Ballarat Orphanage facts for kids

The Ballarat Orphanage, originally known as the Ballarat District Orphan Asylum, was a special home for children in Ballarat, Victoria. It provided a place for both boys and girls who needed care. Later, in 2002, some people who had lived there shared concerns about their experiences from the 1960s.

A Home for Children: Its History

The Ballarat District Orphan Asylum first opened its doors in 1865. It was managed by a group of people called a board. This board was officially open to everyone, no matter their religion, though most members were Protestant. In 1909, the home changed its name to the Ballarat Orphanage.

Important People Who Led the Orphanage

The very first leaders of the Ballarat District Orphan Asylum were a married couple, Mr. and Mrs. Finlay, who were also local school teachers. They were called the superintendent (for the male leader) and matron (for the female leader).

Another important superintendent was Arthur Kenny. He led the orphanage for a long time, from 1884 to 1925. During his time, the name of the home was changed. Later, a person named Herbert Ludbrook, who was also a politician (someone involved in government and public decisions), became a superintendent.

How the Orphanage Changed Over Time

In 1968, the Ballarat Orphanage officially closed its doors under that name. It then became known as the Ballarat Children's Home, continuing to care for young people. Years later, in 1988, the organization that ran the home sold the building. The old orphanage building was then turned into a technical school, which is a school that teaches practical skills, and it was connected with the Catholic faith.