Chandlers Boys Settlement (Roelands Village)

Statement of Significance

Roelands Village is rare as an example of a non-denominational, privately owned place, established through philanthropic means for the care of Aboriginal children. It is representative of the philanthropic vision of Peter Albany Bell, and of a working mission farm, with some original mud huts still remaining on the property. The place is significant to the Aboriginal community, staff and former children residents who spent time there.

Values

The place is rare as an example of a non-denominational, privately owned place, established through philanthropic means for the care of Aboriginal children.

The place is representative of the philanthropic vision of Peter Albany Bell.

The place is representative of a working mission farm, with some original mud huts still remaining on the property.

The place is significant to the Aboriginal Community, staff and former children residents who spent time there.

Physical Description

Roelands Village is a 225 ha property on the Collie River comprising a series of residential and community buildings. Included are eight houses surrounding a communal green space, two original mud huts (1930s), weatherboard dorimitory style housing and cottages, and a stone fruit orchard. Accomodation and facilities were upgraded in 2004.

History

In 1928, Peter Albany Bell, philanthropist and businessman, acquired a 3,750 acre farm in Roelands. From 1937-1938 Bell developed the property to be a self-sustaining farm and invited Aboriginal families from the local area to grow crops on the farm to generate income. Mud huts, used as sleeping quarters, were constructed as well as the dining room, kitchen and manager’s residence. The place was named Chandlers Boys Settlement, after Thomas Chandler who was instrumental to the place's vision. Around the same time Maston Bell, son of Albany Bell, formed the Roelands Native Mission Farm. Many occupants of Roelands Native Mission Farm were housed at Chandlers Boys Settlement in the mud-style cottages until dormitory style accomodation was erected in 1948. The Child Welfare Department took over from the Department of Native Affairs in 1968 and a series of changes soon occurred, including the abolishment of dormitory style accomodation. In 1984 Roelands closed and was out of use until the land was put up for sale in 2004 by The Churches of Christ Federal Aborigines Mission Board Inc.

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This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.