The Big Brother Movement (BBM) was one of Australia's most significant migration schemes, offering young British men—known as 'Little Brothers'—the opportunity to start a new life in Australia. Founded in 1925, the scheme ran until 1982, by which time close to 12,000 lads of 'good character' who were aged between 16 and 21 had travelled alone from the UK to Australian shores to be assigned a Big Brother guardian and receive training and jobs in rural and trade industries.
Now, 100 years on, BBM is looking to reconnect with those who were part of this unique migration experience, a task made difficult as the movement originally discouraged the Little Brothers to keep in touch and to become part of Australian society. In addition, some of the records of those who migrated with the scheme were lost many years ago.
Steven Bennett, OAM was 16 years old when he left for Australia on 31 July 1970, and admits he thought several times about backing out. "I told myself it was time to start doing what was going to become commonplace: 'grit your teeth, blast through and don't stop.' After three rugged years of farm life, Steven's family migrated from England, and they moved to Sydney. After jobs in marine pharmacology and medical research he co-founded an electronics company with his brother and became a trail blazer in employing people with disability. It is through this endeavour that Steven received an Order of Australia. He admits there have been many challenges but says "I remain grateful for all the opportunities that have shaped me into the person I am today."
"We know that many of our 'Little Brothers' have lost touch with BBM and with each other," says Suellen McCaffrey, CEO of BBM. "As we celebrate 100 years, we want to honour their stories, the impact this program had on their lives and the contributions our former Little Brothers made to shaping modern Australia."
BBM is inviting all former Little Brothers, their families, and those with a connection to the program to come forward and share their stories. The organisation is collecting testimonials and photographs to preserve this important part of Australian migration history. A recent study estimated that there are more than 97,000 direct descendants of Little Brothers.
"This centenary, celebrating 100 years of journeys, is not just about looking back—it's about reconnecting and celebrating the legacy of those who took a leap of faith and built new lives here," Suellen McCaffrey added.
Today, built on this legacy, BBM continues to empower young people to venture overseas for work experience through the Global Footprints scholarship program. When the migration scheme ended in 1983, its assets, including a training farm formed the foundation of a new program for young people from Australia to make the life-changing journey overseas, opening doors for young people to explore the world and make their mark.
Reunion Event
"Our Centenary Year launches on the 3rd of March at the Training Farm in Sydney, where many Little Brothers started their life in Australia. We also have a celebration in August at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney, as well as reunions across Australia. We look forward to meeting any former Little Brothers and their families at these events and hear their stories."
Former participants and their families can
