Matthews Cottage, St Mary's (1973? - 1980s)

Matthews Cottage, St Mary's was opened in 1973 by the Anglican organisation, St Mary's Child and Family Welfare Service, which also ran the St Mary's Children's Village. It was named after Bishop Matthews of the Anglican Church.

Located in Nichols Street, Alice Springs, Matthews Cottage was one of three town based cottages. The others were Leslie Cottage and Heath Cottage. The three cottages at St Mary's Children's Village and the three town cottages were together often referred to as St Mary's.

Each town cottage provided family style accommodation for between eight and ten Aboriginal children. The children were supervised by a cottage parent or parents who were assisted by a relief cottage parent when required. The cottage took in children who were wards of the State and siblings were often placed together. Most attended the Traeger Park Primary School and Alice Springs High School.

In the early 1980s Matthews Cottage accommodated children with disabilities. Records suggest that the Matthews Cottage closed in the 1980s.

Location

1973? - 1980s

Address - Matthews Cottage was situated at 9 Nichols Street, Alice Springs. Location: Alice Springs