Summary

Black and white photograph of the P&O S.S. Strathaird arriving at Station Pier, Melbourne, in October 1960. It was taken during the migrant voyage of the Hakkinen, Koivistoinen and Ahonen families from London to Australia, September-October 1960. They all travelled from Helsinki to Stockholm to London and then via ship to Australia. The photograph shows the passengers lining the deck throwing streamers.

The photograph relates in particular to Sirpa Sinikka Hakkinen, who left Finland at the age of eight with her parents Taisto Kalervo and Marjatta Hakkinen and her five year old brother Ari on a ferry bound for Sweden and then trains and ferries to London. They boarded the Strathaird which departed Tilbury on 13 September 1960. They had considered migrating to America but decided upon Australia. They sailed via the Suez Canal and commenced learning English during the voyage before finally arriving in Melbourne and being sent to Bonegilla Migrant Reception Centre in northern Victoria.

Description of Content

close up of ocean liner with streamers and people lining the railing.

Physical Description

Digital photograph

Significance

It is challenging to represent the experiences of migrant children through testimony and material culture and this collection of children's shipboard menus, photographs and toys enables the museum to explore themes of children's experiences during migrant voyages, food consumed, activities participated in and objects brought with them.

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