'austraLasia' #629
CHILD MIGRANTS EXPRESS SOLIDARITY AMONGST
SALESIANS
Julian Fox
HOBART: 16th Oct -- Some 30 members of the first
group of British child migrants to arrive in Tasmania 50 years ago gathered at
the weekend at Dominic College, Glenorchy, to express solidarity amongst
themselves and with the Salesians. There have been difficult moments,
stemming from the decision by the British and Australian Governments to
accept those who are now correctly named as 'child migrants' but
then incorrectly and deceitfully known as 'orphans'. The migration
scheme had involved several Australian Religious Congregations in the immediate
post-war era (1950's mainly) in accommodating and educating young British males
for the most part. The years of unravelling the official secrecy existing
between the Governments of the day have involved the 30 individuals who gathered
last Saturday in much heart-rending discovery of real family members both alive
and deceased. Amongst the many moments have been those of intense joy and
family reunion.
Saturday's gathering was billed as one of the most
significant and happy reunions of the entire saga. The group had decided
to gather at the place of their first landing in Australia, and where they had
received Salesian care and education. This was a determined choice, since
so many of them had kept in communication with 'Boys Town' (now Dominic College)
and with the Salesians. Some who hadn't, returned for the first time in 50
years, including one from Bristol, UK where he had been ironically returned some
30 years ago after travelling and re-visiting Australia to find that he did not
possess an Australian visa despite being brought up and educated in
Tasmania! He is now seeking asistance from both Britain and Australia to
return to Tasmania and to many old friends who have settled there.
The Federal Governement was represented on the
occasion by Senator Brian Harradine, a tireless fighter for the rights of all
persons. The Tasmanian Stae Government provided airfare assistance to
those who lived outside the State.
