Community
2 August, 2024
Group celebrates its Dutch heritage
DO you have Dutch heritage and would like to make new friends and enjoy social activities locally?

The Warrnambool Dutch Community Group has been active in the district for more than 30 years, participating in a range of community events and activities.
The group recently appointed its new committee, with Margriet de Ruiter named as president, Johan Kluijfhout vice-president, Diane Kluijfhout secretary and Jeroen Kromhof treasurer.
“Our aim is to organise events and get-togethers for the entire Dutch community, young and old alike,” Ms de Ruiter said.
“Everyone who feels a connection to the Dutch culture or is simply curious to find out more is most welcome to join us.
“In the future we also hope to organise events that are open to the general public.”
The Warrnambool Dutch Community Group has spent the past three decades well and truly entrenched in the local community and in popular local celebrations.
Throughout the summer, visitors can enjoy the group’s ‘poffertjeskraam’ (little Dutch pancakes) at various markets.
They have also participated in the Moyneyana Festival with a Dutch float featuring adults and children dressed in traditional costumes and clogs.
They also host well-attended Carneval parties and much more.
“As the generation that started the club (Dutch immigrants of the 50s and 60s and their children) grew older and reached retirement, it became harder to find enough volunteers to keep up this high profile,” Ms de Ruiter said.

“However, a dedicated group of committee members and volunteers kept organising a yearly, well attended lunch and the traditionally Dutch Saint Nicolas party in December.”
Ms de Ruiter said that in more recent years, the group had enjoyed an influx of younger people with Dutch heritage (either second and third generation or new arrivals from the Netherlands) keen to keep the Dutch community in and around Warrnambool connected through the Dutch club.
This has culminated in the older generation happily taking a step back to let the younger generations take the reign.
“It’s very satisfying to see the younger ones join the group and take an active participation in its activities,” she said.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the group is welcome to enjoy the next ‘Dutch lunch’ which will be held at the Dennington Bowls Club on Saturday, August 24.
Doors will open from 11.30am for collection of Dutch food orders, coffee and a ‘good old chat.’
Lunch will be available from 12.30pm and there will also be a raffle and quiz – so take along your thinking hat and lucky pants or clogs.
For more information contact Dennise on 0408 527 612 or Anna 5562 1025.
