Heartland Profile - Thomas Hartsuyker
T
homas Hartsuyker
Bringing a little piece of home with him, Thomas Hartsuyker has created a fascinating world built on hard work and passion. From the canals and narrow houses of Amsterdam, to the Big Banana and Tom (left) and younger brother (right) abundant wildlife of Coffs Harbour, Tom never wanted to leave Australia because of the freedom and life style we are fortunate enough to have. The Clog Barn Holiday Park in Coffs Harbour is now home to Tom, but having come so far from across the world, he has truly become part of the Coffs Harbour Community while allowing Australia to welcome and encourage his journey and the life he has built here. Thomas Hartsuyker was born on the 7th of September in 1932 to Thomas and Antje Hartsuyker. Being the oldest of his two younger siblings Rinske and Bob, Tom grew Tom and his family up in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Although Amsterdam was never bombed in the war, Thomas attended school which was held in cellars to protect the children from possible bombings overhead. Times were precarious and Thomas was often hungry but was also happy and hopeful for the future. Although the Netherlands was neutral in WW2, Nazi Germany invaded on 10th of May 1940. On 15th May 1940, one day after the bombing of Rotterdam, the Dutch forces surrendered. In many areas of the Netherlands, Germany occupied and continued until they surrendered in 1945. Growing up in these uncertain times was alarming but Tom in the small shed he lived in when he very first instilled a gratitude for came to Australia life and set in place a work ethic to have a solid future which centred around family and community.
Tom on his very first day arriving in Australia (1950)
34
| Heartland Magazine Special Feature
Leaving school at the age of 14, Tom attended trade school and studied carpentry. Starting out as an apprentice carpenter, Tom was not on a set salary or wage, but rather what his boss thought what his work was worth. Working on small building sites, Tom worked on house renovations and honed his skills as an experienced carpenter. Tom in his wedding suit!
