The YCW Hostel, Albert Park, was established in 1946, as a place where “under-privileged youth” could live while working in Melbourne (Advocate, 27 December 1951). It was run by the Young Christian Workers Movement (YCW). When it opened in 1946, it accommodated older boys who had left St Augustine’s Orphanage in Geelong to start employment in the city. Later, it also accommodated boys from other orphanages (Advocate, 31 July 1952). The Hostel closed in 1963.
The YCW opened the hostel, in Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park, in 1946 to provide a base for boys working in Melbourne, between the ages of 15 and 18.. According to the Advocate newspaper, “Whilst at the hostel these boys are found positions and for preference are apprenticed to suitable trades. Their money is banked and on leaving receive their bank books with the respective amounts at credit. Every effort is made to create a Catholic atmosphere and a real home for the boys” (31 July 1952).
When it first opened in 1946, the YCW Hostel accommodated 15 boys. Later an extension was built, and the renovated hostel with space for 22 residents was officially opened by Archbishop Mannix in October 1949 (The Record, 22 October 1949; Advocate, 19 January 1950).
From around 1949, the Hostel received subsidies for its residents from the Children’s Welfare Department, which recognised the importance of assisting young people to make the transition from institutional care to employment (CWD annual reports).
From
1946
To
1963
Alternative Names
Young Catholic Workers' Hostel
1946 - 1963
The Young Catholic Workers' Hostel was located in 121 Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park, Victoria (Building Still standing)
