Former Wiltja Hostel 2005, courtesy of Kay Goodman-Dodd.
Details
Wiltja Hostel was opened in 1956 at Millswood by the Aborigines Advancement League. It provided accommodation for Aboriginal girls who were attending secondary school in Adelaide. In 1978 the Hostel ceased to operate as a Hostel for Aboriginal girls and became a boarding home for adult Aboriginal people visiting the city.
Wiltja Hostel for Aboriginal girls was opened in November 1956 at 17 East Avenue Millswood by the Aborigines Advancement League. Sometimes referred to as the Millswood Girls' Home the Hostel's purpose was to provide accommodation for girls who were attending secondary school in Adelaide. Many girls remained at the Hostel during their first year of work after leaving school.
In 1978 the Hostel ceased to operate as a Hostel for Aboriginal girls and became a boarding home for adult Aboriginal people visiting the city. In 1980 the Aborigines Advancement League leased the property to the Education Department and two years later that department purchased the Hostel.
Sources used to compile this entry: George, Karen, Finding your own way, Nunkuwarrin Yunti of South Australia Inc., 2005, http://nunku.org.au/resources/.
Prepared by: Karen George and Gary George
Created: 16 February 2011, Last modified: 9 September 2014