As the Fairfield LGA is one of the most multicultural and diverse cities in Australia no one racial background can claim all credit for what the area has become. Of course, the First Nations people as the first residents deserve the first honour of mention. However, with the coming of British colonisation so began an influx of new settlers from all over the world.
One such culture was that of Germany, which although began with only 73 German convicts, soon changed when John Macarthur of the New South Wales Corps arrived in Australia in 1789. Remembered most for his efforts in being instrumental in developing the wool industry and his part in the rum rebellion, Macarthur also saw a further opportunity in creating a wine industry.
To achieve this goal, it was decided to bring to Australia what were called “Bounty Immigrant families” most from around the Rhine area of Germany that had experience as both vine dressers and Vintners. This opened the door to extensive German immigration, especially as they were offered subsidised fares and land opportunities far greater than what was on offer in the homeland.
The Stein family were one of the first to arrive from Germany in 1838 and were originally contracted to work on Macarthur’s property at Camden for five years, however, some later moved elsewhere as they found the contract was not legally binding.
Other groups of German immigrants later arrived in 1845 and then again in 1849, and more continued to come. More members of the Stein family were among them. Some remained in the Camden area, but others left such as Jacob Stein and settled in the Carramar area on an extensive vineyard known as “Sandal Farm”.
What is of note is that it was Jacob’s brother Johann Stein that brought to Australia the first cuttings of Rhine Riesling that were survive the Australian conditions. That family tradition still exists today through the Stein wineries located in Mudgee, NSW. Other Germans such as the Beckhaus and Strumf families also farmed and worked their vineyards in neigbouring properties.
Another German who made great contributions to the development of the Fairfield LGA was Philipp Ettinger, who first arrived in Australia, however the temptation to find gold soon lured him to the gold fields at Hill End. Unfortunately, Philipp had little success as a gold miner and due to ill health returned to Germany.
Later in 1880, Philipp Ettinger and his family returned to Australia and settled in Guildford where they had a vineyard known as “Thorngrove”. However, they soon relocated and built what is now known as “Ettinger House” which is located at 214 Sackville Street, Canley Vale.
Originally called “Neiderwald”, Ettinger House become the home of Philipp where he planted his own vineyards and was known for winning awards for his wines and table grapes. Philipp passed away in 1906 and later his home was granted heritage status.
With the outbreak of World War One, Germans were no longer as welcome or trusted and many were sent to internment camps at locations such as Berrima, Trial Bay, Holsworthy and Hay, often for the duration of the war. Then when World War Two began, many Germans found themselves interned in camps at places like Cowra, Long Bay, Lovedale and Tatura. Migration to Australia from Germany had come to an end.
After the war, German immigration quickly began again and in 1952 an agreement was put in place between the Australian and German governments to mutually agree on the numbers on an annual basis.
Numbers grew rapidly and many determined the need for some form of social and support club to help cater to the needs of the growing German and Austrian communities, and other German speaking migrants such as many Swiss, Polish, Croatian and Yugoslavs.
In 1956, the German/Austrian Association was founded and registered under the companies Act with over 600 members and after many fund raising events land was purchased in 1961, as at that time, they had no specific venue of their own. Later in 1965, that problem was on the way to being resolved when the foundation stone was laid by then member for Cabramatta, former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam for what was to be when finished, the “Deutsch-Österreichische Gemeinschaft”, or “The German-Austrian Club”.
By this time, those in the local community of German heritage, either born in Australia or not, had become an integral part of the Fairfield LGA, both as active contributors to its growth but also as an essential part of the area’s history and development over the years. However, by 1970 the German-Austrian Club decided to hold an Oktoberfest, a 3 day version of a German Cultural festival from back in their country of origin.
The event, once held at Fairfield showground, proved to be a great success for many years in drawing thousands to experience a taste of German/Austrian culture ranging from food to music, dancing, cultural dress, and of cause a popular favourite among many of their non-German guests, the beer and wine. However, what may be considered more important was that Oktoberfest set an example for the many other cultures in the area to later follow with their own cultural festivals.
Over the years, the contribution to the Fairfield LGA by those Australians of German/Austrian heritage has ranged from the early days of farming and wine producing, to ongoing industries and businesses. They have integrated into being as “Aussie” as the rest of us while also introducing their own culture and in doing so improving us all, as have those of the many other cultural backgrounds our wonderful area has to offer.
For more information on the local history of Fairfield local government area, please visit
https://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
