The Industrial School for Boys at Riverview was opened in 1898 as a boys' reformatory. In 1926 it was changed from a reformatory to a farm training school for immigrant boys and local youths. On four separate occasions the Salvation Army chartered the vessel Vedic to transport its emigrants from Britain to Australia. In 1927, the Queensland Government agreed to contribute half the yearly cost of the reception and resettlement expenses of 100 boys. This was to assist the Salvation Army in providing agricultural training at the Riverview farm.

The reformatory work was transferred to the government-run home at Westbrook. The Industrial School reopened in 1935. In the 1950s the Salvation Army Training Home for Boys at Riverview admitted 77 boys under the child migrant scheme. Only "child migrants" over 14 years of age were accepted,on account of the type of work involved at the training farm.

Access

All surviving records in relation to Salvation Army homes are now located in Sydney. This material is not indexed, so it is not yet possible to say whether records relating to this institution still exist.
Anyone interested in seeking information should write to the address below, enclosing a copy of current ID plus a copy of their birth certificate (if the name is different). A search will be conducted and a copy of whatever is found will be provided.

Contact

Anyone interested in obtaining information should write to:
Professional Standard Office
The Salvation Army
PO Box A435
Sydney South NSW 1235
Ph: (02) 9264 1711

Events

1898 - 1977

Endeavour Training Farm was situated in Endeavour Road, Riverview. Location: Riverview