Genealogy Chat

Does anyone have access to the records of the Townsville, Queensland orphanage? I believe the records are on microfiche. I've just received a death cert. for a child who died there in 1891, and I'm trying to find out why he was there (his parents were still alive) and whether his sisters were there too.

Hi Mary, Were both parents english or was one parent born here. I am asking because at that time period many children were taken from their parents if it was believed the child could be part aboriginal. if you like you can PM me with his details and I will be more then happy to ring to find out how to get the info for you. Mind you if it does turn out the child was part aboriginal the documents are sealed. To get them the newt of kin has to sign a release form in order to release the info and it take up to 18 months (we are doing this at the moment) regards Louisa

Both parents were English - no aboriginal connections at all that I know of. I'll PM you - thanks very much for the offer to help.

Hi Mary, I have found a lady who is doing a uni thesis on the effects of taking aboriginal children from their family and placing them in orphanages. She states that she has data on children placed at Townsville Orphanage, why they were place in care and whether they had silblings placed with them. It also states that there were over 1500 children at the orphanage and only half were part aboriginal. Mary I have contacted the uni and they have put me in touch with her (via e-mail). I have included the names of the children you mentioned to me so 'fingers crossed'. I have found that the family History Association of North Queensland http://www.fhanq(.)org/ has details on the orphanage but it doesnt state what info. If you e-mail them they might do a lookup for you (most do) if not let me know and I will see what I can do. Also found this document on the orphanage PUB-QSA-029 Version 2 Page 1 of 5 Queensland State Archives Brief Guide 28 Orphanage and Children’s Home Records Access to registers and other records which contain information regarding persons admitted to orphanages and homes is restricted. To view records on restricted access listed in this guide, researchers will need to obtain written permission from: DEPARTMENT OF FAMILIES GPO Box 806 Brisbane QLD 4001 A select list of records relating to orphanages and children’s homes is listed below. The general correspondence series and/or special batches of the following Departments should also be consulted: COLONIAL SECRETARY’S OFFICE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HOME OFFICE HOME SECRETARY’S OFFICE HEALTH AND HOME AFFAIRS ORPHANAGES, REFORMATORY AND INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS DIAMANTINA ORPHANAGE Admission register 1865-1908 QSA Location Number: A/9990 Access restricted TOWNSVILLE ORPHANAGE COMMITTEE Register of children hired out from the Orphanage 4 Jul 1883-1 Jul 1895 QSA Location Number: ORP 11A/1 Access restricted Minutes of meetings 17 Aug 1885-17 Jul 1906 QSA Location Number: ORP 11A/D1-3 Access restricted REFORMATORY SCHOOL, TOOWOOMBA Entrance book n.d.-1903 QSA Location Number: A/4791 Access restricted It is a five page document that I have saved in case you want me to send you the whole thing. I also saved the thesis summary for you. I put this on your thread Mary so if others are in the same boat as you they know where to look, hope you don't mind. Let me know if you need anything more, if not I will keep looking in and will contact you as soon as I hear from the uni regards Louisa

Hi Louisa, Thanks very much for your help. In the meantime I'd also found the lady who's doing the thesis on the orphanage and e-mailed her direct - oh dear! I also contacted the Queensland Ask a Librarian service, and they've kindly done a look-up in the index for me. Apparently they've found Emil's admission to the orphanage, but not his sisters. What I am surprised about is that they say he's listed as being admitted in 1886, which is the year he was born, poor little mite. They also directed me to the 'brief guide on orphanages', which I'd found online in the meantime. As your message says, it looks as though I'll have to apply to the Department of Families for permission to view the records.

lol! Great minds think alike I'll still let you know when she e-mails me. Good luck, let me know if you need any more help Regards Louisa