Aboriginal reserves were parcels of land set aside for Aboriginal people to live on. Initially, the Aborigines Protection Board* managed the reserves. Education, rations and housing were provided, and managers tightly controlled who could live there.
Religious organisations and individuals also established missions to house Aboriginal people, train them in Christian ideals and undertake domestic work. Around 10 missions were established in NSW between 1824 and 1923. Many Aboriginal people have adopted the term ‘mission’ or ‘mish’ to refer to reserve settlements and fringe camps.
We have used historical terms; however, ‘Aborigine’* is no longer used or accepted when referring to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
AIATSIS.109.BW-N05377_21 The grounds at Kinchela Boys' Home, (large tree in the foreground, building in the background) Source: AIATSIS