The way in | National Museum of Australia

What happened to our childhood?

From the 1920s to the 1980s about 500,000 children spent all or some of their childhood in children’s homes and institutions in Australia.

Of these, about 50,000 were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and 7,000 were child migrants from Britain and Malta.

The reasons why they came in were many, including removal by the state and being surrendered by families unable to manage in a time of inadequate welfare. Many if not most of the children had little idea what was happening.

Colour photograph of a varnished timber sign, with gold text handpainted on a dark background. The text reads 'RECEPTION PLEASE ENTER'. - click to view larger image

Exhibition graphic panel that reads: 'In 1967, my family fell apart and they couldn’t cope. After the court case my mother got custody of us. My father wouldn’t leave our house. The judge wouldn’t give her any help to get shelter. My mother did nothing wrong. My parents took me and my four brothers on the long road to Kincumber and it was dark,' attributed to 'Mary Brownlee, 2011'. - click to view larger image

Black and white Polaroid photograph showing a young woman with three small boys and a small girl outside a house. They are positioned in a group facing the camera and all smiling. One the boys is sitting on a tricycle and the girl is holding a large doll. Typewritten text underneath reads: 'Mary Brownlee, holding her doll, Susie, with her mother and brothers at home in the Sydney suburb of Rozelle, shortly before the court case that led to their family break-up. Mary's baby brother, Stephen, was inside the house when this photograph was taken in June 1967'. In smaller text, on the left-hand side of the image, in a vertical direction, reads: 'Courtesy Mary Brownlee'. - click to view larger image

Photocopy of a typed A4 document headed 'CNA' which reads 'In reference to the minute above, I saw this child at Carrolup over the weekend and she is certainly very light in colour and suitable for Sister Kate's Home. I questioned the mother ver closely but she emphatically denied that she had in any way associated with a whiteman. She maintained that Gyce Woods is the father. The mother and child are very attached to each other and the latter is well looked after, being very clean and tidy. Mrs. Gyce Woods is employed at the Hospital and doing a good job. Sister Prout speaks very well of her. Do you wish any action taken for the admittance of Mary Rose Woods to Sister Kate's Home please? Mrs Gyce Woods maintains that she will not return to her husband under any circumstances. DCHA'. On the bottom half of the page is a typed letter from the Commissioner of Native Affairs to 'Miss Holt, Children's Cottage Homae, Queen's Park'. It reads in part 'This child is now at the Carrolup Native Settlement, but she is very light in colour, and I feel that she would be better placed with you'. - click to view larger image

Exhibition graphic panel that reads: With my story it's the fifth generation in state care. My dad, my grandparents and my great-grandparents all in state care... This is my father... and these were his grandparents. Two months after this … he was taken from them into care at Nudgee orphanage because he, they said, wasn't being looked after and cared for. Attributed to 'Katie-Maree Sibraa, 2009'. - click to view larger image

A black and white Polaroid photograph portraying three people in a standing position. From left to right, there is an elderly man wearing dark trousers with a light grey blazer, shirt and hat; a young boy who has his hands firmly by his side - he is also wearing a hat - and an elderly woman wearing a light coloured skirt, white shirt and a white hat. Typewritten text underneath reads: 'Dennis Tobane, aged 8, in 1952, with his grandparents at Woorabinda Mission, Queensland, before he was taken away by the authorities'. In smaller text, on the left-hand side of the image, in a vertical direction, reads: 'Courtesy Katie-Maree Sibraa.' - click to view larger image

Exhibition graphic panel that reads: 'Some time in 1952 Father Cyril Stinson came to the school in Malta from Western Australia to recruit boys to migrate to Australia … I was told how wonderful Australia was, and the wonderful school we would be going to’, attributed to 'Godfrey Gilmore, 2011'. - click to view larger image

Exhibition graphic panel that reads: 'When I was five years old, I was trafficked to Australia for four years along with my brother and sister. I had no idea even where Australia was’, attributed to 'Nigel Owen, 2011'. - click to view larger image

Exhibition graphic panel that reads: 'When I was twelve I was asked if I wanted to go to Australia. At first I was excited … [then] I told the cottage father that I had changed my mind and didn’t want to go. His words still ring in my ears -

Black and white photo of a group of adults farewelling children as they catch a train. Typewritten text underneath reads: 'Hugh McGowan (bottom left) and other child migrants are put on a Glasgow train for London to board a ship for Australia, and are farewelled by their cottage mothers. September 1961'. In smaller text, on the left-hand side of the image, in a vertical direction, reads 'Courtesy Hugh McGowan'. - click to view larger image

A typed letter reads: 'Dear Miss McGowan, We have been invited to send a small party of boys to a Home not unlike our own in Australia and where we have some boys already. After a time there the boys would be placed in suitable employment and altogether we feel it would be a very good chance for the boys selected, especially when their outside contacts in this Country are not so strong. Having regard to these circumstances would you be willing to allow your son, Hugh, to be submitted to go to Australia? I should, of course, like to make it clear that investigations are, at present, only in the preliminary stages. I would, too, like you to know that Hugh is very keen to go. I should be glad to hear from you as soon as possible. Yours faithfully, Superintentent'. The letter is signed 'Hector C' [illegible surname] and dated 11th January, 1961, on a 'Quarrier's Homes' letterhead. An envelope addressed to 'Miss S. McGowan, Camberley, Surrey' is at the top. The letter is stamped and postmarked 'Return to sender' and '[illegible] be found'. - click to view larger image

Colour photograph showing a man standing in front of a museum display. Two young people, their backs to the camera, talk with the man. - click to view larger image

Exhibition graphic panel that reads: 'I got adopted out ... My [adoptive] mum always said I had my little arms up and just wanted to be loved and cared for,' attributed to 'Rhonda Trivett, 2010'. - click to view larger image

Colour studio portrait showing a young girl at the centre, smiling, and wearing a white top and white bow in her hair. She sits between two smiling women, and with a man standing at the rear. - click to view larger image

Exhibition graphic panel that reads: 'When I was 6 going on to 7 years ... my dog, then my Grandmother and then my Daddy died ... the people who I loved went away to heaven. So I ran away from school because I couldn't learn ... went to find the highest mountain to ask God to bring my Dad back', attributed to 'Rhonda Trivett, 2010'. - click to view larger image

Four images stapled to each corner of a rectangular white piece of card. The closely cropped black and white images of babies have been placed on small pink paper squares with serrated sides. A business card is stuck to the centre of the panel. The typewritten text reads: 'Department of Children's Services

Exhibition graphic panel that reads: 'We were taken off our parents and charged with being neglected. We were taken to court. The five of us were in court. My grandfather went there to try to stop them from taking us, but they wouldn’t give us to him', attributed to 'Colleen Stevenson, 2009'. - click to view larger image

An image of the front of a hardcover book with a blue cover and yellow edging. 'THE BIBLE' is printed in yellow on it with 'AUTHORIZED VERSION' printed in black below. A design of grapes and grape leaves as well as a man sowing grain are also printed in black. - click to view larger image

Photocopy of an official black and white document headed 'POLICE'. Parts of the top of the charge document have been crossed out with typed Xs, for example 'Defendant' has been crossed out and replaced with 'Child'. Typed text states the child is 'Nola May Mary Rollinson'. The section on remand details has been amended to read [in type] 'Child to be detained in' [in handwriting] 'place of safety'. Two stamps at the left of the document read 'Children's Court, Sydney', and is dated February 1960. - click to view larger image

A formal typed A4 document headed 'CHILD WELFARE ACT, 1939, AS AMENDED (Sections 32 and 83) Order of Children's Court'. The document reads: 'New South Wales, to wit, Sydney, whereas NOLA MAY MARY ROLLINSON a child of the aged of 14 years is this day charged before this court for that at Annandale in the said State on the 9th February, 1960 is a neglected child within the meaning of the Child Welfare Act 1939 in that she is under improper guardianship. Now this court, having heard and determined the matter aforesaid, doth find the said child to be neglected, and doth hereby order that the said child be committed to the care of the Minister to be dealt with as a Ward admitted to State control.' The document is signed by Magistrate P Macreadie, with two Magistrates' Seal stamps bottom right. - click to view larger image

A colour image of an old wooden rubber stamp with the words displayed on one side 'Committed to institution (boys)'. The knob-like handle is black and the base of the stamp is a light brown. There are many signs of wear and age. - click to view larger image

Exhibition graphic panel of white handwritten text on a grey background reads: 'This print used to hang above the magistrate’s desk at Wilson Youth Hospital. Us kids would stare [at] the picture and the magistrate would think we were being respectful and looking at him. But we were looking at the picture', attributed to 'Sue Treweek, 2010'. At right is a photo of a framed landscape painting showing a large central gum tree, a wooden fence at the right and part of a timber shed. - click to view larger image

A black and white Polaroid photograph showing a nun wearing a long, dark tunic and veil and a white whimple around her face. She holds the hand of a young girl, whose face has been blurred. The girl wears a white shirt and patterned skirt. The pair are walking at the front of a brick building. Typewritten text underneath reads 'Nun from the order of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd escorting a girl from the Metropolitan Children's Court, Albion Street, Sydney, 25 October 1963'. - click to view larger image

Exhibition graphic panel that reads: 'Deprived children, whether in their own homes or out of them, are a source of social infection as real and serious as are carriers of diptheria or typhoid', attributed to 'RJ Heffron, New South Wales Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, 1956'. - click to view larger image

A red-covered pamphlet titled 'TB the target may be YOU!', with the words 'the chest x-ray will tell' at the bottom. A smiling woman is pictured inside a black, grey and white target, with a series of arrows pointed towards it. - click to view larger image

A black and white Polaroid photograph of an older man and someone who appears to be an adolescent boy sitting in an office. The man is dressed in a suit and tie and has his left leg crossed over his right. He is holding a pen and looking at a document on his desk. The boy is seated facing him with his right hand placed above his knee. He appears to be wearing a dark coloured jumper and light coloured trousers. Typewritten text underneath reads 'Mount Penang Training School for Boys, Gosford, New South Wales, September 1973.' Below this text is the circle c copyright symbol followed by 'State of New South Wales through the Department of Attorney General and Justice and reproduced with the approval of the State Library of New South Wales.' - click to view larger image

Exhibition graphic panel that reads: 'To say that the industrious and intelligent son of self-sacrificing and saving and forward-looking parents has the same social deserts and even material needs as the dull offspring of stupid and improvident parents is absurd', attributed to 'Prime Minister Robert Menzies, 22 May 1942'. - click to view larger image

Exhibition graphic panel that reads: 'I entered the Gill Memorial Home for Boys with my two brothers ... on the 8th March 1966. Our presence in the home was due to our mother’s mental illness,' attributed to 'Submission 326, Senate Inquiry, 2004'. - click to view larger image

Exhibition graphic panel that reads: 'This is one of the certificates Dad got for selling the most life assurance. But he never insured his own life. So when he died Mum had to sell the family home and go to work and we were put in a Home. She had no choice', attributed to 'John Farr, 2011'. At right is an image of a framed insurance award printed on white card, with green highlights. It reads: 'THE MUTUAL LIFE AND CITIZENS' ASSURANCE CO. LTD. / THE M.L.C / FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP / This Certifies that / Cecil Farr / by reason of outstanding results / (DIVISIONAL) / FOR THE YEAR 1942 / qualifes for membership of the / M.L.C. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER / THE FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP'. Silver and blue stickers printed with the words 'QUALIFIES AGAIN' are struck at regular intervals around the border. Under each is handprinted a year between 1944 and 1950. - click to view larger image

A black and white Polaroid photograph of several young girls carrying large sprays of flowers. The photograph has been taken outside with tall bushes and a building visible in the background. The girls are walking towards the camera and are smiling. They are dressed alike in long-sleeved above knee dresses covered by lighter coloured checked aprons, the same style shoes, and ribbons in their hair. Typewritten text underneath reads: 'Girls at Dalwood Children's Home. Seaforth. New South Wales, 1941'. Smaller text, on the left-hand side of the image, in a vertical direction, reads: 'State Library of New South Wales'. - click to view larger image

A metal circular badge with a white background showing a blue birdcage in the centre, containing a yellow bird. Green foliage is shown on either side of the birdcage. Text in green, printed on a yellow scroll above the cage, reads 'UNITED PROTESTANT HOMES'. - click to view larger image

A black and white Polaroid photograph of a large building appearing to be of mid-1800s heritage. There is a white statue behind the main gate and a traffic sign to the right. Typewritten text underneath reads: 'Goodwood Orphanage. Goodwood. South Australia. 1972'. Up the left-hand side of the photo there is smaller text reading 'State Library of South Australia'. - click to view larger image

A glass-fronted timber box with the text 'BALLARAT / ORPHANAGE / Will You help Please.' painted in gold at the top. The box has a hinged lid that shuts with a clasp. - click to view larger image

A black and white Polaroid photograph of a young boy who is smiling at the camera as he stands holding the clapper of a large bell which is attached to a wooden post. Typewritten text underneath reads: 'Child at Fairbridge Farm School. Molong. New South Wales'. Smaller text, on the left-hand side of the image, in a vertical direction, reads 'Fairbridge History Association Inc.'. - click to view larger image

A colour photograph of an old metal sign which appears to be rusting through. On a cream background, the sign begins with a large black capital F followed by a black painted outline of a man operating a horse-drawn plough and two horses. - click to view larger image

Exhibition graphic panel that reads: 'On the night that we entered the Dalmar children's home, the Superintendent asked my sister Yvonne what she was clutching under her arm. Yvonne replied that she had our mother's personal belongings in the chocolate tin … The Superintendent then asked to have a closer look and one by one he took each item out of the tin and said,

A colour photograph of a knitted doll wearing a purple dress, a purple bonnet and a white scarf. The doll is holding a small cane basket. - click to view larger image

Colour photograph showing a woman standing, looking into an exhibition case. On the back wall of the case a small knitted doll tumbles down towards a metal wastepaper basket, which has a 'Whitman's Sampler' chocolate tin inside. Small hair clips and a pair of rosary beads are mounted between the doll and the bin. White handwritten text on a dark background is visible at the left of the case. - click to view larger image

A black and white Polaroid photograph of a medical examination room. In the room which has tiled walls and a large window there is a nurse, two medical equipment trolleys and an empty patient trolley. The nurse, in uniform and veil, is standing at one of the equipment trolleys and putting on a pair of gloves. The other equipment trolley is laid out with medical instruments, swabs and dishes. There is a stool on wheels at the end of the patient trolley. The patient trolley has a bucket underneath it. Typewritten text underneath the photograph reads: 'Medical examination room. Parramatta Girls Home. Parramatta. New South Wales, 1946'. Smaller text, on the left-hand side of the image, in a vertical direction, reads 'Unknown photographer'. - click to view larger image

Exhibition graphic panel that reads: 'I was given the standard vaginal tests - legs tied in stirrups. When I protested I was told they knew

A child's painting of a green saucepan and lid, framed with two certificates below. The larger certificate, white with an ornate blue border depicting agricultural scenes, reads: 'MUDGEE SHOW / FIRST PRIZE / Awarded to C. GREEN / Section SCHOOLS / Class COLOURED SAUCEPAN OR HAT under 11 years / 16th-17th March, 1938 / PRESIDENT F. J. LONERGAN / SECRETARY G. T. HOLMES'. A smaller blue and white certificate in the bottom right reads: 'MUDGEE A.P.H. & I. ASSOCIATION / ANNUAL SHOW, 1938 / FIRST PRIZE / AWARDED TO C. Green, EXHIBIT ART WORK UNDER 11 years / SECTION R CLASS 31 / G. T. HOLMES, Secretary'. - click to view larger image

Exhibition graphic panel that reads: 'My two sisters and myself and a very small suitcase were put on a train with a woman we did not know, nor did we know where we were going, and that would be the last we would ever see of our home for life,' attributed to 'Carmel Durant, Bidura Receiving Depot, Glebe, New South Wales, 1930s'. - click to view larger image

Colour photograph showing a woman standing beside a framed painting and two prize certificates. - click to view larger image

Exhibition graphic panel that reads: 'I am now Eighty-Two years old and these memories remain very clear. What happened to our Childhood?,' attributed to 'Carmel Durant, 2010'. - click to view larger image

A colour photograph showing four women standing, looking at a display panel which includes a framed painting and two prize certificates. - click to view larger image

Photocopy of a typed document on lined paper, headed 'DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - RELEASED UNDER FREEDOM OF INFORMATION /

Exhibition graphic panel that reads: 'Because it was night-time when we arrived at the Orphanage … I kissed my three brothers goodnight and was led to this gigantic room with rows of beds like in the three bears story,' attributed to 'Thelma Edsell, Geelong Orphanage, Victoria, 1930s'. - click to view larger image

Exhibition graphic panel that reads: 'As she drove off, I heard her say,

Exhibition graphic panel that reads: 'I say to people my life was this way, your life was that way, but hey it's me', attributed to 'Judith Leonard, Glastonbury Orphanage, Geelong, Victoria, 1960s'. - click to view larger image

Black and white photo showing concrete stairs on an external verandah. The stairs have an ironwork rail, and a panel of ironwork is also mounted on the wall of the building. - click to view larger image

Burnside Homes

This video shows a silent film from about the 1920s produced by Burnside Homes to promote its work and raise funds. It shows the Burnside Homes’ association with the Presbyterian church and how children from poor families in inner Sydney were taken to Burnside Homes.

This video also includes personal documents from 4 people who experienced institutional life as children, and images of some of the homes and institutions in Australia where children grew up in the 20th century.

'We were Burnie kids' 12:46

This video has no sound.

The preservation of Uniting Care Burnside footage was the result of a partnership between Uniting Care Burnside, Parramatta Heritage Centre and Anne Matthews.

Video images courtesy: Ann McVeigh, Brisbane City Council Archives, Care Leavers Australia Network, Jenny Bosanquet, Mary Terszak, National Archives of Australia, National Library of Australia, Nola Rollinson, Ray Brand, State Library of Queensland, State Library of South Australia and State Library of Victoria.

Postwar immigration drive

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