In Trent Dalton’s critically acclaimed novel Boy Swallows Universe, the reader briefly meets the Orlik family—refugees from war-torn Europe who found shelter at Camp Columbia. Though fictional, their story resonates deeply with the real experiences of thousands of families who passed through this significant site in Brisbane’s history.
A place of transition and new beginnings
Following World War II, Camp Columbia—originally a joint Allied military base during the war—was repurposed to help address the global displacement crisis. By 1949, it became part of the Wacol Migrant Centre, hosting refugees and migrants from across Europe. These included survivors of Nazi and Soviet oppression, war widows, children, and entire families like the Orliks who were seeking safety and a new life in Australia.
The camp provided temporary accommodation, meals, English lessons, and vocational training. While conditions were basic, it represented a crucial stepping stone for many migrants before they settled more permanently throughout Queensland and beyond.
Fiction grounded in historical truth
Dalton’s portrayal of the Orlik family—though brief—is emotionally powerful. It evokes the silence, loss, and hope that characterised many migrant stories of the postwar era. The author, himself a Brisbane local, has spoken about how his novel draws on real people, places, and events from the city’s past. The inclusion of Camp Columbia and the Orliks pays quiet tribute to the diverse migrant families who contributed to reshaping postwar Australia.
Preserving the migrant legacy
The mention of Camp Columbia in Boy Swallows Universe has brought renewed attention to the site’s layered history. It reminds us that Camp Columbia was not only a military base but also a place of healing, rebuilding, and cultural transformation. The Camp Columbia Heritage Association is committed to preserving and sharing these stories—from Dutch military operations during WWII to the journeys of displaced families who arrived here with little more than hope.
We encourage anyone with family connections to the Wacol Migrant Centre or Camp Columbia to reach out and share their stories. Every memory adds to our understanding of this remarkable place.
The Book: Boy Swallows Universe