Archives



Catholic Archdiocese of Perth

The Catholic Archdiocese of Perth began when Catholic Diocese of Perth was elevated in 1913. The Archdiocese continued to be active in the establishment and operation of children’s institutions and Homes in Western Australia. It was also involved in the Catholic Immigration Scheme, and ran the agencies Catholic Family Welfare Bureau (later Centrecare) and the…

Castledare Special School

Castledare Special School was established in 1929 in Queen’s Park (later, Wilson) by the Christian Brothers. Its purpose was to provide a specialised institution for up to 30 boys (including non-Catholics) with intellectual disabilities. Admissions were low so the special school was closed at the start of 1934. Later in 1934, a mainstream residential Catholic…

Yirra Hostel

Yirra Hostel, also known as the Mount Lawley Hostel, was established in 1986 by the Jesus People for up to 17 young Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal men, through referrals from child welfare authorities or by self-referral. It aimed to provide medium-term support and accommodation in a family-type environment, and residents could stay until they felt ready…

Carmel House

Carmel House, in Morley, was established in 1983 by the Jesus People (also known as Perth City Mission) for up to 15 young people withdrawing from drug or alcohol dependence. Up to six young women and nine young men could be accommodated, through referrals from child welfare authorities or by self-referral. Carmel House closed in…

Jesus People Welfare Services Incorporated

Jesus People Welfare Services Incorporated was a Christian welfare service that was incorporated in Western Australia in 1974. Child welfare authorities made referrals to residential and youth welfare facilities run by Jesus People. It was also known later as Perth City Mission and in 1997 became part of Mission Australia. Mission Australia has inherited the…

Darlot Street Hostel, Meekatharra

Darlot Street Hostel, Meekatharra, was a government-run hostel established in 1981 to accommodate mainly Aboriginal children going to school in Meekatharra. By 1983, a second hostel (in Consols Road) was opened, giving child welfare authorities the ability to place boys and girls in separate hostels. Darlot Street seems to have accommodated girls. By 1986, it…

Kalgoorlie Group Home, Graeme Street

Kalgoorlie Group Home, Graeme Street continued what had been the government-run Kalgoorlie Hostel from around 1993. It has been used by child welfare authorities for short to medium term accommodation for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children aged from birth to over 18 years, some of whom have been involved in the youth justice system. It remained…

Kurrawang Cottage, Boulder

Kurrawang Cottage, Boulder was established in 1977 as part of the Kurrawang Mission run by the Christian Brethren. Its purpose was to provide accommodation for Aboriginal children from Kurrawang to take part in community life as well as going to school in Kalgoorlie. It closed in 1980 and the property was later used for the…

Medina Hostel

Medina Hostel was a government-run community support hostel for children aged 6-17 years. It was located in premises previously used by the Medina Education and Employment Hostel and accommodated children, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal who may or may not have been wards of the State. Medina Hostel closed around 1990. Government reports (Signposts 2004, pp.329-330) show…

Darlington Cottage

Darlington Cottage was established in 1974 as a government-run group home for up to 10 school-age boys whom authorities believed would not be able to settle into foster care. In 1977, Darlington became part of the Hillston detention centre program. According to government reports (Signposts 2004, pp.183-184), Darlington Cottage was a large house, able to…