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The Big Brother Movement

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Exhibition SummaryThe Big Brother Movement (on display 9 August 2025 - 7 February 2026) shares personal stories of former 'Little Brothers' and reflects on The Big Brother Movement's role in Australia's migration history.DescriptionFounded in 1925, the Big Brother Movement (BBM) stands as one of Australia’s most significant youth migration programs. Over 12,000 British boys made the journey to a faraway land in search of adventure and opportunity.

Between 1947 and 1972, the Movement owned a property on Cowpasture Road, now known as Calmsley Hill City Farm. At this training and reception centre Little Brothers were taught practical farming skills and adjusted to life in Australia.

For decades the Big Brother Movement operated within the context of the White Australia policy. This exhibition explores both personal stories and the Movement’s place in Australia’s evolving migration history.

Text Panel

Tony Bleasdale OAM: From Little Brother to Mayor

Tony Bleasdale OAM: From Little Brother to Mayor

The Training Farm

The Training Farm

The Movement

Stephen Lambert: From Yorkshire to Jerilderie

Stephen Lambert: From Yorkshire to Jerilderie

Ju Bavyka, Transition Room, 2025

Ju Bavyka, Transition Room, 2025

Adventure and Opportunities

Adventure and Opportunities

Gary Templeman-Rooke: A Middleclass 'Pommy Jackeroo'

Gary Templeman-Rooke: A Middleclass 'Pommy Jackeroo'

Photograph

Calmsley Hill City Farm, Abbotsbury

Calmsley Hill City Farm, Abbotsbury

Calmsley Hill City Farm, Abbotsbury

Calmsley Hill City Farm, Abbotsbury

Calmsley City Farm, Abbotsbury, NSW

Calmsley City Farm, Abbotsbury, NSW

Sue Kennett with some of the goats from Calmsley Hill farm, Abbotsbury, NSW

Sue Kennett with some of the goats from Calmsley Hill farm, Abbotsbury, NSW

Sue Kennett with some of the goats from Calmsley Hill farm, Abbotsbury, NSW

Sue Kennett with some of the goats from Calmsley Hill farm, Abbotsbury, NSW

Sue Kennett taking Daisy the cow for a walk, Abbotsbury, NSW

Sue Kennett taking Daisy the cow for a walk, Abbotsbury, NSW

Video

Garry Templeman-Rooke interview

Garry Templeman-Rooke interview

Stephen Lambert interview

Stephen Lambert interview

Object

Photograph of Harry Kewell

Photograph of Harry Kewell

Big Brother Movement NSW Training Farm, c.1950. Image courtesy of BBM.

Big Brother Movement NSW Training Farm, c.1950. Image courtesy of BBM.

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CollectionFairfield City Museum & Gallery CollectionSocial History Exhibitions

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