Kumanka Boys Hostel was purchased by the Government in 1945. Alterations and additions were made to the premises and a superintendent, Mr H A Lyndon was appointed in September 1945. The hostel was named Kumanka, meaning 'comrades', and opened in January 1946 with the superintendent's wife as matron. As with the Allambi hostel for girls, boys were given freedom to come and go daily without restrictions, subject to the approval of the superintendent. They paid an amount of board, calculated in relation to their wages, and followed a compulsory system for banking other monies. Attendance at church was expected and outside activities, classes and voluntary work encouraged. The home provided a workshop, a piano, sporting equipment and a library. The 1948 Annual Report of the Children's Welfare and Public Relief Board provided a long list of activities in which the boys took part, including singing, first-aid, wrestling, weight-lifting, model aeroplane building, wireless set construction, various team and individual sports, leather work and other general craft work. The home also aimed to provide 'comradeship' and 'respect for the law as the basis of training in citizenship'.

In 1948 there were 23 boys accommodated at Kumanka, ranging in age from thirteen to eighteen years. Most came to the hostel from the Boys Reformatory at Magill. Some came from other governmental institutions and foster homes or were on probation. Kumanka closed in 1980.

Events

1946 - 1980

Kumunka Boys Hostel situated at 206 Childers Street, North Adelaide. Location: North Adelaide