Acheron Youth Training Centre at Buxton was established in the mid 1960s as a facility for young people in Victoria’s youth training centres, particularly Turana.
Acheron provided ‘adventure camp facilities’ and other training programs and a 350 acre minimum-security camp near Buxton. Approximately 300 ‘trainees’ a year went to Acheron in work groups. These trainees received instruction in building and grounds work as part of their treatment program. An additional 1500 trainees a year attended adventure camps at Acheron. From 1970, girls from Winlaton were also using the camp.
The 1975-76 annual report of the Social Welfare Department stated that the facility at Acheron was being used for a variety of activities including camping, staff training and coferences. It was mainly used by Turana Youth Training Centre, as well by Langi Kal Kal and the Brunswick Youth Welfare Service (Annual report 1975-76, p.28).
In 2003, Acheron was part of the Melbourne Juvenile Justice Centre, providing an ‘alternative custodial option’ for young men aged 17-21.
The Acheron Bush Camp closed in 2008 (Finding Records website).
From
c. 1966
To
2008
Alternative Names
Acheron Bush Camp
Acheron Adventure Camp
c. 1966 - 2008
Acheron Youth Training Centre was located at Dyes Lane, Buxton, Victoria (Building State unknown)