The Rottnest Island Reformatory was a government-run institution, established in 1881 as an alternative to sending boys younger than 16 to gaol. It closed in 1902 and boys were sent to the Salvation Army Reformatory School in Collie.
The Rottnest Island Reformatory opened in 1881 as an alternative to sending boys ‘of European descent’ who had been convicted of crimes to Perth or Fremantle gaol. It was located next to the adult Aboriginal prison. In 1882, the reformatory came under the Industrial Schools Act 1874 which governed both orphanages and industrial schools. However, it was not until 1897 that the reformatory was made the responsibility of the Superintendent of Poor Relief and Inspector of Charitable Institutions. When the reformatory closed in 1902, the remaining boys were sent to the Salvation Army Reformatory School for Protestant Boys at Collie.
From
1881
To
1902
Alternative Names
Boys' Reformatory, Rottnest
Government Reformatory for Boys, Rottnest
1881 - 1902
Rottnest Island Reformatory was located at Thompson Bay, Rottnest Island, Western Australia (Building Still standing)
