Redhill was established by the Anglican Church (Perth Diocese) in 1903 as a ‘senior reformatory school’ and ‘home for neglected boys’, beginning with six boys sent by a magistrate. In 1921 Redhill became a home for boys and youth up to 18 years who were said to be ‘mentally defective’. Redhill closed in 1922 and the untenanted building was destroyed by bushfire in 1937.
Redhill Reformatory was established in 1903 as an industrial school and ‘home for neglected boys’ in the Middle Swan area, on 57 hectares of land held by the Anglican Church which was used as a ‘model farm’. By 1920, Redhill was described as being for ‘senior’ boys, but younger boys may have been sent there in earlier years. Senior boy in this era possibly meant 12 years or older.
On 31 January 1921 Redhill ceased to be a reformatory, but stayed open as a home for children and young people who were said to be ‘mentally defective’. The Minutes of the Anglican Orphanage Committee in 1921 (p.555) describe Redhill’s change of function from a reformatory:
The place had been closed as an Industrial School on the 31st January. At the request of the government and by arrangement with the Archbishop, it was re-opened temporarily as a special school for mentally defectives, for 3 months when the Government would decide whether they would take it over.
It is possible that there was a policy to send boys under the age of 14 years to Redhill, but in practice it is likely that boys who were ‘simple’ were kept at Redhill until their wardship expired at age 18.
Reports show that Redhill had 17 boys in residence at year end in 1910; 12 boys in 1911; 12 boys in 1920; 18 boys in 1921; and thirteen boys in 1922. These thirteen boys were sent to the Salvation Army’s Seaforth Home when Redhill closed in early 1922.
From
1903
To
1922
Alternative Names
Redhill Mental School
Redhill Senior Industrial School for Church of England Boys
Redhill Home for Mentally Defective Boys
Red Hill Industrial School
Redhill Institution
1903 - 1922
Redhill Reformatory School was located on the old Newcastle Road (Toodyay Road), Reserve 173A, Redhill, Western Australia (Building Demolished)
