Kinchela, New South Wales facts for kids
Kinchela is a village located in the Mid North Coast area of New South Wales, Australia. The village gets its name from Kinchela Creek. This creek might have been named after John Kinchela, who was the Attorney General of New South Wales in 1831.
An Aboriginal Reserve was officially created in Kinchela in 1883. The village itself was officially recognized in 1885 or 1886. Later, in 1892, an Aboriginal school was started at Pelican Island, which is close to Kinchela.
Kinchela Boys Home
The Kinchela Boys Home was set up by the Aboriginal Protection Board in 1924. This home took over the Aboriginal school that was already there. The main purpose of the home was for Aboriginal children who were taken from their families. This was part of a plan to make them live like white Australian society. These children became known as the Stolen Generation.
The Kinchela Boys Home was open from 1924 until 1970. During this time, between 400 and 600 boys lived there.
In 2012, the Kinchela Boys Home received the highest level of heritage protection in New South Wales. This means it is a very important historical site.
One of the original front gates from the Kinchela Boys Home is now kept at the National Museum of Australia. A group of men who had lived at Kinchela Boys Home gave the gate to the museum in 2012. This gate helps to tell the important stories of the boys who lived there.
Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation
The Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation (KBHAC) was created in 2001. Some men who had lived at the home asked World Vision Australia for help. They wanted to find other boys who had been there and create an organization for all former residents and their families.
KBHAC works to help members of the Stolen Generation reconnect with their families and communities. It also helps them to get back their cultural identity, pride, and self-worth.
In 2001, the Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation Strategic Plan was launched. This happened at the Redfern Community Centre. The Governor of New South Wales, Professor Marie Bashir, launched the plan. This plan aims to find good solutions for Aboriginal families and communities. It helps them deal with the difficulties caused by being taken from their homes.
Historical Places
Kinchela has several places that are listed for their historical importance. These include:
- 2054 South West Rocks Road: Kinchela Aboriginal Boys' Training Home
