was presented with the Certificate of Meritorious Service by the Government of Victoria for Community Works in Wodonga and district. The Club raised $23,000 for the Wodonga Hospital, had numerous fundraisers to assist in bushfires and drought situations and was involved in the Red Cross Calling campaign for many years. After much fundraising, hard work and making their way through extensive government red tape, the Club moved to its new premises in McFarland Road on 1st August 1981. The members continued to make necessary internal adjustments and sought an alcohol licence. The building was officially opened in May 1983. The Club prospered and had 300 members, making it necessary for new applicants to be put on a waiting list to be accepted as members. Interest groups formed consisted of Competition Air Rifle Shooting Group, a Skat (German Card game) Group, Folk Dancing Group, Ladies Group, Table Tennis Group, Darts Group, Chess Group and the Billiard Group. In later years, as so many Australians became members, the Club’s name was changed to the German Austrian Australian Club. Over recent years patronage and interest in the Club and its activities changed. Children of the original members had become “real Aussies” and did not always want to carry on traditions. Aging membership and lack of volunteers forced the Club to disband in 2025. The Club building has been gifted to the Albury Wodonga Theatre Company.This item is significant because it is representative of an important cultural organisation which operated in Wodonga for over 60 years.A wooden plaque with metal insignia and a plate with text in German. This plaque was presented by the German Austrian Club of Geelong on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the Wodonga Club and bears its insignia.Himmel Glanz und Sterne Ein Stuck Heimat in Der Fern Herzliche Gratulation Zu Eurem 30 Jahres Tag President and Vorstand Translation Sky, splendour and stars A piece of home away from home Congratulations On your 30th anniversary President and Board of Directorsgerman austrian australian club, german migrants wodonga

Thousands of German migrants started a new life at Bonegilla, Victoria in the 1950s. Among them were five men who met each other in Wodonga, became friends and decided to form a German Austrian Club, where they could enjoy the company of likeminded individuals. They were Kurt Mueller, Willi Klimt, Toni Krischa and Erwin Klein from Germany and Manfred Teissl from Austria. On the 16th July 1960, after advertising in the Border Morning Mail the German Austrian Club in Wodonga was born. Office bearers were Paul Peters as President. Gerhard Ziermann as Secretary and Günter Schmehl as Treasurer. Their aim was "To promote the upkeep of the German language in written and spoken form and to promote good German fellowship, while enjoying functions of a cultural and entertaining nature". By 1963 the Club boasted 40 members, holding meetings at the RSL Clubrooms and other suitable locations before they found a house in Hovell Street, Wodonga. It was used for meetings, Skat meetings, film nights and Sonnabendschule” or Saturday school where children of members could continue to learn German. The Committee organised a wide range of activities and functions in their small rooms but dreamed of having a bigger home. This became reality in July 1979, when the Committee purchased land from the Albury Wodonga Development Corporation at 5 McFarland Road, Wodonga. The first brick was laid on the Club's land in May 1980, and the double-story brick building was completed within 12 months voluntarily by Club members. At the same time members supported other organisations and charities in the Wodonga and wider community. The first Oktoberfest in Wodonga was held in 1975, drawing 4,000 attendees. The event was organized to promote German culture, and the profits from the first year were donated to the Wodonga District Hospital, raising $20,000. In 2001 the German Austrian Club was presented with the Certificate of Meritorious Service by the Government of Victoria for Community Works in Wodonga and district. The Club raised $23,000 for the Wodonga Hospital, had numerous fundraisers to assist in bushfires and drought situations and was involved in the Red Cross Calling campaign for many years. After much fundraising, hard work and making their way through extensive government red tape, the Club moved to its new premises in McFarland Road on 1st August 1981. The members continued to make necessary internal adjustments and sought an alcohol licence. The building was officially opened in May 1983. The Club prospered and had 300 members, making it necessary for new applicants to be put on a waiting list to be accepted as members. Interest groups formed consisted of Competition Air Rifle Shooting Group, a Skat (German Card game) Group, Folk Dancing Group, Ladies Group, Table Tennis Group, Darts Group, Chess Group and the Billiard Group. In later years, as so many Australians became members, the Club’s name was changed to the German Austrian Australian Club. Over recent years patronage and interest in the Club and its activities changed. Children of the original members had become “real Aussies” and did not always want to carry on traditions. Aging membership and lack of volunteers forced the Club to disband in 2025. The Club building has been gifted to the Albury Wodonga Theatre Company.This item is significant because it is representative of an important cultural organisation which operated in Wodonga for over 60 years.A small metal plaque on a wooden backing with red text. It includes the insignia of the Austrian Cultural Society of Melbourne.Presented To The GERMAN-AUSTRIAN CLUB Wodonga Congratulations On Your 40th ANNIVERSARY From the President & Committee AUSTRIAN CULTURAL SOCIETY (AUSTRIAN CLUB) Melb Incgerman austrian australian club, german migrants wodonga

Thousands of German migrants started a new life at Bonegilla, Victoria in the 1950s. Among them were five men who met each other in Wodonga, became friends and decided to form a German Austrian Club, where they could enjoy the company of likeminded individuals. They were Kurt Mueller, Willi Klimt, Toni Krischa and Erwin Klein from Germany and Manfred Teissl from Austria. On the 16th July 1960, after advertising in the Border Morning Mail the German Austrian Club in Wodonga was born. Office bearers were Paul Peters as President. Gerhard Ziermann as Secretary and Günter Schmehl as Treasurer. Their aim was "To promote the upkeep of the German language in written and spoken form and to promote good German fellowship, while enjoying functions of a cultural and entertaining nature". By 1963 the Club boasted 40 members, holding meetings at the RSL Clubrooms and other suitable locations before they found a house in Hovell Street, Wodonga. It was used for meetings, Skat meetings, film nights and Sonnabendschule” or Saturday school where children of members could continue to learn German. The Committee organised a wide range of activities and functions in their small rooms but dreamed of having a bigger home. This became reality in July 1979, when the Committee purchased land from the Albury Wodonga Development Corporation at 5 McFarland Road, Wodonga. The first brick was laid on the Club's land in May 1980, and the double-story brick building was completed within 12 months voluntarily by Club members. At the same time members supported other organisations and charities in the Wodonga and wider community. The first Oktoberfest in Wodonga was held in 1975, drawing 4,000 attendees. The event was organized to promote German culture, and the profits from the first year were donated to the Wodonga District Hospital, raising $20,000. In 2001 the German Austrian Club was presented with the Certificate of Meritorious Service by the Government of Victoria for Community Works in Wodonga and district. The Club raised $23,000 for the Wodonga Hospital, had numerous fundraisers to assist in bushfires and drought situations and was involved in the Red Cross Calling campaign for many years. After much fundraising, hard work and making their way through extensive government red tape, the Club moved to its new premises in McFarland Road on 1st August 1981. The members continued to make necessary internal adjustments and sought an alcohol licence. The building was officially opened in May 1983. The Club prospered and had 300 members, making it necessary for new applicants to be put on a waiting list to be accepted as members. Interest groups formed consisted of Competition Air Rifle Shooting Group, a Skat (German Card game) Group, Folk Dancing Group, Ladies Group, Table Tennis Group, Darts Group, Chess Group and the Billiard Group. In later years, as so many Australians became members, the Club’s name was changed to the German Austrian Australian Club. Over recent years patronage and interest in the Club and its activities changed. Children of the original members had become “real Aussies” and did not always want to carry on traditions. Aging membership and lack of volunteers forced the Club to disband in 2025. The Club building has been gifted to the Albury Wodonga Theatre Company.This item is significant because it is representative of an important cultural organisation which operated in Wodonga for over 60 years.A small metal plaque on a wooden backing with red text. It includes the insignia of the Austrian Cultural Society of Melbourne.Congratulations and Best Wishes German-Austrian Australian Club (Wodonga) Inc. 50th Anniversary From the President & Members Austrian Cultural Society Austrian Club Melbourne Inc.german austrian australian club, german migrants wodonga