Public Record Office Victoria

Happy new year and new records to explore! This year, for the very first time, Victorian Cabinet records closed under Section 10(1) of the Public Records Act have been opened. The records span a decade of Labor Government from John Cain Jr (8 April 1982–10 August 1990) through to Victoria’s first female Premier, Joan Kirner (10 August 1990–6 October 1992). 

Each year on 1 January, hundreds of archival records are released to the public as part of Public Record Office Victoria (PROV)’s annual Section 9 openings. Under Section 9 of the Public Records Act 1973 (Vic), records containing personal information – such as capital case files, criminal trials and divorce records – are temporarily closed for privacy. Explore the records, including the capital case of Robert Clayton, Norman Andrews, and Jean Lee – the last woman hanged in Australia. 

Rewind Forward, an exhibition developed by our 2025 Creatives in Residence, opened in the Victorian Archives Centre Gallery on Thursday 29 May 2025 featuring the work of Emile Zile, Sam Wallman, Shannon Slee, Susan Fitzgerald, and Queer-ways. A snapshot of Shannon Slee's sewn memorial of 950 women who died of backyard abortions is pictured. On display until 1 May 2026.

The 2025 issue of Provenance is now online for your reading pleasure. Featuring research into the state archives, this year's five articles explore social and cultural histories of Victorian people, places and buildings. From the history of Victoria's stonemasons and stoneworkers, to notorious characters throughout of the 19th century, this issue is not to be missed!  

In this award-winning podcast series by Public Record Office Victoria we interview the people who delve into public archives and uncover interesting truths about Melbourne and Victoria's past. Hear about the amazing monuments never built, Victoria's queer history, prison escapes...and new to summer 2024, the Brookside Reformatory girls and Australian women of 1920s America.