Werribee (1962 - 1985)

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Government reports (Signposts 2004, pp.565-567) show that Werribee in Victoria Park (also known as Werribee Girls' Cottage) was a group home with live-in house 'parents'. In 1969, the girls at Werribee include four girls who were wards of the State. By 1975, there were nine girls aged 12-15 years who were housed at Werribee on a short term basis

The Department of Child Welfare's 'Submission to the Committee of Enquiry into Residential Child Care' in July 1976 (quoted in Signposts p.566) described Werribee, which: 'had a garden, play area, trampoline, access to an oval, tennis court, bikes and a range of sporting equipment. There were 3 bedrooms which would sleep three or more girls per room; a study; 2 bathrooms and 2 toilets; and a storeroom; a pool or table tennis table; a TV, piano, and radio or radiogram were available. Girls walked to school. The average length of stay was 9 months. Holiday placements were actively sought for the children. Recreational activities included camping trips.'

Werribee closed in 1985.

In government records, Werribee is spelled in various ways including Warribee and Weeribee.