History of Kew Cottages
Formed in 1887, Kew Cottages is Australia’s largest and oldest institution for people with an intellectual disability.
The Department of Human Services recognises the social and cultural history of the institution. The story of Kew Cottages will be captured in an innovative research project, to be carried out by a team from La Trobe University.
The project will have 3 major components:
- An academic history, documenting the many phases of Kew Cottages from its early days as a radical and pioneering institution;
- An oral history will capture the experiences of the people who have made up Kew Cottages – residents, families and staff;
- A further project will use creative methods such as artwork or photography to represent the perspectives of Kew residents who are unable to take part in ways that rely on the written or spoken word.
For more information see:
Kew News October 2004 (PDF, 1400KB)
Those willing to contribute with memories, pictures, stories and
experiences are invited to contact Dr Lee-Ann Monk via:
Kew Cottages History Project
History Program
La Trobe University
Victoria, 3086
Phone: 9479 2366 or email: l.monk@latrobe.edu.au