Summary

Trophy awarded annually to the migrant hostel in Victoria with the best kept garden. The award commemorates William Funnell, a former Secretary for the Department of Labour and National Service, who served as Chairman of Commonwealth Hostels Limited from 1952-1962. Funnell was an enthusiastic gardener and one of his initiatives as Chairman was to encourage the beautification of migrant hostels through extensive gardening and landscaping. This trophy was won by Enterprise migrant Hostel in 1974 and 1975.

The Enterprise Migrant Hostel, in Springvale, operated from December 1969 until it was closed on 22 December 1992. Enterprise was managed by Commonwealth Hostels Limited (renamed Commonwealth Accommodation and Catering Services in 1978). Enterprise and other hostels were the first home for many new assisted migrants and refugees, upon arrival in Australia. Migrants were charged for their accommodation and meals according to their income or had their tariffs deducted from their social security benefit until they were able to secure employment. The hostels were designed to assist migrants in establishing a new life in Australia by providing a period of subsidised accommodation, while they secured work and found housing.

Physical Description

Metal two-handled cup including floral grille in the interior of the cup. The trophy is attached to a thick wooden base with nine, small, flat metal shields attached to the base.

Significance

Statement of Significance/ Technical significance:
The stories of migrants and the organizations that assisted them comprise a significant part of Australian post-war history. Since World War II, thousands of government-assisted migrants and refugees have experienced arrival and accommodation at the migrant hostels. Yet migrant hostels are an under-documented area of Australia's immigration history - with the exception of Bonegilla Migrant Reception Centre, which was managed by the Department of Immigration. This collection is significant as it contributes to filling the gap in knowledge about the Commonwealth migrant hostels, which were a function of the Department of Labour and National Service. This collection and the accompanying archival documents are a rare find. Items from the migrant hostels were often sold or disposed of by the government soon after they were closed-down. Many migrants have kept photos taken during their stay at the hostels but day-to-day items belonged to the Company and were returned to the hostel upon departure. This collection has the potential enhance collections in cultural institutions such the NSW Powerhouse Museum and Migration Heritage Centre (Villawood [Westbridge] and Cabramatta hostels).

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