Following a vote in the legislative Assembly, the Governor of Victoria with the advice of the Executive Council established a Central Board to watch over the Interests of the Aborigines on May 21 1860, with the Board meeting for the first time in June 1860.

According to the Governors Commission, the functions of the Board were:

i. The protection of the Aborigines residing in the Colony of Victoria;

ii. to advise the Government as to the amount of public monies to be voted from year to year for the benefit of the Aborigines;

iii. to control the expenditure of such money in the most efficient and economical manner;

iv. to recommend the proclamation of reserves for aboriginal purposes;

v. to supply rations, clothes, stock, implements and other articles that might benefit the Aborigines;

vi. to recommend the appointment or removal of all agents, officers or local committees in connection with the Board and to direct and control the duties of all such persons so appointed or employed.

The Central Board was succeeded by the Board for the Protection of the Aborigines (VA 515) established under the Aborigines (Protection) Act 1869.

Location of Records

Consult the List of Holdings section 16.5.0