Who we are
Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) is the archive of the State and local government in Victoria.
We hold around 100kms of hard copy records and 600,000 digital records dating from 1836 to the present day. More records in all formats are transferred to PROV every year. Many records in our collection are open and accessible to researchers either in our Reading Rooms or online.
We preserve records of enduring value from the past and present day so evidence of government decisions remains on the public record and available for access.
We set mandatory recordkeeping standards and provide support and advice on recordkeeping to state and local government.
We also provide researcher services, an awards and grants program, public programming and outreach.
What we do
Established under the Public Records Act 1973 PROV’s objectives are to:
- issue standards regulating the creation, maintenance and security of public records including the selection and disposal of public records not worthy of preservation
- advise and assist agencies in achieving compliance with issued standards
- preserve public records of permanent value as the state archives
- ensure that the archives are accessible to the government and the people of Victoria.
Public Record Office Victoria is an agency of the Department of Government Services.
To see PROV's organisational chart refer to the annual report.
Our facilities at the Victorian Archives Centre
Visit us at the Victorian Archives Centre at 99 Shiel Street North Melbourne, Monday to Friday 10am to 4:30pm. We are close to public transport and our facilities include free wireless, on-site parking, bike racks, and gallery. Information on building accessibility can be found here.
The Archives Gallery features temporary exhibitions that showcase the state archival collection. Visit our Public Exhibitions page for information on the current exhibition on display.
For refreshments, there are shops and cafes in nearby Melrose Street and Canning Street. We also have a small break room area with vending machine snacks available.
