Records of Karingal Youth Hostel

Records of Karingal Youth Hostel is a small collection of records created by staff of the Church of England Karingal Youth Hostel. The records date from 1954 to the hostel’s closure in 1964, and are held in the Anglican Archives at the Diocesan Archives Centre, Adelaide. The collection includes minutes of meetings of the management committee, annual reports, and correspondence files. Although individual children are mentioned in some of these records, this collection does not include any client files.

Access Conditions

For access to records related to former Church of England and Anglican Children’s Homes and other institutions held at the Anglican Archives please contact the Diocesan Archivist.

Some records contain personal information. In order to maintain the confidentiality of other people, a written application for information is required, and proof of the identity of the applicant needs to be provided. Where the request is about someone other than the applicant, permission from that person or other evidence of eligibility to access that information must be provided.

The Anglican Archives is not open to the public. Requests for records need to be made in writing. An appointment can be made to discuss records if required.

The Archives does not charge any fees to former residents of Church of England/Anglican Homes seeking their records.

Records

Minutes of the Management Committee (1954 – 1963)
The Minutes of the Management Committee for Karingal Youth Hostel consist of two manila folders containing foolscap copied minutes. Some printed annual reports and miscellaneous correspondence are included. The date ranges of the two folders of Minutes are 1954-1958 & 1958-1963. The folders have an index inside the front cover.

Discussion in the Minutes mostly concerns the general running of home. Some information about boys appears under the heading of individual names. Applications for admission include names of applicants. One entry, 11/10/61 relates specifically to Aboriginal boys noting that the hostel agreed to take in ‘part-Aboriginal boys’ aged between 15 and 18. However it would provide accommodation for no more than two at any time. The Minutes note that the admissions committee would consider each application on ‘individual merit’.

Annual Reports (1954 – 1963)
The Annual reports of Karingal, The Church of England Youth Hostel Incorporated are included in Minute Books. The reports provide an overview of the year at the home, and information about rules and regulations.

Miscellaneous Correspondence and other documents (1960 – 1964)
Miscellaneous Correspondence and other documents relating to the Karingal Youth Hostel mostly concern the closure of home and its transfer to the Department for Social Welfare. One manila folder contains lists of names and addresses of boys and copies of questionnaires anonymously filled out in response to the request for feedback, 1964. Documents include a blank form titled Application for Admission.