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What do I need to know?
This series contains correspondence to Chief Protector of Aborigines - George Augustus Robinson for the period 1847-1851. The records are listed by subject description, for example, Narre Narre Warren Station.
How do I search?
1. Search the 'title' of these records with a keywords, geographic place names, or individual names from that time period. Or simply press 'Search' and browse the items in this series.
2. If you are researching a person or place, find out how to search by viewing our Koorie Index of Names guide. This database will help you locate records relating to people and places in this series.
About these records
This series contains correspondence to the Chief Protector of Aborigines from the 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?
Next Steps
Once you have found records of interest to you, select and view the digitised copy online.
If you are researching a person or group name, you can use the Koorie Index of Names database to help locate records relating to people and places in this series.
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.
Cultural sensitivity statement
These records provide evidence of past attitudes held by government officials and other individuals, and may contain language and content that is offensive or upsetting.
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