Summary

Photograph of migrant families who had been sponsored by Burke Road East Malvern Methodist Church and invited to return for an anniversary, possibly in 1963-64. The photograph was taken at the Payne Street side of the church, Some of those depicted are other British-born church members who had imigrated earlier and were unrelated to this Scheme. The photograph features thirty people and includes the Ward family, as well as from left to right, David Lawrence, George Willsher, Jennifer Ward (later Mrs Jennifer Barlow), Sandra Lawrence, (Alfred) John Lawrence, Linda Lawrence, David Ward, Peg Lawrence, John (Jack) Herron, ?,?, John Herron,?, Norah Herron, Graham Swainger (husband of Pat Herron), (Margaret) Pat Herron,(Robert) Laurie Herron,?, Mary Ward, Catherine Swainger, Patricia Ward, James Ward, ? James, Mr. Daft, ?, ?, Roy James, ? , Joyce James, ? James.

Part of a large collection of material relating to the migration and settlement of British migrants to Australia in the 1960s under the 'Bring Out a Briton' Scheme. It documents in particular both the migration experiences of James and Mary Ward and their three children who arrived in Melbourne on the 'TSS Stratheden' from Yorkshire in December 1961; and the Burke Road East Malvern Methodist Church's sponsorship of a number of English families, including the Wards, under the Scheme. The Church's support included temporary accommodation for assisted families in a neighbouring house. The 'Bring Out a Briton' Scheme (1957-1982) was part of a Commonwealth Government initiative which offered subsidised ship fares, accommodation and support to encourage migration from the UK to Australia after World War II.

Description of Content

Black and white photograph of large group of men, women and children against a stone building backdrop.

Physical Description

Black and white photograph, matt print, with handwritten inscription on the reverse, with a buff card mount with handwritten inscription.

Significance

The Ward/Barlow Families collection is of national significance in documenting British assisted migration to Australia post-World War II. The collection provides a comprehensive snapshot from the commencement to completion of a British assisted migration experience and illuminates post-war immigration policies and procedures which favoured British immigration into Australia.

The collection of almost 400 items comprises a unique body of documentation with intersections between personal, community and government narratives that explore British post-World War II assisted migration. It includes photographs, personal correspondence, documents and objects offering a rare glimpse into the role of the Australian and British governments, Methodists Church sponsorship and community engagement in assisting and welcoming British immigrants to Australia. Assisted British migration was a constant theme of Australian immigration history until the early 1980s. Government initiatives such as the 'Bring Out A Briton' scheme had an enormous impact on the composition and size of the Australian population, making the Ward/Barlow collection of broad social and political historical significance.

More Information