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South Australia - Organisation

Port Pirie Cottage (1962 - 1972)

From
1962
To
1972
Categories
Cottage Home, Family Group Home, Government-run and Home
Alternative Names
  • Port Pirie Family Home (Also known as, 1972 - 1980)

Port Pirie Cottage was opened in Port Pirie by the government in 1962. It initially accommodated only two or three children who were wards of the State in cottage -style living. Children attended local schools and churches. In 1972 Port Pirie Cottage was renamed Port Pirie Family Home.

Details

Port Pirie Cottage, at 23 Butterick Street, Port Pirie, was the first country based cottage home run by the Children's Welfare and Public Relief Department. It opened on 29 October 1962. It initially housed only two or three children.

Departmental Annual Reports from the 1960s stress the belief that cottage style care enabled greater individual attention to be given to each child. The Department also felt that children living in cottage style accommodation and attending local schools would be less conspicuous as 'State' children, making it easier for them to become part of the local community. The cottage system aimed to simulate a form of family life with children sleeping in bedrooms rather than dormitories. It also allowed for brothers and sisters to be placed together. It was expected that children would attend church and other social activities as members of the cottage family.

Departmental reports also noted that providing cottage style care was less costly for the government than running large institutions.

Port Pirie Cottage was renamed Port Pirie Family Home in 1972.

Location

1962 - 1972
Address - Port Pirie Cottage was situated at 23 Butterick Street, Port Pirie. Location: Port Pirie

Publications

Online Resources

Sources used to compile this entry: George, Karen, Finding your own way, Nunkuwarrin Yunti of South Australia Inc., 2005, http://nunku.org.au/resources/; Mullighan, the Hon E.P., Children in State Care Commission of Inquiry: Allegations of sexual abuse and death from criminal conduct, presented to the South Australian Parliament by the Hon. E.P. Mullighan QC, Commisioner, Children in State Care Commission of Enquiry, Adelaide, South Australia, 2008, 564 pp, https://www.childprotection.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/107201/children-in-state-care-commission-of-inquiry-introducation.pdf.

Prepared by: Karen George and Gary George