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What do I need to know?

This series contains correspondence to Chief Protector of Aborigines - Augustus Robinson for the period 1847-1851. The records are listed by subject description, for example, Narre Narre Warren Station.

 

How do I search?

Use keywords, geographic place names or individual names pertaining to that time period

 

About these records

This series contains correspondence to Chief Protector of Aborigines - Robinson (1847-1851) from assistant protectors, medical officers and dispensers, and some private individuals between 1847 and 1851.

The letters cover a wide variety of topics relating to Aboriginal people and the administration of the Protectorate system.

The Aboriginal Protectorate was established in 1838, with George Augustus Robinson as Chief Protector. Four assistant protectors were appointed to oversee and assist the Aboriginal population in the Western (Mount Rouse), North-Western (Loddon), North-Eastern (Goulbourn) and Westernport (Narre Warren) regions of the Port Phillip District.

Who created these records?

Chief Protector of Aborigines 1838-1849 (VA 512)

Guardian of Aborigines 1850-1860 (VA 513)

Next Steps

Once you have found records of interest to you, select and view the digitised copy online.

What are in these records?

The correspondence in this series deals mainly with the operation of the Aboriginal Protectorate, including:

  • names of Aboriginal people
  • daily administration of the protectorate system (employment, periodic returns)
  • reports from assistant protectors relating to the districts under their responsibility
  • information about medical matters, rations etc
  • reports on movements of Aboriginal tribes and groups.
  • conflict with European settlers including crimes and boundary disputes.

You can view and download the digital copy online.

Note: These records contain words, descriptions and information used in the past that may be insensitive or offensive and can be upsetting.

TIP! If you are researching  a person or group name, find out how to search our Koorie Index of Names. This database will help you locate records relating to people and places in this series.

Material in the Public Record Office Victoria archival collection contains words and descriptions that reflect attitudes and government policies at different times which may be insensitive and upsetting

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be aware the collection and website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

PROV provides advice to researchers wishing to access, publish or re-use records about Aboriginal Peoples