By the early 1960s, many of the hostels across Victoria had become the
subject of community criticism, due to complaints of substandard facilities,
overcrowding and poor food. As a result. some were closed down, and new
locations introduced.
In 1969, the Nunawading Hostel underwent massive change, modernization and
expansion. Cabins of concrete bricks and dark stained wood built in the shade of gum trees were installed,
providing 120 rooms divided into sections
adjustable to sizes of families. This extended the total capacity of
Nunawading to 770.
Every unit had central heating, hot and cold water, and toilets. Bathrooms
and laundries were in the same blocks as living quarters.
The new buildings were part of an extensive migrant hostel improvement and
reconstruction program carried out by the Australian Government.
New blocks were added to Altona in Victoria, Wacol in Queensland, and
Graylands in Western Australia.
New buildings were added at Villawood and East Hills, both in New South
Wales, and in Maribyrnong, in Victoria.
Completely new hostels at Randwick, New South Wales,and Springvale,
Victoria were completed
Up to 1967 nearly half a million people had used Australia's hostels as a
bridge between their old life and the new one which lies before them in
Australia.
The hostels had a total capacity of 23,000 people and were established in
every State except Tasmania.
50 flats were built in Perth to provide an alternative to hostel life for
some migrants. Those eligible lived in the flats for up to six months while they found their own accommodation.
The flats
were built in blocks of 18, were fully furnished and self-contained.
Another 100 flats were built in New South Wales, 100 in Victoria and 50 in
Tasmania.
