Opportunity to thrive in Australia

By Margot, ASRC volunteer

My dad, Ted was born in 1920 in England; the third of five children of a WW1 veteran turned Scottish coal miner and a Yorkshire grocer’s daughter. When the 1930s depression began to take its toll, Ted’s parents agreed to let him come to Australia with an aunt and uncle who had no children of their own. It was only meant to be until the situation improved but the collapse of the economy and the outbreak of another World War meant that Dad never returned. It would 30 years before he would be able to see them again.

Ted as a baby, 1921 England

There are many contrasts between my Dad’s story and the stories of people seeking asylum but there are also parallels.

Dad was not fleeing from violence, war or persecution but his parents helped him to escape poverty, starvation and disease when they sent him away to Australia.

Dad grew up in Melbourne’s bayside suburbs where the living was very different from the UK. Although he was teased at school as ‘that pommie kid’ with glasses and a funny accent, he thrived in the opportunity to receive a good education, employment, clean air and wide open spaces.

Ted ‘that pommie kid’ 1931

Ted and Aunt Eden, 1933

By the time he was 21, both his adopted parents died in the same year. After his discharge from the Army he found ways to educate himself, and joined the aviation industry as an electrical mechanic. Dad later became a respected aeronautical draftsman who contributed much to the development of military and

Ted’s father in England, 1961

commercial aircraft. But it was his work that would take him back to Europe where in his 40s, he would be reunited with his parents and surviving siblings.

Ted’s mother in England, 1961

Dad died in 2013 at a ripe age of 93.  With a dynasty of four children, twelve grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren he has made a good life for our family while also being an asset to society.

We’ll never know what his life would have been had he stayed in England but I do know Australians have gained so much from his contribution to our community.

#TheirStoryOurStory

At some stage in our history, a family member has sacrificed something so that the we, or the next generation could feel safe, loved, and to prosper. These stories recognise the importance of giving a person the opportunity to feel safe, and build a better life.

To directly support and empowers over 3,000 people seeking asylum each year to find safety, you can donate to our Christmas Appeal using the form below.