British Migrants: Instant Australians?

A Talking History Online panel discussion featuring Jim Hammerton (La Trobe University, Melbourne), Moya McFadzean (Museums Victoria), Jan Coolen (featured in the exhibition 'British Migrants: Instant Australians?', and Mandy Paul (Migration Museum).

Between 1947 and 1981 nearly 1.5 million Britons migrated to Australia, seduced by promises of sun, surf and a better life. Most of the newcomers came on assisted passages, part of the Australian Government’s pursuit of a white, British, nation. This group of migrants were simultaneously everywhere and invisible, expected to become ‘instant Australians’. But the reality of migration is never that simple.

The exhibition 'British Migrants: Instant Australians?', developed by Museums Victoria, and currently on display at the Migration Museum in Adelaide, explores the personal experiences and historical and contemporary impacts of British migrants in the postwar decades. The exhibition features stories told by children, teenagers and families, labourers, adventurers, returnees, musicians, and even a snake dancer – brought to life through compelling digital animation.

This unique panel discussion unpacks these stories. This free public lecture is part of the History Trust's Talking History series. For more on upcoming talks visit https://history.sa.gov.au/where-to-learn-more/talking-history/