Assimilation

Table of Contents

New arrivals to Bonegilla were expected to assimilate.

While Bonegilla was a reception and processing centre, it also provided training as nearly all post-war refugees and migrants were non-British and considered aliens who had to be taught English and about the Australian way of life.

Newcomers were accepted as permanent residents and at Bonegilla, the aliens would be prepared ‘to take their place in the Australian community.’

At Bonegilla, migrants and refugees would take their first steps in moving from ‘New Australian’ to ‘True Australian’.

To aid assimilation and encourage a sense of belonging, Centre walls were decorated with Australian scenes, the British sovereign’s portrait appeared in most public places, and both the Union Jack and Australian ensign flags flew.

Children were encouraged to celebrate Empire Day and given special treats on Coronation Day in 1953 and during the Royal Visit in 1954.

Engagement was fostered with the local community through sports matches, concerts, handicraft, and cultural displays. Residents performed folk dances to raise money for local hospitals, joined in events, and helped fight bushfires

However, immigration authorities eventually realised that adaption took years rather than weeks and that it worked two ways – the local society was changing as well as the newcomers.

Quotes

My uncle said take only your handbag. Don’t look back. Whatever you have in the cupboard – forget it.

- Lovelyn Miglietta

We impress on them that they are starting in a new land. They should try to break down international barriers and forget past differences. ..nothing annoyed the citizens of the surrounding towns, more than the sound of foreign tongues. Not infrequently, Australian passengers on the bus that ran from Bonegilla to Albury would turn around and shout; ‘speak bloody English, will you!’ when a noisy conversation in a foreign language offended their ears.

- Frank Korbl, Austria, 1956

Our aim is to Australianise all our migrants in as short a time as possible...It is recognised that only the locals can bring about ultimate assimilation. No language or civic classes...can supply the need for personal friendship, neighbourly companionship, community of cultural interests and mateyness on the job.

- Calwell, Quoted in Tavan, 1997

The Australian Government brought in a range of incentives to lure suitable migrants to Australia. These ranged from free or assisted travel to the promise of immediate work, grants, and accommodation. These incentives presented an enticing proposition for many war-weary Europeans. Reception centres like Bonegilla were part of this attractive picture..... "...offering a gentle initiation into the new country... in order to become acquainted with its customs and mores and thereby ease their passage into the Australian way of life." “Of all the migrants Australia desired, the best were children who were of an impressionable age and who could be moulded to the Australian way of life.”

- Alex Downer, Minister for Immigration, in a parliamentary speech, 1958.

...the young would absorb the Australian point of view more quickly than adults.

- Unknown