Summary

Invitation issued by Commonwealth Hostels Ltd for the official opening of the new 'Midway' accommodation at Maribyrnong Migrant Hostel on 13 March 1969. The invitation provides information about the new accommodation, why it was named Midway, a general summary of the aims of migrant hostels, and an outline of the wider hostel improvement program, which began in 1965.

Midway consisted of new two-storey brick apartment blocks, which replaced the old Nissen hut type accommodation used on the site. The architects for the new buildings were Montgomery, King and Associates and they were built by Leighton Contractors Ltd.

Physical Description

Thin beige coloured card with brown printed text, which unfolds to three pages.

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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