Crafting of an Australian Citizenship Quilt NSW Contributions

Bryce, Ellen
Londonderry NSW
The artist’s parents, Sara and Masan, fled their
“beloved country” (former Yugoslavia) independently
during World War II over the Velebit Mountains,
eventually arriving in Egypt as refugees, where Masan
joined the English Army. The pair met and married in
Egypt and had two children by the end of the war, when
they accepted Australia’s offer of a new beginning for
their family. The couple went on to have four children,
13 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
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“They are the legacy they leave to Australia in thanks
for what Australia has given them – over 55 years of
living with no fear for their freedom, their health and, in
the end, their happiness.
“Our parents never yearned to return home, they
appreciated their new home and worked hard to provide
for their family. They worked the land just as they had
back home, but here they reaped more. They provided
a home, an education and a safe environment for their
children.
“The quilt square shows Sara’s mountains, her cows
and sheep, her water well at her home. Masan’s land in
Zaton at the base of the mountains. Sara’s irises,
planted on her mother’s grave 85 years ago (and still
there), the pyramids of Egypt where they met and
married, the offer of peace and the boat trip to Australia,
the Kangaroo representing their Australian born
children, their four children, and the beautiful flowers of
Australia.
“Sara is 91 years old and still enjoying being an
Australian citizen. Thank you mum and dad, thank you
Australia for inviting my parents to make Australia their
home.”