Missions, Stations, and Reserves

Note:- This page is currently being worked on, with further information being added as time permits. Any comments can be sent to family@aiatsis.gov.au . Further information may be found by searching under the name of the mission, reserve etc in MURA® - the AIATSIS catalogue.

Select from the States listed below to look for particular missions:

New South Wales - Northern Territory - Queensland - South Australia - Tasmania - Victoria - Western Australia

• Introduction
• List of Abbreviations of Churches/Missions
• Mission Magazines
• Mission Records
• How to search Mura®, the AIATSIS catalogue for information on missions, reserves 

Introduction

Of the many Aboriginal missions that were established, most have disappeared, but some are still in existence. The listing below is by no means complete and has been kindly reproduced from the book Lookin for your mob : a guide to tracing Aboriginal family trees by Diane Smith and Boronia Halstead, Canberra : Aboriginal Studies Press, 1990.

Starting dates for missions can vary as to what event is taken as the starting point (eg the arrival of a priest or the granting of land). Churches often maintained some form of presence after the official closure date given.

It must also be noted that some churches, especially the UAM and the AIM, were active on government settlements, though they didn't always have an administrative role.

Many churches hold their records centrally in their major administrative offices. Sadly, many church records are missing or lost. To find out contact information for a church archive, you can use the Directory of Archives in Australia by either browsing their list or searching by keyword.

List of Abbreviations of Churches

Below is a listing of churches and mission bodies with their abbreviations that are used in the lists of missions for each state below.

New South Wales - See also Reserves and Stations

A list of NSW government missions is contained in Connecting kin : guide to records , Appendix 3. pages 338-340 from which the below is quoted. (This guide may take some time to download.)

"Missions were compounds established by the churches as a sanctuary to 'protect' the Indigenous peoples of Australia from the mistreatment that the European settlers were perpetrating on them. They were institutions that arguably had a detrimental influence on the very people they were supposed to protect. The Aborigines Protection Board controlled these missions.

Reserves differed from missions in that reserves were established by the Government. Ultimately though, they had the same purpose. Religious bodies sometimes set up schools, churches and dormitories on reserves and missions also. It may be surprising to note that there were only ten actual missions in New South Wales."

To search Mura®, the AIATSIS catalogue for materials on missions, reserves etc, select "Everything" from the menus and type the words "missions" and the name of the state or the name of a specific mission/reserve into the "Words or phrase" box. You can then view the results. If you have any further questions about the items found, ring the Family History Unit on 1800 730 129 or email us at family@aiatsis.gov.au

Reserves and Stations

A list of NSW government reserves is contained in Connecting kin : guide to records , Appendix 4, pages 341-372 from which the text below is quoted. (This guide may take some time to download.)

"In 1883 the Aborigines Protection Board was established to manage reserves and control the lives of the estimated 9 000 Aboriginal people in New South Wales at that time. During these early years, no legislation existed to sanction the actions of the Board, the churches, or private landholders in their attempts to centralise Aboriginal people onto missions and reserves and begin the removal of children from Aboriginal families.

By 1939 there were over 180 reserves in New South Wales. In most cases they were small with housing consisting of humpies made from iron roofing. There were two kinds. 'Managed Reserves', also called stations, were usually staffed by a teacher-manager and education of a sort, rations and housing were provided. 'Unmanaged Reserves' provided rations but no housing or education and were under the control of the police.

While a few revocations of reserves were made in the 1930s and 1940s, it was not until the 1954-64 period that there was another wave of revocations. This seems to relate to the policy of assimilation and involved in the removal of Aboriginals from traditional reserves to 'new' reserves set aside in nearby towns. At the same time the large areas of land formerly held were revoked. This occurred in most country towns in New South Wales and approximately 28 reserves were revoked in this period in such places as Balranald, Grenfell, Gulargambone, Guyra, Inverell, Kyogle, Manilla, Nowra, Picton and Wellington."

State Records of NSW holds various records relating to reserves:

• Tabulated expenditure at Aboriginal Stations, 1887-90 - also act as a form of census of the Aborigine people on the stations.
• Register of Aboriginal Reserves, 1875-1904 - records: number of reserve; date notified; parish, county and locality; and the text of various reports on it. A sketch plan of each is included.
• Station Reports and Returns 1942-1948
• Particulars of Aboriginal Stations and Reserves 1962-63

Northern Territory

Records of some churches with missions in the Northern Territory are held in the NT Archives Service and are listed in their guide, Guide to records relating to Aboriginal people - non-government organisations. They also hold the personal records of missionaries and government workers.

To search Mura®, the AIATSIS catalogue for materials on missions, reserves etc, select "Everything" from the menus and type the words "missions northern territory" or the name of a specific mission/reserve into the "Words or phrase" box. You can then view the results. If you have any further questions about the items found, ring the Family History Unit on 1800 730 129 or email us at family@aiatsis.gov.au

Queensland

The most thorough listing is at The Missions and Communities of Queensland. To find out about where these records are held, click here.

Lists of the Aboriginal missions visited within Queensland and northern New South Wales by anthropologist Norman Tindale in the 1930s. Information which Tindale gathered during these visits was included in his Collection of genealogical information. Family genealogies of interest to you may be available for these Missions.

To search Mura®, the AIATSIS catalogue for materials on missions, reserves etc, select "Everything" from the menus and type the words "missions queensland" or the name of a specific mission/reserve into the "Words or phrase" box. You can then view the results. If you have any further questions about the items found, ring the Family History Unit on 1800 730 129 or email us at family@aiatsis.gov.au

South Australia

To search Mura®, the AIATSIS catalogue for materials on missions, reserves etc, select "Everything" from the menus and type the words "missions south australia" or the name of a specific mission/reserve into the "Words or phrase" box. You can then view the results. If you have any further questions about the items found, ring the Family History Unit on 1800 730 129 or email us at family@aiatsis.gov.au

See also the fact sheet on the Aboriginal Missions in South Australia from the State Library of South Australia.

Tasmania

There were no church missions in Tasmania. More information will be added on settlements shortly.

Victoria

The Mission Voices web site contains background information, stories, timelines and maps on Victorian missions and reserves.

The Public Records Office Victoria has also produced Finding Your Story which is an excellent guide to mission and other records in Victoria. 

To search Mura®, the AIATSIS catalogue for materials on missions, reserves etc, select "Everything" from the menus and type the words "missions victoria" or the name of a specific mission/reserve into the "Words or phrase" box. You can then view the results. If you have any further questions about the items found, ring the Family History Unit on 1800 730 129 or email us at family@aiatsis.gov.au

Western Australia - See also Reserves and Stations

The State Records Office holds extensive records relating to missions which are listed below from Looking West: A Guide to Aboriginal Records in Western Australia. See also our list below.

Information on missions in Western Australia can also be found at Signposts: a guide for children and young people in care in WA from 1920. You can browse the records or search for the mission or other institution you are after.

Records include files relating to establishment of missions, annual reports from missions, register of inmates, general correspondence, accounts records, subsidies for and grants in aid for various missions, health and medical treatment of inmates, rations, education and training of inmates, punishments of inmates, deaths, inspections, admission files and personal details.

Due to the sensitive nature of records of the Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) access restrictions apply for files from 1909 onwards. To view restricted files listed in the Mission Files Index, clients will need to apply to DIA for access. For help in accessing restricted records please contact the State Records Office.

Department of Indigenous Affairs
Family History Unit
197 St Georges Terrace
Perth WA 6000

Tel (08) 9235 8000
Fax (08) 9235 8125
Easy call line 1300 651 077

State Records Office of Western Australia
Ground Floor, Alexander Library Building
James Street West Entrance
Perth Cultural Centre
Perth WA 6000

Tel (08) 9427 3360
Fax (08) 9427 3368
Email sro@sro.wa.gov.au
Opening hours 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday

Aboriginal Mobile Mission of Australia
Applecross Methodist Children’s Cottage
Australian Aborigines Mission (AAM)
Australian Inland Mission
Badjaling Mission
Bayswater Mission Hostel
Balgo Mission
Bassendean Mission
Beagle Bay Mission
Bindoon Boy’s Town
Broome Convent and Holy Child Orphanage
Collie Salvation Army Home
Cosmo Newberry Mission
Cundeelee Mission
Derby Mission (UAM)
Disaster Bay Mission
Drysdale River Mission
Dulhi Gunyah Orphanage
Ellensbrook Home
Fitzroy Crossing Australian Inland Mission
Fairhaven Mission
Fitzroy Crossing (UAM)
Forrest River Mission
Geraldton Girl’s Home
Geralling (AAM)
Gnowangerup Mission (UAM)
Holy Child Orphanage, Broome
Jigalong Mission
Kalgoorlie Girl’s Home (Salvation Army)
Kalumburu Mission
Karalundi Mission
Katakutu Mission
Katanning Mission
Kellerberrin Mission
Kunmunya Mission (Port George IV)
Kurrawang Mission
Lake Grace
La Grange Bay Mission
Lombadina Mission
Marribank Baptist Aborigines Mission
Methodist Inland Mission
Mogumber Methodist Mission
Moore River Native Settlement
Morgans Gospel Mission
Mt Barnett Mission
Mt Magnet Mission
Mt Margaret Mission
Mowanjum Mission
Norseman Mission
New Norcia Mission
Quairading Mission
Riverton Hostel
Roelands Mission
Rossmoyne Mission
Sister Kate’s Children’s Home
St Joseph Boy’s Town, Bindoon
St Joseph’s Hostel, Derby
St Michael’s Anglican Mission Farm, Newdegate
St Vincent’s Foundling Home
Sunday Island Mission
Swan Native and Half Caste Mission, Middle Swan
Swan Boy’s Home
Tardun Farm School
Turkey Creek Mission
Victoria Park (AAM)
Walcott Inlet
Wandering Mission
Warburton Ranges Mission
Western Desert Mission
White Springs Mission
Wiluna Mission
Wongutha Mission Farm
Wotjulum Mission
Yarrabah Mission

To search Mura®, the AIATSIS catalogue for materials on missions, reserves etc, select "Everything" from the menus and type the words "missions western australia" or the name of a specific mission/reserve into the "Words or phrase" box. You can then view the results. If you have any further questions about the items found, ring the Family History Unit on 1800 730 129 or email us at family@aiatsis.gov.au

Reserves and Stations

The State Records Office holds extensive records relating to stations. In the publication, Looking West: A Guide to Aboriginal Records in Western Australia, there is a full list of stations from pages 66-72..

A list of Aboriginal Reserves declared in the Southwest between 1872-1936 is contained in Appendix 1 of the book:

Haebich, Anna
For their own good; Aborigines and government in the Southwest of Western Australia, 1900-1940 
Nedlands, WA: University of Western Australia Press, 1988. 

This book is held in the AIATSIS Library and also in many major libraries.

Mission Magazines

The Institute holds many mission magazines. Often these contain news and information (and sometimes photographs) of specific communities and individuals. Most of these journals are not indexed and it may be necessary for a researcher to spend a considerable amount of time searching. However you should search the Aboriginal Biographical Index, which is part of Mura®, the AIATSIS catalogue. Choose ‘Search Family History Resources’ then select “Search ABI”

You can also search Infokoori from the State Library of NSW, which indexes Our Aim and Identity.

The AIATSIS Library holds many mission magazines, including the following titles. To find out about more titles, go to Mura®, the AIATSIS catalogue, select "Search Library collections" and type in the words "missions periodicals" into the top "words or phrase" box. A listing will then appear.

Title: The inlander : a quarterly magazine dealing with national interests from the outbacker's point of view. 

Publication info: Sydney : Home Mission Board of the Presbyterian Church of Australia, 1913-
Special numbering: Publication suspended 1930-1962; 1964-1971.
AIATSIS call number: RS 17/3

Title: Our aim : a monthly record of the Aborigines' Inland Mission of Australia.
Publication info: West Maitland, N.S.W. : The Mission, 1907-1961.
Volume/date range: Vol. 1, no. 1 (Sept. 1907)-v. 54, no. 9 (May 1961).
Selectiv. indexed: Indexed selectively on Infokoori which is also available via the internet www.sl.nsw.gov.au/infokoori/
AIATSIS call number: S 17/7

Title: The United Aborigines messenger.
Publication info: Burnley, Vic. : United Aborigines Mission, 1944-1987.
Volume/date range: Vol. 12, no. 5 (May 1944) - v. 56, no. 3 (Apr./May 1987). Holdings very incomplete from Vol. 12 (1944) to Vol. 33 (1965)
AIATSIS call number: S 17/9

Title: Today / Aborigines Inland Mission of Australia.
Publication info: Enfield, N.S.W. : The Mission 1966-
Volume/date range: Vol. 60, no. 2 (Oct. 1966)-
Absorbed these magazines: Today's Young Life and Letterstick
Continues this magazine: Australian evangel (Sydney, N.S.W.)
AIATSIS call number: S 17/11

Title: Australian evangel (Sydney, N.S.W.)
Title: The Australian evangel / Aborigines Inland Mission of Australia.
Publication info: Sydney, N.S.W. : The Mission, -1966.
This title continued by: Today (Enfield, N.S.W.) 
AIATSIS call number: S 17/11

Title: The AIM / Aborigines Inland Mission of Australia.
Publication info: Enfield, NSW : Aborigines Inland Mission, 1967-1998
Volume/date range: Vol. 1, no. 1 (Feb. 1967) - Vol. 32, no. 4 (July/Aug. 1998)
This title continued by: The AIM / Australian Indigenous Ministries (Lawson, N.S.W.)
AIATSIS call number: S 17/13

Mission Records

Mission records are another valuable source to search for people. They could include various personal records of life on the Missions. Most are preserved in Church and Mission Society Archives though some have been given to libraries and archives. 

You can search for the where archives/records of churches and missions are held in RAAM (Register of Australian Archives and Manuscripts). In RAAM you can search under the name of the mission or the name of the church.

The AIATSIS Library houses the archival records some missions such as the Aurukun Mission at MS 1525, which include registers of Births Marriages and Deaths 1891-1963, and miscellaneous court records 1946-70. A printed guide is available for this collection.

How to search Mura®, the AIATSIS catalogue for our holdings on missions, reserves etc.

1. Go to Mura® on the Internet at http://mura.aiatsis.gov.au
2. Select whether you wish to search Library Collections, Audiovisual Collections etc
3. If you know the name of the mission etc, type that in to the "words or phrase" box and press Enter key
4. If not, type in the word "mission" or "missions" and the name of a place nearby or the name of the state into the same search box and then press the Enter key

Updated: April 2007

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