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Nabberu Hostel, Leonora
Years of OperationAt least from 1971, possibly earlier. Nabberu had ceased operations by 1986.
Role Of FacilityResidential child care for primary school children
Sponsoring AgencyNative Welfare Department / Department of Child Welfare
Address(es)Leonora is situated approximately 950 kilometres north east of Perth.
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.

Nabberu Hostel had accommodation for “66 boys and girls receiving primary education” when surveyed in 1971. At that time, Nabberu was owned and managed by the Department of Native Welfare. (Wilson and Robinson (1971) Aboriginal Hostels in Perth: A Comparative Survey).

“The Department’s Nabberu Hostel at Leonora provides accommodation to twenty Aboriginal primary school children whose parents are employed on isolated stations.” (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, 1976).

“New Hostel Mangers and Assistants were appointed to Nabberu Hostel at the beginning of 1977 and the hostel, providing accommodation for up to twenty primary school Aboriginal children has had almost a full complement for most of the 1977 school year” (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, 1977).

In 1979, the hostel catered for 45 children from Yakabindi, Darlow and Nambi Stations; and the Agnew, Yundamindra and Tarmoola areas. (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, 1979).

A cottage with staff quarters was planned to be built in 1981. (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, 1980).

By 1980, the role of these facilities was becoming more open to community and family involvement: “The function of the Department hostel in caring for aboriginal children so that they may have regular schooling, is expanding to provide a back-up service for families who may wish to use the facility to provide an occasional meal, a laundry service and provide homework supervision. This is the need that some families have in making the transition into homes of their own in the local township. Greater efforts are also being made to provide children and parents with opportunities to spend more time together by providing camping facilities when the parents come to town.” (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, June 30th 1980).

In 1982, responsibility for the country hostels transferred to the Field Services section of the Department. Nabberu was administered by the Goldfields Division. Renovations in this year included “improvements to the staff quarters, dormitories and kitchen/dining areas.” (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, June 30th 1982).

In 1984, Nabberu continued to “serve the outlying areas” by providing accommodation for primary school aged children. (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, June 30th 1984).

In the 1987/88 year, the Nabberu Hostel was handed over to the Aboriginal Lands Trust “as it was no longer required for Departmental purposes.” (Annual Report of the Department for Community Services, June 30th 1988).
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’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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