The front cover of the book 'Hopes and Fears: Australian Migration Stories'.
National Library of Australia

Stories of migration are a significant part of the Australian experience. Many of us are ourselves migrants, or we have a parent, grandparent or great-grandparent who journeyed to Australia from elsewhere. What were the hopes and fears that motivated migrants to leave their homeland and make their way to Australia?

The exhibition Hopes and Fears: Australian Migration Stories explores a history of migration to Australia through the eyes of government, society and individuals. Drawn from the collections of the National Library of Australia, here are the personal items like photographs, letters, diaries and mementoes, alongside cartoons, community newspapers, government publications and posters. Together, these items show a changing Australia, which today is one of the most diverse nations in the world.

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The National Library of Australia acknowledges Australia’s First Nations Peoples – the First Australians – as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and gives respect to the Elders – past and present – and through them to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Cultural Notification

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website contains a range of material which may be considered culturally sensitive including the records of people who have passed away.

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