St Mary’s Hostel, NT, bought by Government, with truth-telling for Stolen Generation prioritised

A former boarding school near Alice Springs, which features a chapel with a heritage-listed mural inside, has been bought by the Territory government for more than $3m. Here’s why.

A significant remembrance and truth-telling site in Alice Springs has been purchased by the Territory Labor Government with a view to developing social and affordable housing on the property.

A property with links to the Stolen Generation has been purchased with the view to it becoming a truth-telling site.

Located near Alice Springs, St Mary’s Hostel was bought by the Northern Territory Government with the added intention to develop social and affordable housing on the property.

Urban Housing Minister Ngaree Ah Kit said the site held “historical” and community value.

“St Mary’s Hostel is steeped in Northern Territory history and survivors of the Stolen Generation hold many memories and mixed feelings about their time here,” she said.

“The Territory Labor Government’s investment in this site ensures it will become a place of historical and heritage value, while serving as a beneficial community asset into the future.”

Minister Ah Kit with members of the Stolen Generation who lived at St Mary’s Hostel. Picture: Supplied.

St Mary’s Hostel operated from 1947 to 1972 as a boarding school for mainly Aboriginal children who would later become known as members of the Stolen Generation.

Ms Ah Kit said multiple stakeholders – including the Anglican Church – had been involved in the $3.25 million acquisition.

“The purchase of St Mary’s Hostel has been a collaboration between our government, the Anglican Church, and the St Mary’s Stolen Generation Group which ensures it becomes a place that not only pays respect to the past, but serves as a valuable and practical community asset.”

The St Mary’s chapel which includes a heritage listed mural will be preserved. Picture: Supplied.

Up to 10 per cent of the sale amount was allocated to preservation efforts, with works to identify sacred and significant sites on the lot by Traditional Owners and the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority set to occur.

Stolen Generation Group Chairperson Anne Ronberg said her team were eager to “honour” the significance of the site.

“We are looking forward to working with the Northern Territory Government and the Anglican Church to honour our families and past and present Stolen Generation people by memorialising the legacy of the site and stories of St Mary’s.”

The group was particularly intent to preserve the heritage-listed 1958 mural designed by Hungarian artist Robert Czakó.

Anglican Bishop Dr Greg Anderson maintained the group’s commitment to the unique building.

“We’re committed to the preservation of the chapel and memorialising the legacy of the St Mary’s site in collaboration with the former residents.”