Childhood memories of migration: images, imaginings and impressions

Childhood Memories of Migration: images, imaginings and impressions

Eilish McNeice with a friend at Cabramatta Migrant Hostel, 1959, courtesy Desmond McNeice.

18 November 2003 – 26 April 2004
Childhood memories of migration focused on the stories of six migrants from Vietnam, Chile, Latvia, El Salvador, Finland and Ireland. Using letters, toys, clothing, travel documents, photographs and an interactive DVD, the exhibition explored the personal experiences of adults who spent a portion of their childhood at the Cabramatta or Villawood Migrant Hostels.

The exhibition provided visitors with the opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of what it means to be an Australian migrant. It illustrated journeys which originated because of war or civil unrest or to improve economic circumstances and highlighted the initial isolation and loneliness that slowly eventuated into a love of Australia and a feeling of home.

Migration links Australia to the world. When people move, so do languages, ideas, religions, traditions, philosophies, cultures, arts and personal stories. While people bring many things with them,
they are offered as contributions to people already here and become part of our cultural heritage.

Childhood memories of migration: images, imaginings and impressions was dedicated to telling the stories of children who made a journey to an unknown land, coming by all methods and means to make a new life for themselves and, as a result, a richer life for all of Australia.

An exhibition developed by Fairfield City Museum & Gallery. Supported by Migration Heritage Centre, NSW Ministry for the Arts and the Fairfield City Council