Mapping Australian history and culture
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. First Australians...
Layer
| Name | Aboriginal schools attended by First Nations students in New South Wales (NSW), 1814-c.1968 |
|---|---|
| Description | In the making of this map, we acknowledge that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children succeeded in an effective education system for thousands of years before the colonial invasion of Australia. This map gives the locations/information of ‘Aboriginal Schools’ (as they were then called), most of which were on Aboriginal missions or reserves *, and operated across New South Wales (NSW) from the 1800s until 1968. Under colonisation, the NSW Public Instruction Act (1880) created a state-wide system where every family was obliged to send their child to school. Since then, there have been several iterations of policy on the education of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students into the western system of education. Initially, separate schools for Aboriginal students were established in NSW. During the Protectionist era (c.1870s-1930s) the movement of Aboriginal people in the state was controlled by the NSW Aborigines Protection Board. Aboriginal Schools provided basic education for Aboriginal students usually with the white reserve manager (or his wife) also acting in the role of schoolteacher. After 1940, during the Assimilation era (c.1930s-1960s), NSW Aboriginal schools were merged into local public (government) schools and managed by the Department of Public Instruction. This transition occurred over the years and in 1968, the title “Aboriginal School” was abolished, and the few surviving schools were given public school status. We have included the date that each Aboriginal school closed. Where these schools were renamed as Public Schools and are still operating, we have noted this. Although approximately 86 Aboriginal schools were established between 1814-c.1968, these places did not provide abundant opportunities for their students. Apart from the limited syllabus for Aboriginal schools, unqualified teachers and questionable teaching standards, many of these “schools” were mission schools, children’s homes or reserves where children were taken away from their families, elders, language, and culture. The documentation of the education of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students in NSW has, at times, been scant or ambiguous. If you would like to contribute or update any information, please contact purai@newcastle.edu.au Here is a direct link to using and creating maps in the Time-layered cultural map guide. *Where available, the Aboriginal Reserve (AR) number is included with the entry. Please note, many reserves have more than one AR number. AR numbers changed when, for example, the size of a reserve was changed or the parish in which it was located was re-gazetted. |
| Type | Placename |
| Content Warning | Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders are advised that this map may include language/views from the period which may be considered inappropriate or even offensive today. |
| Contributor | Jacqui Wright |
| Entries | 68 |
| Allow ANPS? | Yes |
| Added to System | 2025-03-04 15:42:54 |
| Updated in System | 2025-03-05 14:34:34 |
| Subject | Aboriginal schools, education, truth telling, Indigenous Australian education, schoo |
|---|---|
| Creator | Coralie Properjohn & Dr Jacqueline Wright |
| Publisher | Purai Global Indigenous History Centre |
| Contact | purai@newcastle.edu.au |
| Citation | BOOKS: Fletcher, J., (1989a) Clean, clad and courteous: A history of Aboriginal education in New South Wales, Southwood Press Pty. Ltd., Marrickville, NSW. Fletcher, J., (1989b) Documents in the history of Aboriginal education in New South Wales, Southwood Press Pty. Ltd., Marrickville, NSW. NSW Department of Education and Training. Government Schools in NSW 1848-2003 (6th Ed.), NSW Department of Education and Training, 2003. MANUSCRIPTS: Felton, Philip, (2013) The “lost” Aboriginal reserves of New South Wales. Unpublished manuscript. MS 5007, AIATSIS Archival Collections, Canberra. ARCHIVES: The original records are available to view in the reading room at the Western Sydney Records Centre (WSRC). If you find an entry for a school that you are interested in you can pre-order the record for viewing at the WSRC. Pre-ordering your records in advance gives the archival team time to process requests and have the records ready ahead of arrival at the centre. https://mhnsw.au/guides/pre-order-records-your-visit/ Schools & Related Records 1876-1979 AND List of Aboriginal School Files, 1876–1979: The school files were created by bringing together all of the correspondence about each school. The correspondence is from teachers, parents, the Education department and district offices, other government departments, local members and Education ministers. Some school files are up to 15 boxes of papers; some are only a few centimetres thick. These files contain petitions for schools including details of possible pupils; teacher appointments, teacher’s leave and transfer requests and teacher’s examinations; occasional complaints about teachers by parents and inspectors and occasional complaints about children and/or parents by teachers; plans of school buildings and plans of school sites, including proposals that did not proceed; detail about how schools worked and detail about how schools interacted with the community. Museums of History New South Wales (MHNSW) - State Archives Collection (StAC): Department of Education; NRS 3829 School Files (part). An alphabetical listing of Aboriginal schools that operated in NSW (extracted from NRS-3829 School files, 1876–1979). https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/. Accessed 31/1/25 Photographic Collection: The History Unit of the Dept of School Education collected these photographs when preparing school histories, research for public relations, or giving presentations. Museums of History New South Wales (MHNSW) - State Archives Collection (StAC): Department of Education; NRS-15051. List of school photographs. Accessed 31/1/25 We are indebted to the members of Local Aboriginal Land Councils for their assistance in verifying information relating to their local history. |
| DOI | |
| Source URL | |
| Linkback | |
| Date From | |
| Date To | |
| Image |
|
| Latitude From | |
|---|---|
| Longitude From | |
| Latitude To | |
| Longitude To | |
| Language | English |
| License | CCBY-NC-ND |
| Usage Rights | Please contact purai@newcastle.edu.au if you would like to reproduce this material. |
| Date Created (externally) | 2025-03-04 |
Balranald Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Balranald Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- W. of Hay - operated in an old school building in the playground of the Balranald Public School in town, some distance from Aboriginal Reserve.
- School type
- Aboriginal
Sources
Barrington Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Barrington Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Gloucester
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 35673/4
- Date comments
- Gap 1897-98 and half-time arrangements
- School comments
- Operated as Aboriginal Night School 1901-1902
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/14815.1; 14/7283
Sources
Baryulgil Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Baryulgil Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Casino-Grafton
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 82681
- School comments
- Aboriginal children were excluded from the Public School in August 1935. An Aboriginal School was located at the reserve from 1938 to 1947; thereafter it was believed to have been amalgamated with the Baryulgil Public School.
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/14817.3; 14/7284
- Other references
- School history research uncovers time when Aboriginal students were excluded from Baryulgil - ABC News
Sources
Bassandean Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Bassandean Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Near Moredum Creek, about 19.3kms from Tingha - on Bassandean Aboriginal Station
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- No reserve number (Felton)
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/14818.3
Sources
Bellwood Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Bellwood Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Southern end of Nambucca Heads. Moved from Stewart Island
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 73990, AR 87256
- School comments
- Previously Stewart Island Aboriginal School. Bellwood school is mentioned in an address by V. J. Truskett to the Joint Committee upon Aborigines Welfare (1967) See Fletcher (1989b) p. 253.
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17680.3; 14/7853
Sources
Black Town Native Institution
- Placename
- Black Town Native Institution
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Blacktown (Sydney)
- School type
- Aboriginal
- School comments
- With gaps. There are two different periods where Aboriginal schools were established at Black Town (later Blacktown). The original school at Black Town was relocated from Parramatta Native Insititution. In contrast to the strict practice at Parramatta Native Institution of preventing children from seeing families or other Aboriginal people, children were permitted to mix with adult Aboriginal people living at Black Town. In '1824 most of the Aboriginal boys were transferred tot he Male Orphan School, and the Native Institution was amalgamated with the Wesleyan Mission to the Aborigines'. Fletcher (1989a) p. 22. In 1827 it operated as a segregated school established by NZ missionary William Hall and Archdeacon Scott. This school was attended by Aboriginal, Maori and non-Aboriginal children although it was segregated. This school closed in 1829.
Sources
Brewarrina Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Brewarrina Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- E. of Bourke - Brewarrina Aboriginal Station
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 3152
- School comments
- Sometimes incorrectly known as Brewarrina “Mission” School on Brewarrina Aboriginal Station.
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/15080.1; 14/7340
- Associated names
- Brewarrina Mission School
Sources
Bril Bril Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Bril Bril Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Rollands Plains via Telegraph Point
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 2598
- Date comments
- With gaps - Half-time with Morcom Aboriginal School
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/15089.1
- Associated names
- Rollands Plains Aboriginal School
Sources
Burnt Bridge Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Burnt Bridge Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Kempsey - Burnt Bridge Aboriginal Reserve/Station
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 20865/6, AR 27273, AR 27299, AR 68441/2
- School comments
- On (and later near) Burnt Bridge Aboriginal Reserve/Station. Burnt Bridge school is mentioned in an address by V. J. Truskett to the Joint Committee upon Aborigines Welfare (1967). See Fletcher (1989b) p. 253
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/15182.1; 14/7359
Sources
Cabbage Tree Island Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Cabbage Tree Island Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Wardell
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 52180/1
- Date comments
- With gaps. See School comments
- School comments
- On Cabbage Tree Island Aboriginal Station. This reserve was located on an island in the Richmond River, about 5kms from Wardell. The reserve was established in 1893 and there was an Aboriginal School here from October 1893 to 1895 and from 1908 to 1952. Cabbage Tree Island school is mentioned in an address by V. J. Truskett to the Joint Committee upon Aborigines Welfare (1967). See Fletcher (1989b) p. 253
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/15225.4; 14/7365
Sources
Carowra Tank Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Carowra Tank Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- On Carowra Tank Aboriginal Station. Moved to Menindee Aboriginal Station
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 41384/5, AR 41386/7
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/15313.1
Sources
Condobolin Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Condobolin Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Willow Bend Aboriginal Settlement
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 5988, AR32512
- School comments
- Condobolin Aboriginal school is mentioned in an address by V. J. Truskett to the Joint Committee upon Aborigines Welfare (1967). See Fletcher (1989b) p. 253
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/15468.2; 14/7413
Sources
Cootamundra East Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Cootamundra East Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 61007/8, AR 79858, AR 83289
- School comments
- At Cootamundra Aboriginal Girls’ Training Home
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/15521.1; 14/7425
Sources
Coraki Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Coraki Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- S. of Lismore
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 41808/9
- Date comments
- With gaps. See School comments. Currently operating as Coraki Public School
- School comments
- At Box Ridge Aboriginal Reserve. Coraki Aboriginal School was located here between 1909 and 1913, and between 1917 and 1945. It had been moved here from Dunoon Reserve in November 1931.
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/15528.1; 14/7426
- Associated names
- Dunoon Road Aboriginal School, Cubawee Aboriginal School, Coraki Public School
Sources
Cumeroogunga Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Cumeroogunga Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Moama. On Cumeroogunga Aboriginal Station/ Reserve.
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 3045, AR 8997/8, AR 17180, AR 31120
- Date comments
- Gap 1951/52
- School comments
- See Fletcher (1989b) p. 253. Re: reference to a project being developed on Cumeroogunga Station.
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/15618.2; 5/15619A&B; 14/7444
- Associated names
- Malaga or Maloga Mission Aboriginal School
Sources
Dennawan (missionary) School
- Placename
- Dennawan (missionary) School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Near Culgoa River, 48.2kms west Goodooga
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 49252/3
- School comments
- Operated by Aborigines Inland Mission. (Governmnet subsidised School)
- Associated names
- Tatala
Sources
Dunoon (Road) Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Dunoon (Road) Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Lismore - 9.6kms N. of Lismore, near current site of Modanville Public School, Dunoon Road
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 35824/5
- Date comments
- Gap between 1916 -1923.
- School comments
- Was transferred to Tuncester/Cubawee reserve in 1932 and continued there until 1935
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/15768.2; 14/7470
- Associated names
- Cubawee Aboriginal School
Sources
Erambie Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Erambie Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Cowra
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 11634, AR 72706
- School comments
- Erambie Aboriginal Reserve/Station
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/15825.2; 14/7486
- Associated names
- Mulyan Aboriginal School until 1899
Sources
Euraba Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Euraba Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Boomi - 11.2kms S. of Boomi on Garah Road
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 28193
- School comments
- On Euraba Aboriginal Station; later moved to (Old) Toomelah Aboriginal Reserve because of a failure of the water supply.
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/15851.2; 14/7489
Sources
Fattorini Island Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Fattorini Island Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Kempsey
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 252, AR 253
- School comments
- Half-time with Kinchela Aboriginal School 1911-1914, 1919
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/15878.1
Sources
Forked Mountain Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Forked Mountain Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Coonabarabran
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 15156, AR 40125, AR 46876, AR 47521
- School comments
- On Burra Bee Dee Aboriginal Reserve/Station
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/15922.3; 14/7504
Sources
Gingie Gingie Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Gingie Gingie Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- On Walgett Aboriginal Reserve/Station.
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 23077, AR 69691
- School comments
- Name changed to Walgett Aboriginal School c.1940, then to Gamilaroi Public in 1968.
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/15992.3
Sources
Grafton (Common) Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Grafton (Common) Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Grafton - on Grafton Home Aboriginal Station
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 2951, AR 14493, AR 17794
- School comments
- Near Bunyip Creek, 9.6kms N. of Grafton
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/16119.1
Sources
Karuah Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Karuah Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Raymond Terrace
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 27957
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/16423.2; 14/7600
Sources
Maloga Mission Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Maloga Mission Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- School type
- Aboriginal
- School comments
- State funded but on a privately operated mission. School transferred to Cummeroogunga Aboriginal School 1891.
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/16718.4
- Other references
- https://aiatsis.gov.au/sites/default/files/catalogue_resources/91936.pdf
- Associated names
- Located 24kms from Moama on the Murray River
Sources
Menindee Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Menindee Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- E. of Broken Hill. 10kms upstream from town on Darling River
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- AR89531
- School comments
- Combined with Carowra Tank
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/16815.2; 14/7686
Sources
Moonahcullah Aboriginal school
- Placename
- Moonahcullah Aboriginal school
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- 30kms NW. of Deniliquin
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 27506/7
- School comments
- On Moonahcullah Aboriginal Station/ Reserve. Re: The closure of Moonahcullah school 'when housing was established there and the children have been assimilated in the local schools'. Fletcher (1989b) p. 253
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/16901.2; 14/7701
Sources
Morcom Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Morcom Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- The exact location of this school is unknown. It is reported as being located 1 mile from Wauchope. The coordinates provided are for the town of Wauchope.
- School type
- Aboriginal
- School comments
- Half-time with Bril Bril Aboriginal School 9/1882-6/1907.
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/16910.4
- Associated names
- Wauchope Aboriginal School to 1889
Sources
Moree Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Moree Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Moree
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 8924
- School comments
- Name changed to Wirajarai Aboriginal School in 4/1968 On Moree Aboriginal Reserve/ Station. Moree Aboriginal School is mentioned by V. J. Truskett in his address to the Joint Committee upon Aborigines Welfare. See Fletcher (1989b) p. 254
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/16915.2; 14/7704
- Associated names
- Wirajarai Aboriginal School from 1968
Sources
Mount Olive Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Mount Olive Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- N. of Singleton
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 11843, AR 18034, AR 24533
- School comments
- On St Clair/Mt Olive Aboriginal Station.
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/16965.3
- Associated names
- St Clair
Sources
Mundoonan Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Mundoonan Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Yass
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 48134/5, AR 42314/5
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17005.3
- Associated names
- Edgerton Aboriginal School
Sources
Murrin Bridge Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Murrin Bridge Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- 12kms N. of Lake Cargelligo
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 71163
- School comments
- On Murrin Bridge Aboriginal Station. Transferred from Menindee. See Fletcher (1989b) p. 253 Re: secondary students attending Lake Cargelligo from Murrin Bridge.
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 14/7723
- Associated names
- Lake Cargelligo
Sources
Namoi Reserve (Missionary) School
- Placename
- Namoi Reserve (Missionary) School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Walgett
- School type
- Mission
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 75350
- School comments
- Informal school run by an Aborigines Inland Mission missionary
Sources
New Angledool Aboriginal School
- Placename
- New Angledool Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- N. of Walgett. On Angledool Aboriginal Station
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 41025/6
- School comments
- On Angledool Aboriginal Station, Close to township of New Angledool, within 1km
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17101.2
Sources
Ngoorumba Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Ngoorumba Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Tingha. Bundarra, opposite banks of Moredum, Clerk's or Kelly's Creek. More than 11.2kms NE. Bundarra, 9.6kms S. of Tingha
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve No: AR 18210, AR 64833
- School comments
- Initially at Bushfield Reserve (5/1908-10/1911) then moved to Long Gully (10/1933-12/1933)
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17147.4; 14/7747; 5/17154.2
- Associated names
- Long Gully Aboriginal School
Sources
Noocoorilma Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Noocoorilma Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- N. of Inverell. South of the Severn River, 32-40 kms from towns Ashford, Inverell, Emmaville and Glen Innes
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 40459
- School comments
- Initially operated by a missionary on Sevington Aboriginal Station, briefly known as Pindari Station
- Associated names
- Sevington Aboriginal School
Sources
Nowendoc Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Nowendoc Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- South of Walcha
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 41026, AR 68391
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17180.6
Sources
Nulla Creek Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Nulla Creek Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- NW. of Kempsy - Byrne's Creek, Burragorang Valley. On Bellbrook Aboriginal Station/ Reserve
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 1, AR 49982 (See Felton p. 75)
- Date comments
- Gaps 1905-1910, 1915-1916.
- School comments
- See Fletcher (1989b) p. 253 Re: the movement of older students from Nulla Creek to Kempsey schools during the late 1960s.
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17187.4; 14/7760; 5/17188.3
- Associated names
- Nulla Nulla Aboriginal School
Sources
Nymboida Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Nymboida Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- 40.2kms SW. of Grafton on W. side of Nymboida River on Nymboida Aboriginal Station
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 45162, AR 45163, AR 50790
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17197.1; 14/7761
Sources
Paramatta Native Institution
- Placename
- Paramatta Native Institution
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- School type
- Aboriginal
- School comments
- This school was established by Governor Lachlan Macquarie and missionary William Shelley. Aboriginal children were trained to be labourers and domestic sevants for colonists. They were taught basic literacy, agriculture and craft and encouraged to convert to Christianity. Once admitted to the school students were prevented from leaving or seeing their families until they were 14 (females) and 16 (males) years old. The Parramatta Native Insititution was moved to Black Town to land set aside by Macquarie.
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/indexes/schools-and-education/schools-and-related-records/
Sources
Pilliga Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Pilliga Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- W. of Narrabri. About 6.4kms from Pilliga, on Etoo Creek
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 33753/4, AR 42571/2
- School comments
- On Pilliga Aboriginal Station
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17343.1; 14/7793
- Associated names
- Minnom Mission
Sources
Pooncarie Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Pooncarie Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- N. of Mildura 4.8kms from town
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 44656, AR 47842, AR 48942
- School comments
- Moved to Menindee Aboriginal School and and combined with Carowra Tank Aboriginal School. Both moved to Menindee Aboriginal School
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17372.1
Sources
Purfleet Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Purfleet Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- 4.8kms S. of Taree
- Aboriginal reserve number
- AR 89
- School comments
- On Purfleet Aboriginal Station (initially a government subsidised school)
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17392.3; 14/7802
Sources
Roseby Park Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Roseby Park Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- E. of Nowra
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 31442, AR 42274
- School comments
- Near Roseby Park Aboriginal Station. Roseby Park school is mentioned in an address by V. J. Truskett to the Joint Committee upon Aborigines Welfare (1967). See Fletcher (1989b) p. 253
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17511.2; 14/7822
Sources
Stony Gully Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Stony Gully Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 24791, AR 27158
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17691.1; 14/7853
- Associated names
- Runnymede Aboriginal School
Sources
Summer Vale Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Summer Vale Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 3, AR 81426
- Date comments
- Gap 1939-1940
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17713.3; 14/7856
- Associated names
- Walcha Aboriginal School till 1934
Sources
Tabulam Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Tabulam Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- W. of Casino
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 72945/6
- School comments
- An Aboriginal School was located at Tabulam from 1938 to 1967. In the 1950s it operated in a hall near town and shifted to the new Aboriginal station when it was opened.
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17757.4; 14/7861
Sources
Talbragar Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Talbragar Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Junction of Macquarie and Talbragar Rivers, 9.6kms N. of Dubbo
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 28481
- School comments
- Government subsidised school (Not to be confused with Talbragar Public and Talbragar River Public Schools)
Sources
Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- SE. of Moree
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 22505/6
- School comments
- On Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Station
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17821.2; 14/7873
Sources
Tobwabba Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Tobwabba Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Forster
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 13438/9, AR 22946, AR 46534, AR 81522
- School comments
- Half-time 1898-1899. See Fletcher (1989b) p. 196 for discussion on merging of Tobwabba Aboriginal School with Forster Public School in 1946
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17857.2; 14/7877
Sources
Ulgundahi Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Ulgundahi Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 38639, AR 41619
- School comments
- On Ulgundahi Island Aboriginal Station/Reserve
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17927.3; 14/7893
- Associated names
- Maclean
Sources
Urunga Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Urunga Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- N. of Nambucca Hds
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 14679, AR 83513
- School comments
- On Urunga Aboriginal Station
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17950.2; 14/7896
Sources
Warangesda Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Warangesda Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Darlington Pt.
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 2684, AR 3160, AR 3162
- School comments
- On Warangesda Mission/ Aboriginal Station
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/18018.2
- Other references
- https://aiatsis.gov.au/sites/default/files/catalogue_resources/91936.pdf
Sources
Woodenbong Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Woodenbong Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- N. of Kyogle
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 42950, AR 66508
- School comments
- On Woodenbong Aboriginal Station. Woodenbong Aboriginal school is mentioned in an address by V. J. Truskett to the Joint Committee upon Aborigines Welfare (1967). In Fletcher (1989b) p. 253
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/18180.2; 14/7943
Sources
Wreck Bay Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Wreck Bay Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- AR Unknown
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/18213.2; 14/7948
- Associated names
- Jervis Bay Aboriginal School to 1932
Sources
Yantabulla Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Yantabulla Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- NW. of Bourke
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- AR Unknown
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/18246.4
Sources
Yass Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Yass Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Yass
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 68669/70
- School comments
- On Hollywood Aboriginal Reserve. See also Mundoonan Aboriginal School
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/18262.2; 14/7957
Sources
Boggabilla Aboriginal School,
- Placename
- Boggabilla Aboriginal School,
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- 14.5 kms east of Boggabilla at the junction of the Macintyre and Dumeresque Rivers.
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 66833, AR 66834
- Date comments
- Now operating as Toomelah Public School
- School comments
- Boggabilla Aboriginal School operated here until 1968; it then became Toomelah Public School
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17869.4; 14/7878
- Associated names
- Toomelah Public School
Sources
Bulgandramine Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Bulgandramine Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Peak Hill - Bulgandramine Aboriginal Station
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 41699/700, AR 59878/9
- School comments
- Probably an earlier missionary school here. It was at first an unstaffed reserve and an Education Department Aboriginal School operated there from 1913, when the Teacher was designated Matron of the reserve. It was upgraded to a staffed Aboriginal Station in 1931. The station and the school closed in 1941 after serious health concerns and difficulties between management and residents. Some of the Aboriginal people moved to Peak Hill (where they camped on public land on the northern edge of town near a mining area) and to other places in Western NSW.
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/15148.2; 14/7352
Sources
Caroona Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Caroona Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Quirindi. Near village of Caroona, 32km NW. from Quirindi
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 21970, AR 28828, AR 30777
- Date comments
- Currently operating as Walhallow Public School.
- School comments
- On Walhallow/ Quirindi/ Caroona Aboriginal Station. Caroona School is mentioned by V. J. Truskett in his address to the Joint Committee upon Aborigines Welfare. See Fletcher (1989b) p. 254. The Aboriginal School had the better buildings than the local public school which meant the amalgamation of the local school would see public school children going to the Aboriginal School.
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 14/7382
- Associated names
- Walhallow Aboriginal School to 11/1907, Walhallow Public School
Sources
Cubawee Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Cubawee Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- W. of Lismore, near Tuncester
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 63335, AR 71667
- School comments
- 1942- 1963 Transferred from Dunoon Road Aboriginal school 1931
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/15604.1; 14/7442
- Associated names
- Tuncester Aboriginal School till 1947
Sources
Goo Gee Dee Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Goo Gee Dee Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- N. of Tumut
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 9971, AR 12489, AR 30722, AR 44288/9, AR 77806
- School comments
- Briefly half-time with Brungle Upper Public in 1888. On Brungle Aboriginal Station.
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/16068.2; 14/7529
Sources
Gulargambone Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Gulargambone Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- South of Coonamble
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- No Aboriginal Reserve Number
- Date comments
- Gap from 1912-1920.
- School comments
- Distant from Aboriginal Reserve. (Possibly missionary school in 1911). The Aboriginal School at Gulargambone operated from 1899 to 1912 and from 1920 until 1957. It was located on the SE. side of town, near the original reserve
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/16180.2; 14/7552
Sources
Kinchela Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Kinchela Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Kempsey
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 174, AR 29616, AR 57397/8, AR 88638
- Date comments
- With gaps. See School comments
- School comments
- With gaps. Half-time with Fattorini Island Abor. 1911-1914, 1919. Families from Pelican Island and Fattorini Island moved to Kinchela Aboriginal Station 1924 (later closed). Also at Aboriginal Boys’ Training Home. (Home moved there from Singleton in 1924.) Kinchela school is mentioned in an address by V. J. Truskett to the Joint Committee upon Aborigines Welfare (1967). See Fletcher (1989b) p. 253.
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/16477.1; 14/7612
- Associated names
- Pelican Island Aboriginal School
Sources
Stuart Island Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Stuart Island Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Mouth of Nambucca River/Nambucca Heads
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 140
- School comments
- Moved to Bellwood Aboriginal School and renamed
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17680.3; 14/7852
- Associated names
- Bellwood Aboriginal School, Stuart Island, Brushy Island
Sources
Toomelah Aboriginal School (Old)
- Placename
- Toomelah Aboriginal School (Old)
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- 24 kilomters E. of Boomi
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number unknown (Felton).
- School comments
- The original Toomelah Aboriginal Station (later known as Old Toomelah) was on Whelan Creek about 24 kilomters east of Boomi. Its residents had previously lived at the Euraba Aboriginal Station. The failure of the water supply at Euraba led to a decision to transfer the whole station to the new site still in the Boomi district. Ongoing difficulties including health concerns, led to a further decision to transfer the station again to a new site in the Boggabilla district. That location later became known as (New) Toomelah. There was an Aboriginal School at (Old) Toomelah from 1926 to 1939.
- Archival reference number
- 5/14983.2; 14/7323
- Associated names
- Toomelah Aboriginal School
Sources
Wallaga Lake Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Wallaga Lake Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- Bermagui. Located at the head of Wallaga Lake, few miles north of Bermagui. To the west of 'Timber Road'
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 13939
- School comments
- On Wallaga Lake Aboriginal Station. Wallaga Lake Aboriginal school is mentioned in an address by V. J. Truskett to the Joint Committee upon Aborigines Welfare (1967). See Fletcher (1989b) p. 253
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17986.2; 14/7905
Sources
Nanima Aboriginal School
- Placename
- Nanima Aboriginal School
- Type
- Other
Details
Description
Extended Data
- Location comments
- 6kms E. of Wellington
- School type
- Aboriginal
- Aboriginal reserve number
- Aboriginal Reserve Number: AR 45426/7, AR 87975
- Date comments
- Gap 1916-1917
- School comments
- Public ScNanima Aboriginal School became Nanima Public School when Aboriginal schools were abolished in c.1968. It continued to operate as a public school until 2008. The school held cultural significance for the local Aboriginal people of Nanima who had always been proud of their school (See Fletcher, 1989b. p. 253 Re: Aboriginal parents resisting the closure of Nanima school). After the school closed in 2008 the Wellington Local Aboriginal Land Council with the assistance from NSWALC purchased the school for community use. Nanima school does not appear on the map of public schools because it no longer operates as a public school. However, given its cultural significance and its consistently high Aboriginal enrolments, it remains on the Aboriginal Schools map until its closure in 2008 even though it was not technically an Aboriginal School after 1968.
- Museums of History NSW Link
- https://mhnsw.au/articles/3829/
- Archival reference number
- 5/17051.2; 14/7729
- Associated names
- Nanima Public School from c. 1968
- Further reading
- https://alc.org.au/newsroom/nanima-public-school-back-with-community/
