In 1928, William Gilliland, 9 (along with brothers, Henry J. Gilliland, 14, and Alfred Gilliland, 11), arrived at Fremantle, Australia, in a group of 34 children from the Child Emigration Society, 115, The Strand, London, England. He was placed in Haig Cottage with his two brothers at Fairbridge Farm School, Pinjarra, Australia.