This article e describes conditions the Purfleet government reserve near Taree from 1903-1965, documenting how the prevailing policy philosophies of the day drove changes in the organisation of the reserve. 

John Ramsland, 'The Aboriginal School at Purfleet, 1903-1965: A Case Study of the Segregation of Aboriginal Children in New South Wales, Australia' (2006) 35(1) History of Education Review 47

In 1909, the Aborigines Protection Board became the owner of all reserves. The Board had control over who could, and could not, live on a reserve. Board officials, including Board employees and NSW police officers, had direct control over the lives of Aboriginal people on reserves.

Aborigines Protection Board and reserves

The standard of living on stations and reserves was often very poor. Aboriginal people suffered from sickness, malnutrition, ill treatment and inadequate accommodation. They were expected to work on or off the reserves.

Document

John Ramsland, 'The Aboriginal School at Purfleet, 1903-1965: A Case Study of the Segregation of Aboriginal Children in New South Wales, Australia' (2006) 35(1) History of Education Review 47

Aborigines Protection Board and reserves

Conditions on reserves

Conditions on reserves