Bill Lever was born in the Netherlands in 1936 and migrated to Wollongong with his parents in 1953. His remarkable life includes his family’s struggle to survive under Nazi occupation of his homeland, the cultural challenges they faced in the 1950s, and their creation of a business, Lever’s Art Supplies, that has become a Wollongong institution.

Listen to Bill’s Interview

Part 1:

Part 1 of Bill’s audio interview can be downloaded here.

Part 2:

Part 2 of Bill’s audio interview can be downloaded here.

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Bill’s Interview Transcript – Part One
Bill’s Interview Transcript – Part Two

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Bill’s Photo Album

Bill playing a piano accordion

Hendrika with Bill, John and Hennie in Holland

Bills mother Hendrika at the Keira Street shop

Lever’s shop in Keira Street, Wollongong

P30798 – Ann Lever of Levers Art Supplies – 1993

‘Sibijak’ – the ship on which the Lever family arrived in Australia

Bill’s family in Holland – parents Hendrika and William, children (from left) John, Hennie, and Bill

Building house in Lake Heights

Bill’s parents, Hendrika and William Lever

P30797 – Bill Lever of Levers Picture Framing, Picadilly Arcade – 1991