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What do I need to know?

PROV holds many important records created during the operation of the Chief Protector of Aborigines (1838-1849) and the Guardian of Aborigines (1850-1860).

There are many series of records covered by this guide, they are listed by name underneath the green search form. 

The individual records in these series include descriptions you can see in the PROV online catalogue, however only a few series are able to be viewed online due to cultural sensitivity.

The original records have been digitised and are available to view via a dedicated online portal at the Victorian Archives Centre Reading Room in North Melbourne. 

How do I search?

The ability to search these series is dependent upon available descriptions. You could try keywords, dates, places, or names of Protectors, for example. 

There are several options for researching these records:

  1. Clicking directly onto the individual series listed below and search for items directly within the series in the catalogue
  2. Search across many series at the same time using the Combined Search Form below.

About these records

The Aboriginal Protectorate was established in 1838, with George Augustus Robinson as Chief Protector stationed in Melbourne. Four assistant protectors were appointed to oversee and assist the Aboriginal population in the following regions of the Port Phillip District:

  • Western District (Mount Rouse) – Charles Sievwright
  • North-western District (Loddon) – Edward Stone Parker
  • North-eastern District (Goulburn) – J Dredge (to 1840), William Le Souef 
  • Westernport District (Narre Warren) – William Thomas

The Protectorate was largely unsuccessful and following a number of Select Committees the system was abolished, with William Thomas appointed in 1850 as Guardian of Aborigines in the Counties of Bourke, Mornington and Mount Evelyn. The Governor of Victoria established the central Board to Watch Over the Interests of the Aborigines in 1860, overseeing the development of a system of Aboriginal reserves and depots throughout the colony and the passage of the powerful Aborigines Protection Act 1869.

Who created these records?

Chief Protector of Aborigines (VA512) 

Guardian of Aborigines (VA 513)

Superintendent, Port Phillip District (VA 473)

Chief Secretary’s Department (VA 475)

Department of Crown Lands and Survey (VA 538)

Native Police Corps (VA 4759)

Next Steps

  1. Access to digitised records online is available for VPRS 10, VPRS 11 and VPRS 90.
  2. Access to digital copies of records that are not online is available via a dedicated portal in the Victorian Archives Centre reading room. Bookings are not required but please ask Reference staff in the Reading Room for assistance. 

What are in these records?

You will see the record headings and a possible description of the record (item) and, in some cases be able to view the digitised record.

These record series reflect a wide range to matters including daily administration, monthly reports, requisitions, health, incidents such as crimes committed and boundary disputes, movements of Aboriginal groups, establishment of settlements and reserves, provisions and clothing, conducting censuses, operation of the Native Police Corps etc.

Warning: The item descriptions in the PROV catalogue for these records come from the time when the records were created. The language used may be insensitive or offensive and can be upsetting. 

These record series were previously available on a microfilm compilation VPRS 4467 Aboriginal affairs records. 

Records created during the period of the Aboriginal Protectorate and Guardian of Aborigines in Victoria are also held in other institutions. 

This includes William Thomas papers held at State Library of Victoria and the Mitchell Library, State Library New South Wales.

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