Escaping Ukraine

If Dido’s Place could speak words, we could only imagine what it would say. From what things once were, to how they became to be, this property holds the story of how devastating hardship turned to hard work, commitment, and to everlasting memories. There is a love and sentimental charm about this place, which has guests swept off their feet and in a state of care and appreciation. Just a simple stroll amongst the gumtrees will send you walking down memory lane. A lane that started all the way back in 1939, war-torn Ukraine.

Before he became our Dido (Grandfather in Ukrainian), he was young Jarema. Born in 1922 to a family of resolute farmers, Jarema grew up adopting the industrious family values from a very young age. In the eyes of the Soviet Union, they were known as “Kulaks,” well-to-do farmers seized of their land and possessions under government rule. Thus began the policy of collectivisation, where many were left dispossessed and deported to areas of forced labour and horrendous conditions. At the time of Germany’s capitulation to the allies, Jarema met his beloved Antonina in 1945 whom he married and gave birth to a son, Bohdan in 1946. The first three years of Bohdan’s life were spent in a D.P camp, sharing life amongst many others forced to leave their home country. The young family applied to immigrate to Australia as refugees with the earnest hope for a better life.

Arriving in Australia

This day came on the 21st of May, 1949, when Jarema and his family safely docked in Darling Harbour. From a migrant transit camp at Bathurst to the Greta Migrant camp in the Hunter Valley NSW, the family lacked all English language skills and had nothing to their name except the two suitcases of clothing they carried in either hand. They soon learnt it was a challenge to stay alive during the war, but an even greater challenge to create a new life after war. Yet, regardless of the difficulties faced, Jarema saw Australia as a land of new opportunity and he knew that continuous grit, determination, and enterprise will bring great rewards.

The Struggles

With this in mind and the strong work ethics instilled in him from childhood, Jarema worked tirelessly to purchase the beautiful East Kurrajong property we know and love today. However, we must note beauty was not always the property’s strong point, in fact all it was, was nine acres of complete bushland. As always, the challenge never burdened Jarema and instead the vision to transform this property became his working goal. Every weekend that followed, Jarema, Antonina and Bohdan spent their time working amongst the thick, scrubby, and prickly undergrowth with nothing but their hands and the occasional chainsaw.

Days were long and the work was tough, and eventually the family decided to make their first purchase of machinery, an old red Massey Ferguson tractor in 1966. There is no doubt the tractor made the job easier, but it also struggled to withstand the work which it was put through and remains to this day, on display at the front of the house. Throughout all the years of work on the property, the family loved and lost. The exhausting work, theft of crops, enduring droughts, loss of trees and cost of cattle, wore the family down. Like always, the family continued to push on and by 1990, everything began to pick up. As the rain came down the dam filled up, the plants flourished, and the trees grew, reaching over two metres.

The Birth of Dido’s Place

It was at this time that the undeniable sacrifice made by the family and the life Jarema envisioned all those years ago, finally came to light. Dido passed in 1994, but by the tender care of his Grandson Paul and his wife Nila, they built a house on the land in honour of Dido’s everlasting legacy. And so, it became “Dido’s Place,” a true testament of hard work and determination, a place for sharing moments, creating memories, and admiring the magnificence of this property both past and present.

The Present

We are now three generations onwards and are delighted to continue sharing the love and happiness Dido shared with us all those many years ago. When you book with us, you are not only booking a place to stay, but a place where you are welcomed as part of the family where cleanliness is our priority, amenities are provided, activity planning is offered, 24/7 assistance is available and local businesses are loved and recommended, all while being surrounded by the picturesque bushlands of the Hawkesbury.

As hosts, we value honesty, hard work and above all happiness. Happiness in what we do, who we are and what we provide. We cannot wait to share this happiness with you when you book your next stay at Dido’s Place.