Australian Lithuanian History

Mūsų jėgos mūsų žinios Laisvai Lietuvai Tėvynei! Delegates came from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Uruguay, Australia, England, Belgium, Italy, France, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, Canada and America. The camp ‘Dainava’ was held in Manchester, Michigan, a youth camp where the youth from different parts of the world could meet and get to know each other.  Each day of the camp was themed; Sunday 26 June Lithuanian youths freedom in the world. Monday 27 June Youth and Lithuanian culture Tuesday 28 June Lithuanian youth in Lithuania and Lithuania today Wednesday 29 June Lithuanian youth and politics, Lithuanian community This was followed by the Congress in Chicago from the 30 June – July 2nd.   Lokys an opera in five scenes, based on the story by Prosper Merimee was performed on 1 July 1966, in Chicago.   Music by Darius Lapinskas A song festival was held on the 3rd July at the International Amphitheatre in Chicago, with over 1200 ...

Pasaulio Lietuvių Jaunimo Kongresas PLJK World Lithuanian Youth Congress The first world Lithuanian youth congress was held Chicago, USA from June 30 – July 3, 1966.  Lithuanian Youth from around the world were invited to participate.  Student representative were invited to the organizing committee for the World Lithuanian Congress to be held in 1966 in Chicago, USA. In 1966 the first Lithuanian World Youth Congress took place in Chicago and at Camp Dainava in Michigan. Young people between the ages of eighteen and thirty from various parts of the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and South America came together for the first time to experience their cultural solidarity.  At that time, singing was an integral part of the program and it occurred naturally and spontaneously throughout the extent of the Congress. It was apparent that the same songs had been learned in different parts of the world, and the singing experience heightened the communal feeling...

Scouts-in-Exteris, also referred to as Scouts-in-Exile, are Scouting and Guiding groups formed outside of their native country as a result of war and changes in governments. Formed in the 1950s the Ethnic Scout and Guide Association, comprises scout and guide groups from seven European nationalities, from countries which were all previously under communist rule.  The Ethnic Scout and Guide Association coordinates activities, and runs an annual camp for venturer and rover age groups. The groups that make up the Association are the Australian Latvian Scouts & Guides, the Ukrainian Scouts, the Lithuanian Scouts, the Estonian Scouts, the Hungarian Scouts, the Polish Scouts and the Russian Scout Association.   The aim of the Association is to foster good relations amongst its members and to encourage its members to uphold traditional principles and customs of their country of origin.   Also, to advance the religious, social, cultural, welfare and recreational acti...

Australijos Lietuvių Studentų Sąjunga (ALSS) Australian Lithuanian Student Association (ALSS)  III National gathering, Adelaide 1958 On the first day, all participants met at Lithuanian House.  At the opening were present, 10 students from Sydney, 4 from Canberra, 4 from Melbourne and about 30 from Adelaide.  ALSS President T. Žurauskas stated the purpose of the gathering.  He said that of the 100 students in the ALSS, 17 had finished University in Australia.  People were studying at Adelaide, Armidale, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth and Sydney.  Well known Adelaide author, Pulgis Andriušis gave a reading. He explored ideas and the importance of the students place in an English world.  This was followed by a meal and time to socialise. The second day was spent relaxing at Sellicks Beach, and then a tour of Adelaide.  The evening was spent as guests at Girukas house.  The third day before lunch was spent...

Australijos Lietuvių Studentų Sąjunga (ALSS) The Australijos Lietuvių Studentų Sąjunga (ALSS) was formed in 1952.  Members were university students or those studying at a higher professional level who have completed a diploma.  Branches were formed in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, Canberra had a eldership.  An informal group met in Brisbane, Newcastle and Perth. Tertiary students in Adelaide began to appear soon after post WWII arrival, in the early 1950’s.   Stasys Čibiras instigated the establishment of a group in Adelaide. Officially began in 25 August 1951.  The group rose in number to 13 members by the time the first formal gathering was called on 19 April 1952.  On this day a committee was elected which consisted of Stasys Čibiras as president, Algis Navakas and Nemira Šiunaitė. The group aimed to actively participate in the Adelaide Lithuanian community and to keep ties with other Australian Lithuanian students.  A two shilli...