Johan Pollemans, Paul Bosman and Peter Ploegmahers
Date1 Sep 1960
Object numberANMS1453[151]
NamePhotograph
Mediumphotographic print on paper
DimensionsOverall: 223 × 305 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection
DescriptionBlack and white photograph of Johan Pollemans, Paul Bosman and Peter Ploegmahers from Holland arriving in Sydney aboard the FAIRSKY.
The three men were part of an assisted passage scheme to Australia that saw 21 young Dutch migrants trial life in Australia for one year. The men were required to report to the Dutch Immigration Department on their impressions of Australia and had the option to return permanently if they chose to.
HistoryAn attached newspaper on the back of the photograph reads:
‘Johan Pollemans, 24, of Oudetonge - a mechanic from Sydney. Five young Dutch migrants, who will make a great difference to the success of migration from Holland of young single men, arrived in Sydney on the FAIRSKY yesterday. They are part of a group of 21 specially chosen young men who will “test” Australia during the next year. After a year, they will report back to their fellows their views on every aspect of Australian life. The 21 migrants are spread over every state in Australia. The five who will stay in Sydney are aged between 19 and 25. “After we return to Holland to give our impressions, we can then decide if we want to come back to Australia,” Peter Ploegmahers, 19, of Eerde said.
Save up.
“We all answered newspaper advertisements asking for young men to migrate for a year to Australia under an assisted passage scheme. It costs us each £10 for the trip over, and if after we return to Holland we want to come back to Australia, it will only cost that much again. But we have to save our fares to Holland from wages received this year. One of our duties is to write once a month to the Dutch Immigration Department telling them our impressions of Australian life.” Hans Groenewegen, 21, of Rotterdam – also a mechanic for Sydney.’
SignificanceThis image is one of a series produced by Fairfax newspapers that provides a unique window into how immigrants were viewed and immigration policy articulated in the popular press. The images in this selection are significant in representing something of the personal face to Australia's massive post-war immigration push that saw aggressive immigration programs orchestrated by the Australian Government that was promoting a 'populate or perish' philosophy.
