The years following the end of World War II were especially unsettling ones for Australia. Many wartime survivors were incapacitated or ill, resulting in a depleted workforce within an already low population of about 7.4 million. This led to the creation of the Assisted Passage Migration Scheme and the phenomenon of the ‘Ten Pound Pom’ - a nickname Australians gave to British immigrants whose arrival began in 1945 and continued in evolving forms for several decades. In typical Aussie style, ‘Ten Pound Pom’ was a light-hearted reference to the heavily subsidised ten-pound ocean liner fare here. Eventually over a million UK migrants came to settle in Australia by the end of the scheme in 1982. Most adapted readily, glad to leave war-torn Britain for a warm, sunny, friendly, easy-going new land of wide-open spaces and opportunities – even though many were shocked by the tin-rooved hostel huts they were given to live in and some of the job opportunities they were promised never materialised. Those who did get work found that Australian wages were around fifty percent higher than England's, with tradespeople in particular demand, which helped them move out of the hostels and disappear seamlessly in Australian suburbia. Some missed their homeland and went back, but many of them returned to Australia and the opportunities a life down under represented for them and their families. Overall, the scheme proved a resounding success as Australia gained an influx of culturally compatible migrants, ready to work hard and contribute to shaping the Australia we have today. The ease with which they fitted in saw them hailed as ‘invisible migrants' although their contributions to our nation were highly visible, significant and ground-breaking. The Bradford Mint is very proud today to present this exclusive 65mm, 999 grade silver commemorative, which has been meticulously crafted to the highest numismatic standards. Its central motif is built around an abstract rendition of Australia as a roofed brick structure symbolising the family home to be had here. It is flanked by a landed passenger, an arriving ship and anticipation-filled passengers. The obverse features finely rendered portraits of King George VI and his daughter Elizabeth, soon to become our much-loved Queen. Join us in celebrating the courage and contribution of the ‘Ten Pound Poms’ as they alighted for the very first time on the shores of their new home. Call one of our Senior Executives now on +612 9841 3324 to obtain to this already sought-after issue.