Watson Lodge

Located at 162 Aberdeen Street in Northbridge (then part of West Perth), Watson Lodge opened in 1967 under the Western Australian Child Welfare Department. Purpose-built as a government-run hostel, it provided closely supervised accommodation for up to 12 teenage girls, all wards of the State, with some referred by the Children’s Court. The aim was to support young women who had struggled in foster care or other placements and who were considered in need of “special treatment and training in responsibility.”

The rented house was partly renovated by boys from Riverbank before becoming Watson Lodge, with staff and residents later redecorating to create a more welcoming environment. Life at the hostel focused on building independence and life skills. For their first three to four weeks, the girls, aged up to 18 and of “working age”, were encouraged to settle in, take part in household chores and find their place in the social structure of the home before starting work or training. Residents could then either seek employment and pay board or receive pre-employment support. A recreational program was also provided, though it exercised strict control over the girls’ social activities. Upon turning 18 and leaving wardship, ongoing support was available if needed.

While some residents adapted well, others arrived with complex personal and social challenges. Early reports cited issues such as drug use, ‘promiscuity’ and self-harm. In 1971, a targeted training program was introduced to reduce repeat placements and records suggest it was effective. Admissions dropped from 65 in 1968 to 35 in 1972 and by 1978 had fallen to just 24. By 1972, girls were also being placed at younger ages and for longer periods. The hostel operated with female staff working shifts rather than living on site.

In 1976, Watson Lodge became affiliated with Nyandi Juvenile Detention Centre, moving to a more community-based model linked to youth justice. Bed numbers were reduced to eight and by 1984 the residential program formally closed.

Three years later, in 1987, the premises reopened as the Watson Lodge Life Skills Centre, offering non-residential programs to help young women develop practical and personal skills for independent living.