There is a lot of excitement surrounding the new music that has been recorded at Mantra Studio Kitchen Bar Yarraville, thanks to David Baird Congratulations to Marion for having her original song “One Hundred Thousand Migrants” recognized in the Australian Songwriting Association awards of 2023. It’s a great honor for both Marion and Johnny to be invited to the 75th Celebrations of The Greta Migrant Camp in Mainland NSW on June 8, 2024.
It’s wonderful to hear that Johnny will be performing the song live at the event, especially since Greta is his birthplace. Actually it is his birthday on the day of the event.The song “One Hundred Thousand Migrants” hold a special significance as it tells the true story of how European migrants came to Australia in the mid-20th century. in the 1940s 50’s & 60’s
The celebration at Greta in June 2024 it will be a memorable event with Marion and Johnny as special guests. Best of luck to them both, and a big thank you to everyone involved in the recording of this single!
Subject: Greta Migrant Camp 75th Year Celebration of the arrival of the first migrants Special Performance by Marion & Johnny Shilo on 8th June 2024.We are excited to announce the upcoming celebration of the 75th year of the Greta Migrant Camp, AUSTRALIA near Maitland NSW commemorating the arrival of one hundred thousand migrants from Europe in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. Johnny’s Parents and brother were one of the many families that travelled by ship to Australia hoping for a better life, Johnnys birthday is coincidently on the day of the celebration 8/0/2024
This milestone event will be a momentous occasion filled with reflection, gratitude, and celebration. We are honored to have Marion & Johnny Shilo as special guests at the event. Marion and Johnny will be performing their original song titled “ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND MIGRANTS,” which has received high acclaim. In 2023, this song was recognized as highly commended, placing in the top 30 of the lyric section in the prestigious Australian Songwriting Association awards. Selected by dedicated judges from a pool of many thousands of talented entries, this achievement is a testament to the exceptional artistry and storytelling in Marion’s compositions
The performance by Marion & Johnny Shilo promises to be a highlight of the day, offering a poignant and heartfelt tribute to the migrants who embarked on a journey of hope and new beginnings at the Greta Migrant Camp.
A ‘first migrant lady’ will cut a special cake with Johnny. That’s were he contracted Polio at age 13 months. Johnny then spent 18 months in hospital in an Iron lung. Johnny ambulates permanently on crutches due to the disease and Marion being legelly blind, they make a power team. An emotional day for all involved.
This is the Country Music Festival we were talking about at Barham District Services Club.
We are booked in to
The Comfort Inn 45 Murray Street Barham Vic. Think it belongs to the Barham Club.
Would be great if you can go
Photo of Marion and Johnny
Photo of Marion and Johnny
This is the lyrics of
One Hundred Thousand Migrants
Verse 1.
The world war over dreaming to mend Remembering death was’nt the end
A new life awaits in a far off land
With only a suitcase in their hand
Leaving behind loved ones & friends
Unknown of were their journey ends
By ship they sailed over the seas
Six weeks of hoping for a life to please
Verse 2.
Landing at last at the Newcastle shores
Leaving behind the sound of wars
Travelling by train to a place called Greta Migrants arrive for things to be betta
From old worlds brings a new beginning
Instead it set theirs heads spinning
A new language they could’nt speak
A round tin shed tongue in cheek
Only a stretcher for their bed
Many a tear they surely shed
Chorus
Everyday blessed a one way journey
Everyday each breath a mercy
Everyday a new life they assume
Everyday saved from the face of doom
Everyday a lesson learned to cope
Everyday a handful of hope
Verse 3
Children at hand & in the womb
Babies were born in the place of gloom
Were good wasn’t good children fell ill
Parents prayed for help with all their will
The fear of the unknown that lay ahead
It was the news of the doctor they dread
Facing the facts their Babies so little
Taken from their arms to the hospital
Chorus
Everyday blessed a one way journey
Everyday each breath a mercy
Everyday a new life they assume
Everyday saved from the face of doom
Everyday a lesson learned to cope
Everyday a handful of hope
Verse 4.
A worsened fate coming from their country
Not enough food to feed the hungry
With sorrow in their minds aching in their hearts Giving thought to those in the graves that passed
Some happy memories & many a story
Came with the sad & the sorry
Feeling uncertain welling from their fears Sunshine and brightness Arose travelling through the years
Talking
The next generation of these displaced migrants Thankfully are living a full life of vibrance.
Chorus
Everyday blessed a one way journey
Everyday each breath a mercy
Everyday a new life they assume
Everyday saved from the face of doom
Everyday a lesson learned to cope
Everyday a handful of hope
Everyday a lesson learned to cope
Everyday a handful of hope
Greta Migrant Camp 1949-1960 was situated just out of Maitland NSW. Many a migrant succumbed to death from polio & malnutrition You can see the resting place of many at the Greta Cemetery near Maitland NSW so it wasn’t the best place to be.
Lyrics penned by Marion J Shilo
11/12/2022 (C) Copyright
More of Greta M.C
Johnny signing the visitors book at Greta Exhibition at Carlton Vic.
The performance by Marion & Johnny Shilo promises to be a highlight of the day, offering a poignant and heartfelt tribute to the migrants who embarked on a journey of hope and new beginnings at the Greta Migrant Camp.
We are booked in to
