Migration Stories · Term 3

Post-WWII Migration: Populate or Perish

Examine the government's 'Populate or Perish' policy after WWII and the initial waves of European migration to Australia.

About This Topic

Populate or Perish examines the massive wave of migration to Australia following World War II. Students explore the government's fear that Australia's small population made it vulnerable to invasion, leading to the famous slogan 'Populate or Perish'. This unit covers the recruitment of 'Ten Pound Poms' from Britain and the arrival of displaced persons from war-torn Europe, marking the beginning of a major shift in Australia's cultural makeup.

This topic is essential for understanding how modern Australia was built and the origins of our multicultural society. It connects to ACARA standards regarding the stories of migrants and the reasons for their journey. This topic comes alive when students can physically model the migration process and the 'push and pull' factors that drove millions of people to move across the globe.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Migration Interview

Students act as migration officers and potential migrants from 1950s Europe. They must discuss the 'push' factors (war, poverty) and 'pull' factors (jobs, safety) that lead someone to leave their home for Australia.

⏱ 45 min·Pairs

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Inquiry Circle: The Ten Pound Poms

Small groups research the 'Assisted Passage Scheme'. They create a travel brochure from the 1950s designed to convince a British family to move to Australia, highlighting the promised benefits.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

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Stations Rotation: Bonegilla and Beyond

Set up stations with photos and diary entries from migrant hostels like Bonegilla. Students rotate to learn about the food, the language barriers, and the first jobs migrants took when they arrived.

⏱ 60 min·Small Groups

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Migrants only came to Australia because they wanted a holiday.

What to Teach Instead

Most post-war migrants were fleeing extreme hardship or were 'displaced' because they had no home to return to. Using 'push and pull' charts helps students see the serious reasons behind migration.

Common Misconception

The 'Populate or Perish' policy was open to everyone in the world.

What to Teach Instead

The policy still heavily favoured British and European migrants due to the White Australia policy. Peer discussion about who was 'invited' versus who was 'excluded' helps students understand the limitations of the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did 'Populate or Perish' actually mean?

After WWII, Australian leaders believed the country needed a much larger population to defend itself and to grow the economy. They feared that if the population didn't grow quickly, Australia might be 'taken over' by other nations.

Who were the 'Ten Pound Poms'?

These were British migrants who were offered a trip to Australia for just ten pounds. The Australian government paid the rest of the fare to encourage people from the 'mother country' to move here and help build the nation.

What were migrant hostels?

Migrant hostels, like Bonegilla in Victoria, were temporary housing centres where new arrivals lived while they looked for work and permanent homes. They were often old army barracks and could be quite basic and crowded.

How can active learning help students understand post-war migration?

Active learning, such as 'role playing an arrival', helps students empathise with the courage it takes to move to a new country. By analyzing real passenger lists and luggage contents, students connect with the personal stories of migrants, making the historical policy of 'Populate or Perish' feel human and real.

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