From March 1949 to July 1971, the Smithfield Migrant Hostel (now north Adelaide) served as a temporary home for thousands of new arrivals to Australia. Located between Coventry Road and the Gawler railway line on a former army ordnance depot, the hostel could accommodate up to 300 people at a time. Families and individuals lived in basic, dormitory-style housing with shared kitchens and bathrooms, adjusting to life in a new country while searching for jobs and permanent homes.
Despite the austere conditions, the hostel was often described as a place of hope and resilience. Community groups and local churches provided support, hosting social events, offering language classes, and helping migrants settle into Australian society. For many, Smithfield was the first step on a long journey toward building a new life in post-war Australia.
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