| Port Hedland Group Home |
| Years of Operation | From 1977 for an unspecified period. |
| Role Of Facility | Departmental officers report that Moorgunya was operated by the Department of Community Welfare to provide emergency care in a Group Home model. |
| Sponsoring Agency | Departmental - predessors to the current Department for Child Protection |
| Aliases | Moorgunya Hostel [see separate entry in Signposts]; Boab House; Port Hedland Group Home |
| Brief History | Group Homes could be developed relatively inexpensively, so they were able to be located within country towns close to the child’s home of origin, which was seen to be particularly advantageous. “The involvement and access to parents by these placements is often a major step in the rehabilitation of a family group.” (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, June 30th 1979). For notes on a general history of these facilities, see the section on Group Homes at the beginning of Signposts.
“Plans to convert the house on the old Port Hedland Native Hospital site to an emergency care Group Home are well advanced and the centre should be functioning early in the coming year” (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, 1976).
“The Port Hedland group home has continued to operate most successfully and provides excellent emergency and short term care for children in this area.” (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, 1982).
While the South Hedland group home was mentioned in the 1984 Annual Report as catering “for the needs of the Division”, Moorgunyah was not. However, Moorgunyah was mentioned as hosting a Christmas Camp for children from Marble Bar, so its continued operation in 1984 can be assumed. |
| Records | Case records for young people placed by the Department may reside with the Department for Child Protection.
Additionally, the Department for Child Protection’s Aboriginal Index and the guide, “Looking West”, should be consulted for information. |
| Access | While access to records is restricted to protect the privacy of individuals, people are encouraged to enquire. |
| Contact Details | 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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