Past exhibitions
Past exhibitions
They may no longer be showing in our libraries but you can still explore these captivating exhibitions.
The Perfect Migrant
In 1940, 3,000 internees arrived in Australia were regarded ‘perfect’ migrants for their ease of integration and contributions to Australian society.
There are no ‘perfect’ forced migrants, only people who are caught up in the turbulent and frequently tragic fate of those who seek refuge from persecution, war, economic hardship and environmental destruction.
Return
After four years of fighting and millions of casualties, World War I finally came to an end. Eight days later Sir John Monash was commissioned to oversee the repatriation of the surviving Australian soldiers and their dependants.
Many struggled to reintegrate in the face of the physical and mental trauma they had survived.
Digital exhibitions
Showcasing research from across the university, and shining a light on our unique collections, the Library's digital exhibition program aims to delight and inform.
Originally presented at Matheson, Caulfield and Hargrave-Andrew libraries, these past exhibitions are now available to view online.
Ali and the Long Journey to Australia
A stop-motion animation film by Faculty of Education in collaboration with students from refugee backgrounds at Noble Park Primary School in Melbourne’s southeast.
Hear their stories, that they were keen to share and to be heard beyond academic papers.
Merle Ricklefs Collection
An important Southeast Asian research collection named in honour of Professor Merle Ricklefs following his passing in 2020.
Watch a short documentary about the collection and its history.
Dunera Stories
In 1940, after the declaration of war between Britain and Germany, the HMT Dunera and HMS Queen Mary set out to Australia. The ships contained nearly 3,000 internees designated as ‘enemy aliens’.
Filmed for the Perfect Migrant exhibition, this documentary features a selection of their stories. Thousands remain untold.
