Australian Lithuanian History

Woomera from an Australian perspective The migrant workers, the so called ‘Balts” ( here refers to true Balts from Estonia, Latvia and Estonia, as well as Germans, Poles, Ukranians and Yugoslavs) presented Security of Woomera with a major headache. Fresh from the chaos in Europe and with every incentive to conceal their past activities, the Balts posed an insuperable problem for those trying to check their political allegiances. Mostly Security had to deal with the Balts at Woomera as they found hem. In theory it should not have been too difficult, for the official edict was that no alien or ‘New Australian’ should be allowed anywhere near the ranges, Evetts Field or classified material. Since their was little sensitive material in those days it should not have mattered much what their political sympathies were if they were only doing rough labouring work. In practice, though, many of the Balts had invaluable skills. A capable draughtsman was worth his weight in gold. To the despair of...

I have recently found several websites that have provided some information on Lithuanians in SA. The welcome wall at the National Maritime Museum This has 53 Lithuanian names on it, some from South Australia. Western Australia Museum welcome wall The State of Western Australia pays tribute to the large number of migrants from many lands and cultures who have played such an important role in the State's social, economic and cultural development. Details of Steve Patupis can be found here, living at Eucla. Architects of SA Architects of South Australia is a database of material about the professional lives and contributions of a selection of the state's architects from 1836 to the present day. In addition to providing scholarly biographical information, the database also identifies the architects' principal South Australian built works. Information on the work of Architect Antanas Lapsys can be found here.

While researching one Lithuanian I discovered he had worked as a bus operator. Microfiche of the Municipal Tramways Trust employees 1909 -1974 (SA Record Series No.13)are available fro public use. From this I discovered some new Lithuanians I hadn't a record off and some more information on some I had. The resource provided birth date, year of occupation, position and sometime notes were available. ABROMAS Jonas b.22.03.1927 1951 Conductor ANDRUSEVIČIUS Pulgis b. 18.03.1907 1952-1956 Conductor from NSW ANTANAITIS Robert b.29.09.1927 1951 – 1963 Motorman BEINORAVIČIUS Juozas b.07.07.1920 1960-1970 Conductor transferred to EW&S department CERNIAKAUSKAS Steponas Mecislovas Aka Stephen Michael SERNUS b. 25.02.1922 1966 Conductor CHRZONSTAUSKAS Anton Aka CONRAD b. 12/11/1911 1957 Conductor GERULAITIS Leonas b. 22.03.1924 1956-1957 Conductor GUOBA Jurgis b. 23.01.1918 1960 – 1968 Bus operator d. 1968 GURSKIS Kazimieras b.10.04.1928 1955-1956 Conductor GYLYS Juozas (Joseph) ...