Explore the history of Maltese migration to Australia during the twentieth century.

Did you know that migration from Malta was once heavily restricted because the Maltese were seen as a threat to ‘white Australia’? Yet, after WWII, Malta was one of the first countries with which Australia signed an assisted migration agreement. This webinar will explore the intriguing history of Maltese migration to Australia during the twentieth century, using case studies from the National Archives’ collection to highlight how perceptions and policies changed over time.

Presented by Patrick Ferry (National Archives of Australia) and Luis Calleja (Monash University), in collaboration with the RHSV and the Genealogical Society of Victoria.

This event is one in a series of free Zoom seminars presented by the National Archives of Australia to members of both the RHSV and the GSV.

This event, held on Harmony Day, is a celebration of Australia’s Multiculturalism.

Photo captions for two images above from the National Archives of Australia’s collection

Carmela Abela and her children, who migrated from Malta in 1954. NAA MP210/3, 1954/38/423/ABELA A/C/J/C/C/A/A/L

Annetta Pirotta and her children who migrated from Malta. NAA MP210/3 1954/38/1472/PIROTTA S/A/C/G/A/A/E/P