Signposts
Bourkedale Cottage, North Perth (Mofflyn)
Years of OperationFrom 1972 for an unknown period.
Role Of FacilityResidential care for 9 boys and girls in a home setting.
Sponsoring AgencyMofflyn
Other facilities in
Signposts that are
related to the
Sponsoring Agency
See the entry “Uniting Church” in the earlier section of Signposts, “Non-Government Agencies and their Subsidiary Institutions”
Address(es)Bourke Street, North Perth
Brief HistoryFor notes on a general history of Group Homes see the section on Group Homes at the beginning of Signposts.

The WELSTAT (welfare statistics) Collection of 1979 notes Bourkedale as a ‘scattered group home’ (ie. “a family group home whose grounds do not adjoin those of another family group home, or other residential child care establishment, operated by the same enterprise.”) that was operated by an agency other than the Department.

12 children in residence at June 30, 1975 (9 Wards and 3 private admissions). At this time, Bourkedale provided generally longer term care for boys and girls aged 5-14 years, but did take children for shorter periods if necessary. Sibling groups were accommodated. Bourkedale had a garden, play area, access to an oval, one pet, bikes and a range of sporting equipment. Children were encouraged to build their own cubby and went to Sunday school. There were 4 bedrooms – 1 double and 3 which would sleep three or more children per room; a lounge room; kitchen/dining; 1 bathroom and 1 toilet; a verandah and 2 staff bedrooms; a TV, radio or radiogram, library, magazines, books and toys were available. Homework was completed after tea and children took their lunch to school, to which they walked. The average length of stay was 1.26 years. Holiday placements were actively sought for the children. Recreational activities included swimming, picnics and parties and other activities arranged by cottage parents. The building was 16-18 years old in 1975 and was described as a ‘modern’ residence, of brick construction and fitting in well with surrounding premises. (Department of Child Welfare Submission to the Committee of Enquiry into Residential Child Care, July 1976).

Known as “Bourkedale Cottage” in 1985.

Mofflyn has its own entry in Signposts, and this should be consulted as it gives more information about the approach taken.
RecordsDepartmental case records for young people placed in Mofflyn programs by the Department may reside with the Department for Child Protection.
It is unknown whether any other records are still in existence.
UnitingCare West may hold information or records.
AccessWhile access to records is restricted to protect the privacy of individuals, people are encouraged to enquire.
Contact DetailsUnitingCare West
Central Office
16 Sunbury Road
VICTORIA PARK WA 6100

Postal Address:
GPO Box B74
PERTH WA 6838

Telephone: 1300 663 298 (08) 9355 9116
Facsimile: 1300 663 528
Email: admin@unitingcarewest.org.au
www.unitingcarewest.org.au

Freedom of Information
Department of Communities
Locked Bag 5000, Fremantle WA 6959
Telephone: (08) 6217 6888
Country free call: 1800 176 888
Email: foi@communities.wa.gov.au
Website: www.communities.wa.gov.au
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