Timeline of History for OzChild, Mallee Family Care, Upper Murray Family Care and Windermere, c. 2001, courtesy of OzChild.
Details
OzChild was created in July 1993, when three long-established child welfare agencies - Family Action, Family Focus, and The National Children's Bureau of Australia - amalgamated to form Oz Child: Children Australia Inc. which later operated as OzChild. OzChild is one of Australia's oldest independent children's welfare organisations, with a history of helping children since 1851.
OzChild holds records relating to children in its care and records of its predecessor institutions, back to the 1840s. Files are also held at the State Library of Victoria. Former residents (and their families) can apply to the State Library of Victoria for access to these records. Although it is not a requirement, it is recommended that you also make contact with OzChild for support and guidance before accessing records held at the State Library of Victoria.
c. 1845 - 1853 St James' Orphan Asylum and Visiting Society
1853 - 1926 Melbourne Orphan Asylum
1894 - 1920 Victorian Neglected Children's Aid Society
1926 - 1965 Melbourne Orphanage
1920 - 1991 Victorian Children's Aid Society
1965 - 1987 Melbourne Family Care Organisation
1979 - 1991 Foster Care Westernport
1971 - 1993 National Children's Bureau of Australia
1987 - 1993 Family Action
1991 - 1993 Family Focus
1993 - OzChild
Sources used to compile this entry: Jaggs, Donella, 'Oz Child', in eMelbourne: the city past and present, Encyclopedia of Melbourne online, The University of Melbourne, 2008, http://www.emelbourne.net.au/biogs/EM01104b.htm.
Prepared by: Cate O'Neill
Created: 17 July 2009, Last modified: 12 June 2014