Maltese Imigrants

This morning I went down to the Port of Fremantle for an early morning coffee.

I came across this memorial dedicated to Maltese boys and girls who left their homelands to brave an unknown future in Western Australia.

It is of a young boy and -girl with expressions showing "awe and wonder"

My photo today is of part of the memorial, a part that really hit home when I focused in on the supporting hand of the 12 year boy on a 10 year old girl, carrying one small suitcase.

As early as 1938, attempts were made to include child migrants from Malta in the Australian immigration schemes. Initially the Maltese were rejected on racial grounds. It was not until 1950 that they became such an important part of these schemes.

Huge hardships were endured; benefits were derived .These child migrants provided valuable contributions to Australian society in diverse ways as parents, workers and citizens.

Australia is better for their coming