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50 Years On: First Vietnamese Refugees Recall Darwin Arrival
26 Apr
Summary
- Two brothers arrived by boat 50 years ago, becoming Vietnam's first refugees in Australia.
- They fled Saigon after the communist government seized businesses and property.
- Despite initial hardship, they built a new life and now promote Australia-Vietnam ties.
Fifty years ago, on April 26, 1976, Lam Tac Tam and his brother Lam Binh arrived in Darwin, becoming the first Vietnamese refugees to reach Australia by boat. Their journey began after the fall of the Republic of Vietnam in 1975, when the new communist government targeted business owners, including Lam's family, seizing their property.
Forced to flee Saigon in their family fishing boat, the Kien Giang, with minimal supplies and no proper map, the brothers, then 20 and older, navigated open waters. They had to leave family behind in Thailand and faced challenges in Malaysia and Singapore before an Australian ship captain advised them to sail to Darwin.
After 16 days at sea, they landed in Darwin, greeted with relief and uncertainty. Local residents offered significant support, helping them find accommodation and work. Initially hesitant to be a burden, Lam and his crew took on construction jobs, working hard to build a new life.
Over the decades, Lam embraced Australian citizenship, choosing to remain in Darwin despite opportunities elsewhere. His experience evolved from initial bitterness towards communism to promoting better Australia-Vietnam relations. He now resides near the wharf where they first landed, reflecting on his journey and the new life he found.
