Missions Connect

A Curtin University research study.

In Western Australia, missions run by the government, and later religious organisations, were places that Stolen Generation people were taken to be confined, educated and denied their Aboriginality.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the country, the Wadjuk Noongar nation, on who’s land Curtin University is situated, their continuing connection to country and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

We also acknowledge:

The traditional owners of all the mission sites we have researched for allowing the project access. We acknowledge your Elders past, present and emerging.
The Survivors and their families who generously and bravely shared their stories with our team – this project could not have happened without your input.
All Stolen Generations organisations and other Aboriginal organisations.

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website and research study may contain images, video and voices of deceased persons.

The content of this website relates to former Mission sites in Western Australia where Aboriginal people were taken from family, country and culture. This content may be distressing as it bears witness to the traumas that occurred in these places.

Agree and continue

Explore the Carrolup-Marribank Mission Timeline.

Carrolup-Marribank Mission

Over the Years

1915

Carrolup Native Settlement Established

Carrolup Native Settlement is established on the bend of the Carrolup River, 15kms west of Katanning. The government run site was developed into a closed, self-contained town with school dormitories, dining rooms, a kitchen and bakery.

Late 1940's

Childrens Artwork Created

Childrens artwork created at this time has become Internationally recognised and went on to inspire future Aboriginal artists. (Forrest & Johnson 2017:19)

1952

Mission Transferred & Renamed

The mission was renamed Marribank and transferred to the Baptist Union to be run as a residential mission.

1995

Site Ownership Transferred

Southern Aboriginal Corporation acquired the site and initiatives saw it used as the Marribank Family Centre to foster craftwork. It is on the State Heritage Register and is currently abandoned.

References:

Forrest, Simon and Michelle Johnston, 2017 ‘Koolark koort koorliny: Reconciliation, art and storytelling in an Australian Aboriginal community’, Australian Aboriginal Studies 2017/1: 14–27.

Reena Tiwari, John Stephens and Ryan Hooper 2019. ‘Mission rehabilitation — a community-centric approach to Aboriginal healing’ Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. 2019/2: 19-33.