multiculturalism

Latvians, together with Estonians and Lithuanians, were the first ethnic groups in the large postwar immigration wave of “displaced persons” from Europe that started in 1947. It has been estimated that some 17,000 persons born in Latvia, and a further 2,500 persons born elsewhere but of Latvian origin, settled in Australia between 1947 and 1952. Including prewar settlers, by 1952 about 20,000 Latvians were living in Australia. Queensland was a less popular destination than the southern states because many feared its hot and humid climate. Probably about 1,500 people of Latvian origin came to Queensland, though a figure of 2,000 has also been mentioned. They started to arrive in 1948 and settled mostly in or near Brisbane, but in smaller numbers also in Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns and Mount Isa. The early years were primarily spent in establishing a new life, attaining economic security and buying or building a home. Many had to study, while holding down other jobs, to have their previous qualifications recognised or re-established. Parents had learnt that education was the only thing of value that could be carried by a refugee or migrant. Children were therefore encouraged and assisted to obtain a good education, preferably at the tertiary level and leading to a professional qualification. Despite coming to Australia without capital and belongings, Latvians quickly and successfully adapted to life in Queensland and became reasonably secure economically. Source: latviansonline.com/brisbane-community-grows-smaller-older/

n 1946 Australia signed an agreement to provide free assisted passages to British ex-servicemen and other selected British Migrants. This was later extended to ex-servicemen from other countries, including Poland. 3,800 Displaced Persons were included in the thousands of migrants who came to Australia. Many came on a two year contract to help labour shortages. Regardless of their professional skills, they were sent to work on various Hydro-electric schemes including the Snowy Mountains Scheme in NSW and the Hydro Electricity Scheme in Tasmania. Source www.ssasturias.net/polishmigration.html

'Stay and die or get on a boat': choice faced by waves of migrants By Tony Moore Updated July 30, 2014 — 6.32pmfirst published July 29, 2014 — 12.33pm Rob Cavallucci’s Italian grandparents had the choice of dying on their Italian farms as WWII smoldered to a finish, “or getting on a boat” to a new country. They chose Australia, over Argentina. Queensland’s Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs’ story is typical of the children of the first wave of Italian, German, and Greek post-war migrants to Queensland. His grandparents and parents are the migrants who worked in the state’s canefields, goldfields and railways before establishing their own businesses. Rob Cavallucci’s Italian grandparents had the choice of dying on their Italian farms as WWII smoldered to a finish, “or getting on a boat” to a new country. They chose Australia, over Argentina. Queensland’s Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs’ story is typical of the children of the first wave of Italian, German, and Greek post-war migrants to Queensland. His grandparents and parents are the migrants who worked in the state’s canefields, goldfields and railways before establishing their own businesses. “After the war, there wasn’t too much left of their homes in Italy, because the Germans retreated through central Italy around Rome and they didn’t leave too much with their ‘scorched earth policy,” Mr. Cavallucci said. “They were both farmers from little farming villages and everything they had was basically burnt to the ground or bombed,” he said. “So they really had two choices. “And that was to stay and die, or get on a boat and come to another country.” Source: www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/stay-and-die-or-get-on-...