Aboriginal Protection Board established
North Coastal - 1883

Aboriginal Protection Board established by New South Wales Government (later to become known as the Aborigines Welfare Board). The Board begins to remove Aboriginal children from families, previously done only by missionaries. The Board’s powers are legislated through an Act of Parliament in 1909. The Board’s policy is that all Aboriginal people should live on reserves. In 1883 there are 25 Aboriginal reserves in NSW totaling 1,414 hectares. By 1900 there are 133 reserves. Aboriginal people are encouraged to farm these reserves and farm equipment is supplied. Most of these reserves had insufficient food but the Aboriginal people are expected to be self sufficient. Supplies of rations were only given to the aged, sick and children.