Castledare Boy’s Home

Castledare was a well-known boys’ home located on Fern Road in Wilson, a southern suburb of Perth. It opened in 1929 by the Christian Brothers (a Catholic religious order) and for decades, it provided care for boys with disabilities and learning difficulties. The home played a major role in Western Australia’s child welfare history, especially in caring for children who were often overlooked in mainstream services.

 

The Castledare Home

Castledare was built on what was originally a grand private estate, known for its large house and scenic surroundings along the Canning River. The Christian Brothers bought the property and converted it into a care facility for boys with special needs, who at the time were sometimes called “delicate” or “slow learning” boys.

 

It was also known as St Vincent Boys’ Home, Castledare Special School, Castledare Junior Orphanage and Castledare Boy’s Home.

 

In its early years, Castledare focused on providing shelter, basic schooling and practical life skills. Boys lived in large dormitories, attended classes on-site and were involved in light farm work or recreational activities. Many of the children were from Perth and regional areas of WA, while some were also British child migrants sent to Australia under government-supported schemes.

 

During the 1950s and 1960s, Castledare constructed extensions to accommodate more boys, with extra dormitories and facilities. However, like many large institutions of the time, it became known for being a strict environment with rigid routines and little personal freedom for the boys.