| Alvan House |
| Years of Operation | Established 1950 |
| Role Of Facility | Accommodation for schoolgirls from an Indigenous background. |
| Sponsoring Agency | Department of Native Welfare |
| Address(es) | Mt Lawley |
| Aliases | Katukutu [see entry] |
| Brief History | In 1950, the Commissioner of Native Welfare, “pursuing his active goal of assimilation, decided to establish a metropolitan accommodation centre to cater for ‘near white’ student girls. This centre, Alvan House, created considerable controversy at the time of its establishment in 1950. Indignant ratepayers and neighbours in Mount Lawley agitated to have the hostel closed or removed to another neighbourhood.” Wilson and Robinson (1971) Aboriginal Hostels in Perth: A Comparative Survey.
In 1958, responsibility for what became Katukutu passed to the Baptist Union.
Katukutu has its own entry in Signposts, and this should be consulted as it gives more information about what happened after the Alvan House program shifted. |
| Records | Departmental 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. |
| 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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