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Good Shepherd Archives

The Good Shepherd Archive is located in Abbotsford, Melbourne. It manages the records of the Good Shepherd Sisters in Australia and New Zealand dating from 1863 until the present day.

The Archive offers a research service to former residents, to their relatives and to people interested in the Good Shepherd mission in Australia, New Zealand and Tahiti. The research service operates part time and operates by mail.

All requests for personal information must be accompanied by some form of personal identification such as a copy of your birth certificate or a copy of your current driver’s licence. If you are applying for information about another person, their permission is required. If you are applying for information about a person who is deceased, proof of death is required. Proof of your relationship to the deceased person is also required.

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We are here to help

About Us

Learn more about Good Shepherd here >

Contact Us

Get in touch by phone on 1800 812 702 (free call within Australia) or email archives@goodshep.org.au

Locate Us

Find your nearest service provider here >

More resources

Good Shepherd Heart

Our History

The Sisters of The Good Shepherd came from France to Australia in 1863 to help vulnerable women and children during the Gold Rush.

Former Resident Support

The Chapel History Centre

Our friendly volunteers can answer your questions or take you on a tour of the Chapel.

Former Resident Support

Our Apology to Former Residents

Good Shepherd is committed to supporting former residents and improving their wellbeing today.

Other services you may be interested in

Heritage Engagement Program

Heritage Engagement Program

Good Shepherd supports former residents of Good Shepherd institutions and welfare homes. Through our Heritage Engagement Program we can support former residents in accessing their records and assist them and their families in seeking to understand their past.
Good Shepherd Apology to Former Residents

Good Shepherd Apology to Former Residents

Good Shepherd is committed to supporting former residents and improving their wellbeing today. To do this, we must act with sincerity and empathy, recognising the suffering they experienced can still be felt today.
National Redress Scheme

National Redress Scheme

The National Redress Scheme provides acknowledgement and support to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse.
Former Residents: Other resources

Former Residents: Other resources

Our Memorial Committee is ensuring all sites are marked to remember, honour and acknowledge women and children who spent time in Good Shepherd institutions in consultation with former residents and local communities.