Wanslea was established as a Home for young children in Cottesloe. It was run by a private management committee, taking private admissions. By the 1960s, children who were wards were also sent to Wanslea and in the 1980s, school-age children were placed there. From 1985 the model of ‘care’ changed from orphanage-style accommodation to cottage care and fostering, which Wanslea continues, for children aged 0-12 years.
Wanslea was established by the Wanslea Hostel Committee as a large Children’s Home in Cottesloe. It inherited the assets of the earlier Wanslea Hostel at 30 Bulwer Street, North Perth (Mt Lawley), which had closed six months after the end of World War II.
Wanslea occupied the building in Cottesloe that had previously been the Independent Order of Oddfellows Orphanage (1905-1940) and the Lady Mitchell Convalescent Home for soldiers (1940-1946).
Between 1947 and 1985, when fostercare was introduced, Wanslea had focused on providing temporary accommodation for children who could not live at home with family, often due to the illness of children’s mothers.
In 1984, Wanslea moved from the Cottesloe site to new premises. Residential cottages were established at first in Mosman Park and then elsewhere in the metropolitan area, and in country WA.
Wanslea has received government funding from the department responsible for child welfare throughout its existence.
From
1947
To
1984
Alternative Names
Wanslea Children’s Home
Wanslea Hostel
Wanslea Hostel for the Care of Chlidren of Sick Mothers
Wanslea
1947 - 1984
Wanslea was located at 78-80 Railway Street, Cottesloe, Western Australia (Building Still standing)
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