1950s+Migration+in+Australia

Passport to Progress.
This documentary from the late 1950s examines the impact of immigration on Australia and looks at the part played by "New Australians" in the nation's development. Expounding the policy that "planned migration is Australia's passport to progress", the film shows how migrants have brought their skills and new ways of living, such as "open-air cafes selling cappuccinos". "New" and "old" Australians are seen working side-by-side on steel production, car assembly, the railways and the Snowy Mountains Scheme, picking fruit and cutting cane. The film also makes a highlight out of a visit to a brick suburban house and its modern kitchen, complete with wireless (not wireless internet - a wireless radio) and mixmaster. Made by the National Film Board 1957. Directed by Peter Dimond.

While many attitudes have changed over the years, many countries still aim to attract skilled migrants to fill vacancies in their workforce.

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First Impressions
For World Anti-Racism Day 2012 we present a look at the issues for refugee children in 1984. This short film looks at prejudice and Australians through the eyes of young Vietnamese children recently arrived in Australia. It is based around excerpts from school compositions and poems and was produced for use in classrooms as a video teaching aid. Made by Film Australia 1984. Directed by Karl McPhee.

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