A Century in Canberra: Gorman from 1924 to 2024

Canberra early 20th century aerial
Textured divide

“For the many young people who came to work in Canberra in the 1920s, 30s and 40s, the Commonwealth Government hostels were central to life in Canberra.

“Until World War II, there was little formal social activity. The cinema and a weekly dance at the Albert Hall were the main events.

“Most Gorman House residents were young, earned little and came from places as far away as Brisbane, Hobart or Perth. The hostel, therefore, provided a home for family, friends and entertainment, as well as an adventure into adulthood and independence.”

— The Most Reasonable Place in Canberra by Stephanie Green

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Share Your Stories Here

To celebrate our history, we are asking you to submit your memories, photos, videos and anything else that can be made part of our stories collection, which will then be shared with our local and national community.

For more information about the project or information on how to submit physical objects, artworks, documents and photos please contact marketing@ainslieandgorman.com.au or get in touch via 02 6182 0000.

For digital submissions, please use the “submit” button below to upload your files.

Photo: Emma White, with permission from the National Library of Australia

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