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Collisson family aboard the STRATHEDEN

Publisher Fairfax Publications, Sydney Morning Herald

Date1961

Object numberANMS1453[146]

NamePhotograph

Mediumphotographic print on paper

DimensionsOverall: 203 × 255 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection

Terms

DescriptionBlack and white image of Mr and Mrs Leonard Collisson and their three grown children, Patricia, Leonard and Andre, at the railings of the STRATHEDEN. HistoryA newspaper clipping attached to the back of the photograph reads ‘A British migrant family who returned to Britain in 1953 reached Sydney yesterday for a second try at settling down in Australia. They are the Leonard Collissons, of North London, pictured yesterday aboard the P. and O. liner STRATHEDEN. From left are Mrs Collisson, Patricia, 24, Leonard, 16, Mr Collisson and Andrea, 21. Mrs Collisson said they went back to London eight years ago because they could not get accommodation in Australia. She said they arrived in Australia in 1953 and lived in a caravan at Katoomba. “You cannot bring three children up in a caravan so we decided to go back” she said. “We’ve been talking about returning to Australia practically ever since we went away. “I reckon we have sent more people out here than the immigration Department.” The Collissons will stay with friends until they can buy a block of land and build a house. Mr and Mrs Collisson paid their own fares. The children came under the assisted passage scheme. (Left to Right) Mrs L.C. Collisson, Patricia (24), Leonard (16), Mr L.C, Collisson and Andre (21). English family migrating to Australia time on STRATHEDEN'.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 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.