Springvale project tells it all

By Melissa Meehan
SPRINGVALE is synonymous with multi-culturalism – but how did it became one of Melbourne’s really multilingual hubs?
Merle Mitchell believes all that is part of Australia’s history and should not be forgotten.
The Enterprise Migrant Hostel in Westall Road provided shelter and a form of community for many between 1969 and 1992, she says.
“The Enterprise was one of the first places that people would come to when they came to Australia,” Ms Mitchell said.
“So that’s why we thought it was important to organise an exhibition to share our history.”
Ms Mitchell said the Immigration Museum called on community groups to put forward an application for an exhibition.
The Enterprise History Project was created and the rest really is history.
“We were one of four chosen, so it’s great to be able to tell the Enterprise’s story,” she said.
The exhibition records the history of the hostel and the impact it made on the surrounding community of Springvale as well as its effect on Victoria’s broader multicultural landscape.
“Stories include those of migrants and refugees who were temporarily housed at the hostel, the workers who provided support and programs, and the community that embraced each new wave of newcomers,” Ms Mitchell said.
“And once the exhibition is over in the city we are hoping to donate it to the City of Greater Dandenong. It is important for school kids to learn about where they came from.”
A Worthwhile Enterprise – The Migrant Hostel in Springvale will be on display from 24 November to 23 March at the Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne.