Melrose Training Farm for Boys (1938 - 1957)

Less

The Melrose Training Farm for Boys was established by the Try Society in 1938 at a property near Berwick (the location was also sometimes referred to as Harkaway). The farm aimed to 'provide a healthy home environment for 30 boys and youths and … to train boys in farming and other agricultural pursuits'. The first boys at the home had been moved there from the Try Society's Clifden Home at St Andrews.

In the early 1950s, it was described as catering for boys aged between 8 and 14.

Changes to the Children's Welfare Act in 1956 led to inspections of the Farm by the Children's Welfare Department, so that Melrose Training Farm could be registered as an 'approved children's home'. These inspections led to concerns being raised by the Department about poor conditions at Melrose.

The Farm was closed in 1957 when the Try Society advised the Children's Welfare Department that it was no longer able to finance the institution.

Records show that boys still living at Melrose in August 1957 were transferred to other homes, including Tally Ho, Burwood Boys' Home and Box Hill Boys' Home. Some boys returned to their homes when Melrose closed.

Address

1938-1957: Melrose Training Farm for Boys was located on a farm property on Harkaway Road at Harkaway, near Berwick, Victoria