530 children under the age of 14 arrive at Port Melbourne aboard the Fairsea from the United Kingdom, 1956

Between 1912 and the 1960s around 7000 migrant children were sent to institutions around Australia. Most were from Britain, but some were from Malta. Almost all came from disadvantaged backgrounds. Child migrants were usually between eight and 13 years old, but some were as young as three.

Life in institutions was very difficult for children. Sometimes children’s names were changed, or they were given numbers instead of names. Children were not allowed to own things or contact their families. Many children were neglected, abused and made to do dangerous work. If they told an adult about their treatment, they were not believed.