Writer Alek Schulha intends to publish their experiences in a book – the first time their stories will have been told in their own words.

Mr Schulha has received backing from John Tucker, of the Ethnic Community Council of Newcastle, who said: “When we receive a chapter or two, we will seek funding to have the book published.”

This news came yesterday after people learned recently that plans to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Greta Migrant Camp had been abandoned amid claims organisers had no funding and no time.

Mr Schulha, who spent his early childhood in the camp, said he hoped to have the book finished next year.

“While people keep sending me information about their time in the camp, I cannot ignore their stories,” Mr Schulha said.

“These people have unique stories to tell and I will enable them to tell their stories.

“In a few years time, the people who stayed in Greta camp will be gone and so will this vital part of Australia’s history.

“Several books have been published about the camp, but none contain stories from the men and women who actually lived there.

“My own uncle was the last commandant at the camp and more than 100,000 people went through there.

“Like so many people, I was very ­disappointed the 65th anniversary will not be commemorated as planned.

“So I want to record the experiences of those who lived in the camp.”

Maitland City councillor Henry Meskauskas, who also grew up in the Greta Migrant Camp, applauded both Mr Tucker’s plans to apply for funding for Mr Schulha’s book and the author’s efforts in writing it.

“I would welcome this oral history from those who were at Greta [Migrant] Camp – their history is also Australia’s history and it should be told,” Cr Meskauskas said.