Summary

Booklet titled 'Facts about Australia' published by the Australian Department of Immigration, March 1960. It was given to the Marshall/Taylor families as part of a collection of promotional material when they were arranging to migrate to Australia in 1960.

In 1960 Lynne Marshall (now Carmichael), her brother Peter, parents Leslie and Irene and maternal grandparents George and Lillian Taylor all migrated to Australia from Gloucestershire, England. Her father had long been keen to come to Australia; her mother, fearful of ship travel, did not. Finally persuaded, they travelled from Tilbury dock on the 'Arcadia' having successfully applied for the 'nest egg' assistance scheme which guaranteed them a house in a new housing development in Elizabeth, South Australia. Her parents remained in their house for most of their lives, her grandparents having relocated early on to a house of their own. Uncertain of what they might find in Australia, they had packed a numerous domestic items and the early years were hard in a remote undeveloped suburb. The family never regretted their relocation, with health and education opportunities, but Lynne's parents were always to remain 'English to the core'. Lynne moved to Melbourne with her husband in 1997 for employment reasons.

Physical Description

Small booklet with blue,black and white cover and extensive text and black and white images throughout 64 pages.Two staples along central fold. The front cover features a world globe and image of Australia in with an academic mortar board. Back cover features small cartoon strips with people working, playing sport, in domestic scenes, camping, etc.

Significance

The Australian Government published a wide range of materials in order to both inform and entice prospective migrants from Europe and particularly the United Kingdom to Australia. 'Facts About' was a popular series circulated during the 1950s and 1960s and offers interesting insights into the ways in which the Government presented Australia's social, economic and cultural advantages during those relatively prosperous post-war years. They also reflect the social role and attitudes towards women, generally accepted views on family, domestic life and the emphasis on sport, climate and outdoor living.

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