Please contact the Archivist, ISMAPNG Archives and Heritage – Sydney.
Postal Address: PO Box 284 Petersham, NSW 2049
Email: ismapngarchives@ismapng.org.au
Website: https://institute.mercy.org.au/about-us/archives-and-heritage/
NOTE: According to the ISMAPNG website, the Archives are currently closed to the public, with the exception of requests of medical or care leaver records. Their website states: “No external research requests or inquiries will be processed except those received from individuals requesting copies of their medical or care leaver records. Please be aware that a response may take some time.” The ISMAPNG Archives have confirmed they can process direct care leaver requests however cannot respond to any family history requests. The website notes they will reopen on 1 October 2025.
The Admission Register from St John’s Orphanage, Thurgoona date from 1882 to 1995. In most cases the Register contains the following information: name of child; date of birth; dates of admission and discharge; former address (sometimes only the name of a town); and religion. The name of at least one parent appears. If siblings came into care their details are also recorded. It is not always possible to determine the exact reason for admission.
For access to these records please contact the Archives and Heritage Centre of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea. Information in the records is available to the individual to whom it relates, or a family member provided they can prove their relationship to the person. Information is not available to third parties about a person who is still alive.