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About Public Record Office Victoria
Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) is the archive of the state and local governments of Victoria. We hold more than 110 km of physical records and 1.5 million digital records from 1836 to the present day. Many records are accessible to the public either online or for viewing in our Reading Rooms. PROV also sets mandatory recordkeeping standards for state and local government agencies and provides advice on recordkeeping to government.
Provenance
The 2026 issue of Provenance is now online featuring research into the state archives. Four articles in this issue explore stories that reflect the varied impacts of immigration on Victoria’s communities, cities and cultures, as well as the multiple transitions that are often associated with the migrant experience. The fifth and final article solves a lingering mystery surrounding historic Maryvale murders.
Cabinet records opened for first time
In January 2026, for the very first time, Victorian Cabinet records closed under Section 10(1) of the Public Records Act were 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).
The case of Jean Lee
Each year on 1 January, hundreds of archival records are released to the public as part of Public Record Office Victoria’s annual Section 9 openings. Under Section 9 of the Public Records Act, records containing personal information – such as capital case files, criminal trials and divorce records – are temporarily closed for privacy. Explore the records opened in 2026, including the capital case of Robert Clayton, Norman Andrews, and Jean Lee – the last woman hanged in Australia.
Look history in the eye
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 much more.
Visit us
Monday to Friday 10am to 4:30pm and every second and last Saturday of the month. Closed public holidays. Visit
Monday to Thursday 10am to 4:30pm. Closed public holidays. Visit
Wednesday and Thursday 10am to 4pm. Closed public holidays. The Bendigo Regional Archives Centre is closed on Wednesday 28 October for Bendigo Cup Day. Visit
Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4pm. Closed weekends, Mondays and public holidays. Visit
What's On
Bernard Slawik, the real brutalist
Pink and Green Bans
Bendigo Regional Archives Centre events
