The State Library of NSW is staging the world’s largest exhibition dedicated to a forgotten chapter in Australia’s history, with 200 extraordinary artworks, sketchbooks and diaries from inside Australian internment camps now on show for the first time in Dunera: Stories of Internment.
The State Library has spent years collecting artwork and other material related to what is commonly referred to as the ‘Dunera’, named for the ship that brought more than 2500 boys and men to Australian shores during the Second World War. These men who had fled Nazi persecution to Britain were suddenly classified as enemy aliens, and sent to camps in Hay, Orange and Tatura.
According to State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon: “The artworks and stories speak of humanity, of purpose, of creativity in the face of trauma, and adversity. It is a profoundly moving story.”
“Some of the collection has come to us from family members and personal archives, so this will be the first time they have ever been seen altogether.”
DUNERA : STORIES OF INTERNMENT is a free exhibition at the State Library of NSW until 4 May 2025.
Featured image : Klaus Friedenberger and Edwin Fabias. Photos of photos in the exhibition by Ben Apfelbaum
