Signposts
Geraldton Boys’ Employment Hostel
Years of OperationPossibly earlier than 1973 for an unknown period, possibly closing around 1979.
Role Of FacilityHostel accommodation for working boys in Geraldton.
Sponsoring AgencyDepartmental - predessors to the current Department for Child Protection and Family Support.
Address(es)Geraldton
(Geraldton is situated approximately 420 kilometres north of Perth.)
AliasesAboriginal Boomerang Council Youth Hostel
Brief HistoryEducation and employment hostels were operated by or in association with the Native Welfare Department mostly from the mid to late 1960s and early 1970s but came under the administration of the Community Welfare Department from 1972. For notes on a general history of these facilities, see the section on Hostels at the beginning of Signposts.
“In May this year the Hon. Minister formally signed an agreement with the Aboriginal Boomerang Council of Geraldton giving them tenancy of the Department’s hostel. The Council is using the hostel to provide accommodation for Aboriginal youth from the surrounding area so they can attend the Geraldton Technical School.” (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, 1979).
The “Aboriginal Boomerang Council Youth Hostel has undergone a change in management and is looking to increase its role in the Aboriginal Community.” (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, 19780).
RecordsDepartmental records for children placed by the Department of Community Welfare or the Department of Native Welfare may exist. Of particular interest, if able to be located, are the Department of Native Welfare “Resident Details Information Sheet (1) Hostel and Private Board Placement ” and “Resident Details Information Sheet (2) Hostel and Private Board Placement”.
Additionally, the Department for Child Protection and Family Support’s Aboriginal Index and the guide, “Looking West”, should be consulted for information.
AccessWhile access to records is restricted to protect the privacy of individuals, people are encouraged to enquire.
Contact DetailsFreedom 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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