International Migrants Day

I am the daughter of a ten pound pom. For twenty pounds Australia got 6 new citizens…my family!  Only now as I am older do I realise just what a huge decision it was for my parents  to come to Australia and make a new life for us all.  They were incredibly brave and optimistic to make this life-changing move, they came on a ship called the Himalaya, with 4 children under the age of 10.  With only 4 weeks notice our families possessions were packed into 2 small trunks, everything else was sold or given away to family and friends.  They would suffer incredibly painful homesickness for those left behind, parents they would never see again and the loss of all that was comforting and familiar.

Australia in the 1960’s was not what it is today, we could speak English…but not like the Australians and our accents caused great amusement….. such strong Yorkshire accents!  We were one of many families that came to build the Snowy Mountain scheme and help a  young country‘s growing manufacturing industry.  Our neighbours were from all over the world and they became our adopted Aunties and Uncles.   My mother and father know it was the best thing they ever did,  with opportunities for themselves and their children, but it was not without tremendous sacrifice..

International Migrants Day, observed on December 18, was appointed by the General Assembly of United Nations due to the large and increasing number of migrants in the world.  I have listed  some of the wonderful biographies I’ve come across, of people who came to Australia and struggled with living in 2 cultures, I have also included some tales of Australians who migrated to other countries.