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South Australia - Organisation

Allambi Girls' Hostel (1947 - 1977)

  • Allambi Girls' Hostel

    Allambi Girls' Hostel, 1950s, courtesy of State Records of South Australia.
    Details

From
1947
To
1977
Categories
Government-run, Home and Hostel
Alternative Names
  • Norwood Girls' Hostel (Also known as)

Allambi Girls' Hostel was established by the government in Norwood in 1947. It aimed to provide shelter and support for girls working in the city, who were wards of the state. During its first year the hostel was home to 14 girls of 14 to 20 years of age. In 1956-57 and 1959 Allambi accommodated a number of girls from the over-crowded Vaughan House. Allambi Girls' Hostel closed in 1977.

Details

Allambi Girls' Hostel was opened by the government in 1947 at Norwood. It was established to assist girls working in Adelaide, who were wards of the state, when it was recognised that many girls leaving state homes could find no suitable accommodation in or near the city. During its first year the hostel was home to 14 girls ranging in age from 14 to 20 years. The hostel was named Allambi, an Aboriginal word meaning 'a quiet resting place', and it aimed to provide shelter and support for girls starting out in adult life. The Hostel was also known as the Norwood Girls' Hostel.

Girls at Allambi were trusted to come and go daily, subject to the consent of the matron. They were even permitted to have a boyfriend, again subject to the approval of the matron. Outside activities were supported and regular attendance at church and Sunday school expected. Three evenings a week girls were permitted to go out. On nights at home they were encouraged to read, sew, listen to music, attend singing lessons arranged at the home or do their laundry and other chores.

Each girl's boarding fee was individually calculated based on her wages. A compulsory system for banking also operated. Girls were taught self-discipline and trained to save money, only using it for necessities such as additions to their wardrobe. The two-storey hostel building was situated on extensive grounds which included a tennis court.

From June 1956 until May 1957 the hostel was used as alternative accommodation for selected 'trustworthy' girls from Vaughan House, the government reformatory at Enfield which was suffering from problems of over-crowding. While resident at Allambi these girls were taught dressmaking, handicrafts, singing and gymnastics. In June of 1957, the hostel returned to its former use. In November 1959, due to a further shortage of accommodation at Vaughan House, Allambi once again operated as an annexe to the reformatory, housing 11 girls. Just six months later the girls were moved out. From 1961 the home was again used a Hostel, this time for selected school aged girls who were State wards.

Allambi Hostel closed on 30 September 1977.

Location

1947 - 1977
Address - Allambi Girls Hostel was situated at 81 Osmond Terrace, Norwood. Location: Norwood

Related Glossary Terms

Related Organisations

  • Kumanka Boys' Hostel (1946 - 1980)

    In the mid 1970s five Hostels for children between 12 and 18 years were operating. These included Kumanka Hostel, Nindee Hostel, Luprina Hostel, Stuart House Hostel and Allambi Girls' Hostel.

  • Luprina Hostel (1971 - )

    In the mid 1970s five Hostels for children between 12 and 18 years were operating. These included Kumanka Hostel, Nindee Hostel, Luprina Hostel, Stuart House Hostel and Allambi Girls' Hostel.

  • Nindee Hostel (1971 - )

    In the mid 1970s five Hostels for children between 12 and 18 years were operating. These included Kumanka Hostel, Nindee Hostel, Luprina Hostel, Stuart House Hostel and Allambi Girls' Hostel.

  • Stuart House Boys' Hostel (1964 - 1990)

    In the mid 1970s five Hostels for children between 12 and 18 years were operating. These included Kumanka Hostel, Nindee Hostel, Luprina Hostel, Stuart House Hostel and Allambi Girls' Hostel.

  • Vaughan House (1947 - 1979)

    Allambi Girls' Hostel was occasionally used as alternative accommodation for girls from Vaughan House.

    Date: 1956 - 1959

Publications

Online Resources

Photos

Allambi Girls' Hostel
Title
Allambi Girls' Hostel
Type
Image
Date
1950s
Source
State Records of South Australia

Details

Allambi Girls' Hostel, Sitting room
Title
Allambi Girls' Hostel, Sitting room
Type
Image
Date
1950s
Source
State Records of South Australia

Details

Allambi Girls' Hostel, Dining room
Title
Allambi Girls' Hostel, Dining room
Type
Image
Date
1950s
Source
State Records of South Australia

Details

Allambi Girls' Hostel
Title
Allambi Girls' Hostel
Type
Image
Date
1950s
Source
State Records of South Australia

Details

Allambi Girls' Hostel
Title
Allambi Girls' Hostel
Type
Image
Date
1950s
Source
State Records of South Australia

Details

Sources used to compile this entry: George, Karen, Finding your own way, Nunkuwarrin Yunti of South Australia Inc., 2005, http://nunku.org.au/resources/; Mullighan, the Hon E.P., Children in State Care Commission of Inquiry: Allegations of sexual abuse and death from criminal conduct, presented to the South Australian Parliament by the Hon. E.P. Mullighan QC, Commisioner, Children in State Care Commission of Enquiry, Adelaide, South Australia, 2008, 564 pp, https://www.childprotection.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/107201/children-in-state-care-commission-of-inquiry-introducation.pdf.

Prepared by: Karen George and Gary George