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.
Quote this number to access your records: ISMAPNG Archives Series Number, 001
This series of Admission Registers was created by St Joseph’s Orphanage, Bathurst (Girls’ Home). The series is made up of one volume covering 1867-1938 and contains handwritten entries of details of children admitted to the orphanage during that period. The information includes: Name, Age, Date of Entrance/Admission, Religion, Date of Birth, First Communion, Confirmation, Date of Leaving Orphanage (sometimes includes with whom). The Admission registers are managed by the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea (ISMAPNG).
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. Physical access to the records is not permitted due to their fragility and the need to protect the confidentiality of information concerning other persons. Information will be forwarded by mail.