Records of the Aborigines Advancement League

The collection Records of the Aborigines Advancement League dates from 1938 to 2008 and is held by State Library of South Australia. It contains records created by the Aborigines Advancement League, including minutes, correspondence, reports, newsletters & other publications, and brief histories. Some of the records in this collection relate to the Wiltja Hostel at Millswood. The collection also includes a 1964 report on the Umeewarra Mission Children’s Home, Port Augusta.

Access Conditions

Researchers can have access to documents, photographs, recordings and transcripts held at the State Library of South Australia on presenting their Readers Ticket. Readers Tickets are available from the Library. Records, recordings and transcripts can only be used in the Somerville Reading Room and are not available for borrowing.

Access to some material at the State Library may require written permission from the person or organisation that deposited the records.

Records

Records in this collection that relate to the Wiltja Hostel at Millswood include:

• Series 15: Minutes of the Board of Wiltja Hostel, Millswood (1970-1973)
  These minutes include references to girls by name with regard to school results and holiday arrangements. They also include references to the behaviour of girls and consequences of ‘misbehaviour’, sometimes with names.
• Series 16: Register of residents at Wiltja Hostel (1973-1975)
  The register records one page per girl with entries under (1) Name, (2) Birth date, (3) Religion, (4) Next of kin, (5) Home Address, (6) School, (7) Teacher, (8) Remarks, such as notes on schooling, work, medical issues, name of welfare officer and discharge information.
• Series 17: Cash payments record book and receipt books for Wiltja residents (c.1971-1976)
• Series 18: Daily Diary of Wiltja Hostel matron (1974-1976)
  This diary includes appointments, visitors, and details about residents of Wiltja.
• Series 19: Certificates and reports awarded to Wiltja residents (c.1969-1970)
• Series 20: Papers relating to Wiltja Hostel (1965-1973)
  This series includes monthly reports handwritten on typed form giving numbers of girls admitted and discharged, notes on illnesses, home repairs, visits and outings, gifts to the home and remarks. Remarks provides information about the girls and happenings at the home. Also includes a copy of Wiltja Hostel Rules.
• Series 28: Papers relating to Wiltja Hostel, Millswood (1969 – 1982)
  This series includes miscellaneous papers relating to the purpose of the hostel, additions and alterations to the building and its final sale to the Education Department.