Australian Lithuanian History

On 24 th August 1963 the annual scout ball was held.   The theme for that year was “Pušynuose” (In the Pine forest).   Upon entering the hall at Lithuanian House, the aroma from pine trees filled your nose.   Pine branches hang from the ceiling and off the walls.   The Vyčiai (Rovers) served beer and red and white wine.   The drinks were served from containers on which was written ‘Hospital’ with a red cross. The band ‘Songailos kapelija’ played waltzes and tangos and even the twist was played for the youth. An assortment of goods made up the raffle for some lucky winners.   The following year on Saturday 22 August, a more chilling theme was chosen.   From the wooden beams in the hall hung a flying witch on her broom, dressed in black with a large hat.   Bats decorated the walls, a pair of glass owl eyes glared from some pine branches.   Black cats could also been seen. ‘Songailos kapelija’ again played music, and many dance...

Father Kungys blessing the room A inviting room at Lithuanian house was devoted to the ‘Vilniaus’ troop scout group.   The walls were covered with Lithuanian artwork, each piece had to be of Lithuanian basis.   The room was opened and blessed on 23 April 1961, St George day also World scout day. Following mass at Lithuanian church a scout meeting was held at Lithuanian House.   Father Kungys, blessed the room, and urged the scouts to continue with scout principles.   Vaclovas Raginis, President of the Adelaide Lithuanian society provided the scouts with their own room where the youth could cultivate their Lithuanian heritage. Jonas Vanagas was the scout master at that time.    Vanagas as the Museum Curator was able to prepare a display of scout journals and made a guest book was available to sign.   After some brief speeches participants were able to view the room.   A large table had been made without nails, the legs and frame fixe...

Lithuanian communities in Australia 1953 ALB Apylinkių ir seniūnijų vadovybėms Seniunija (Elderate) small community that were founded but did not have sufficient numbers to elect executive committees.   Each elderate had an elected alderman or elder who would coordinate cultural activities and be the liaison with the Australian Lithuanian Community Federal Executive. The larger groups called apylinkė (community) would elect its own committee to manage the local community affairs. Each committee was directly accountable to the Federal Council (Krašto Taryba). Adelaide Apylinkės Valdyba       SA Bankstown Apylinkės Valdyba    NSW Bonegilla Apylinkės Valdyba       NSW Brisbane Apylinkės Valdyba        QLD Canberra Apylinkės Valdyba       ACT Cabramatta Apylinkės Valdyba   NSW Geelong Apylinkės Valdyba         VIC...