Nearly 10 percent of the child migrants who wound up in the orphanage near Molong went on to serve in the armed forces.

On Saturday, former "Fairbridge kids" made the trek back to the dilapidated site situated near the Fairbridge Children's Park to witness the unveiling of a Military Monument for the 94 men and one woman who served.

Among them was Vietnam veteran and former Fairbridge kid Tony Stepney, who drove from Goondiwindi in Queensland for the memorial's unveiling.

Like many of those who lived through the brutality of the farm, Mr Stepney expressed mixed emotions about being back.

"It's not hard coming back but it's hard being here," he said.

Mr Stepney had been eight and half when he was told he was going to Australia "on a holiday".

"In England I had a terrible life with my mother... She used to belt me up and give me what for. I was only about seven at that age," he said.

"If I'd have [stayed] in England I probably would've been in jail like my brother over there."

A particularly troubling feature for Mr Stepney, as well as others in attendance on the day, was the extent to which the former Fairbridge Farm village had gone to ruin. During his time there between 1954 and 1962, children had worked "24/7" on keeping the farm immaculate-looking.

"It's heart-breaking. It's a pity it's gone that far," he said. "It's just disgusting."

In stark contrast, the newly unveiled Military Monument designed by landscape architect Leonard Lynch was "absolutely phenomenal", he said.

The many rocks utilised in the construction were a nod to the Wiradjuri place-name for Molong, while the concrete pillars which shot up from their midst symbolised the strength and endurance of the Fairbridge children who grew into strong pillars of adulthood despite their traumatic ordeals as children.

Another memorial feature to draw approval, was the use of quotes by former Fairbridge kids, including: "The other recruits thought the army food was awful - but we thought it was terrific."

Vietnam Veteran Mr Stepney nodded in agreement with this, explaining that army food "wasn't too bad" compared to what Fairbridge children were fed.

"It's true - every single word said on there," he said.

"You've always got the memories. You'll never lose them. It's like Vietnam, it's like Long Tan - they'll always be there."

More than 900 poor British children were sent to Australia without their parents from 1938-1974 to live and work at Fairbridge Farm, some of them were as young as four.

It was an often tough and abusive upbringing for children, sometimes even involving sexual assault.

If you or someone you know has experienced a sexual assault, phone 1800 RESPECT.

Counselling and support is available for survivors of child sexual abuse through Bravehearts on 1800 272 831.

Lifeline is a 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention helpline: 13 11 14.