The voyage for many of the children was a time of fear but also of excitement and adventure; new friends were made, new sights seen and new places found to explore.
"One thing that amazed me was that we were treated the same as everybody else on board by the passengers and crew. We were treated as human beings." LP Welsh
Before leaving, the children were fêted with tea parties, mayoral receptions and even visits by royalty, popular entertainers and powerful benefactors. The migration organisations ensured maximum publicity of the departure to promote their work.
While the separation from home and family was hard, many children had left behind a life of hardship and neglect. The ceremony of departure inspired expectation and hope for their future.
Preparing for the voyage
Pre-departure preparations for child migrants included medical examinations and intelligence tests at Australia House, clothes fittings and instructive lessons on the colonies.
Second Fairbridge party on 'SS Oronsay' 1938. Reproduced courtesy Molong Historical Society.
Did you know?
 |
Fairbridge operated in Canada after the Government restricted the entry of unaccompanied children? |
 |
