Our Journey
Our Story
After the fall of Saigon and the aftermath of the Vietnam War, more than 1.4 million Vietnamese refugees sought freedom by undertaking a perilous journey on overcrowded and unseaworthy boats – hoping for a better future, from neighbouring countries such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Refugees faced violent storms, brutal pirates, hunger and dehydration in their desperate quest for freedom. For months, many boats were lost at sea and between 400,000 to 600,000 Vietnamese refugees’ lives were taken.
Between 1975 and 1995, during the Fraser leadership, Australia welcomed more than 110,000 Vietnamese refugees.
Every Vietnamese who arrived here as a refugee has a story to tell.
Collectively, their stories highlight the human tragedy that unfolded after the Vietnam War when more than 1.4 million people fled their homeland to escape the oppression of the communist regime.
The curation of these stories aim to inspire people by sharing the incredible stories of the Vietnamese boat people, who persevered through adversity, seized their opportunities and remained resilient in the most challenging times.The Vietnamese Museum Australia will record, exhibit and educate through living artefacts, preservation and interpretation, and inspire all those who come after, so that we do not lose our refugee history to the passing of time.
Be a part of the Vietnamese Museum Australia community
Your gifts and donations will contribute to the success of VMA building.
As a veteran or refugee; your memories, photos, and artefacts are precious.
Volunteers are the heart of VMA and we're looking for help.
