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 of 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.
Robert (Bob) Robertson became a Little Brother in 1961, learning to plough the land and shear sheep in NSW, was a stark contrast to his childhood in England where he used to play in the trunk of Author Enid Blyton's infamous 'Faraway Tree'. "I spent my first year thinking that I'd return to England when my two years was up, but I came to realise that I fitted in better in Australia than I did in the UK", says Bob. In 1967 he moved to Melbourne, married, had children and enjoyed a 27-year career with Australia Post before retiring and travelling around the country. Bob believes moving to Australia was the best decision he ever made. "If I'd stayed in the UK, I couldn't have achieved anything like what I've been able to in Melbourne."
"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 the 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."
On 3rd March 2025, Little Brothers and their descendants from regional NSW and other states gathered in Sydney, more than 140 people attended the celebration. It is hoped the Melbourne reunion will inspire more of the Big Brother community to reconnect.
Melbourne Reunion Event
Monday 7 April, 2025
The Esplanade, St Kilda
On the 7th of April 2025 we'll gather at The Esplanade in Melbourne for the Victorian BBM Centenary Reunion, celebrating a century of heritage and community. We look forward to meeting all former Little Brothers and their families at this event and hear their stories. It is a free event.
Former participants and their families can
