Migrant experiences in postwar Australia

In the aftermath of World War II, the Australian Government embarked on a large-scale immigration program.

In the aftermath of World War II, the Australian Government wanted to strengthen the economy, infrastructure and defence of the nation, so it embarked on a large-scale immigration program.

Promotional campaigns presented Australia as a welcoming place that offered great opportunities. For many Europeans displaced by World War II, Australia seemed like it would be paradise.

However, starting a new life on the other side of the globe came with numerous challenges.

Curriculum areas

Year 6 History

Questions

What were the migrants' first impressions of life in Australia?
What challenges did they experience?
How did migrants overcome these challenges?

Records

Record

A child playing dress-up and pushing a cane pram, behind the child are pink daisy bushes and a tall wire fence.

Child at Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre, Victoria

A colour photograph of a child playing dress-up and pushing a cane pram at a migrant reception centre.

Record

Migrants working at the Golden Circle Cannery, Brisbane

This is a black-and-white photograph of Italian and Polish women who worked at the Golden Circle Cannery in Brisbane.

Record

This is a photograph of migrants learning English at the Bathurst Reception Centre, New South Wales.

Migrants learn English at the Bathurst Reception Centre, New South Wales

In the aftermath of World War II, the Australian Government embarked on a large-scale immigration program in order to strengthen the economy, infrastructure and defence of the nation.

Record

Promoting migration - 'Today's migrants...tomorrow's Australians' poster

A poster, titled 'Today's migrants…tomorrow's Australians', providing information about the advantages of accepting migrants to Australia.

Record

Assimilation activities of migrants at the Wacol centre in Brisbane, Queensland.

Assimilation activities for migrants, Wacol centre

After World War II, the Australian Government embarked on a large-scale immigration program, promoting Australia as a welcoming place of great opportunities, in order to strengthen the economy, infrastructure and defence of the nation.

Record

Migrants at the International Club of Victoria

Many migrants celebrated their cultural heritage by establishing and joining clubs. This helped people to overcome the isolation of being in a new country.

Record

Migrant children at Springvale Primary School, Victoria.

Migrant children learning to speak English at Springvale Primary School, Victoria

Black-and-white photograph of migrant children sitting on the floor of a classroom in Victoria.