South Australia’s British migrant stories – a mixed bag of memories

09/01/20 • 11 min

Join Migration Museum Curator Birgit Heilmann as she discovers individual stories of British migrants who came to South Australia post Second World War. Oral histories which were undertaken for the ‘Hostel Stories Project’ by the History Trust of South Australia and The University of Adelaide between 2012 and 2014 form the basis of this podcast. Episode 2 of a three part series.

Previous Episode

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/

Next Episode

Death on the Cricket Field

*Warning* viewers may find some of this content distressing.

When Phillip Hughes died after being struck by a cricket ball at the Sydney Cricket Ground in November 2014, his death was described as a ‘freak accident’ and a ‘million to one’ chance. However, research on Trove shows that nearly 200 Australians have died in cricket accidents since the first recorded fatality in 1858, with about half of these deaths occurring in formal matches in district, suburban, church and country competitions and the remainder in backyard, street and social games.

Tom Gara collaborated with several sports medicine experts on a detailed study of cricket fatalities which led to the introduction by Cricket Australia of the compulsory wearing of helmets by batters, wicket-keepers and close-in fielders in all grades of cricket. In this presentation Tom discussed the results of his research and the ways in which Trove has revolutionised historical research.

This talk is also available on YouTube - https://youtu.be/bNyR4ql8Vco

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