Association for the Assimilation of Aborigines 1956-1963

The Association for the Assimilation of Aborigines collection documents the activities, advocacy work, and administrative operations of the Armidale Branch from its formation through the mid-1970s. The collection provides significant insight into mid-20th century approaches to Aboriginal welfare, housing initiatives, and community integration efforts in regional New South Wales, capturing a critical period of policy development culminating in the 1967 referendum.

Administrative records form the core of the collection, including three minute books spanning 1956-1963, financial statements (1958-1959, 1963), and later operational records including an order book (1973-1974), receipt books (1970-1973), cheque butts, bank statements (1970-1974), and accounts (1971-1974). These materials document organizational governance, financial management, and day-to-day operations.

Policy and advocacy materials include the Association's constitution, draft constitutions, policy statements, and a detailed "Statement of Policy in Connection with the Armidale Aborigines." A significant sub-committee report examines proposals for an Aboriginal Reserve on Long Swamp Road (with accompanying map).

Documentation of the 1967 referendum includes press releases and arguments for and against Aboriginal law reforms, demonstrating the Association's involvement in this watershed moment.

Correspondence files (1957-1959, 1973) and reports (1958-1959) provide evidence of the Association's networking and program development.

Publications include newsletters (1953, 1958), press releases (1958), and education materials.

Press clippings with handwritten index (1957-1960) track media coverage and public discourse on Aboriginal issues.

Conference proceedings document two significant events hosted in Armidale: the Conference on N.S.W. Aborigines (May 1959, published by UNE) and the Conference on Welfare Policies for Australian Aborigines (May 1960, published by UNE Adult Education). These reflect the Association's role in facilitating policy dialogue.

Housing advocacy materials include a brochure for the Apex/AAA Homes for Aborigines Appeal and related documentation, plus materials from the New England Aboriginal Housing Co. Media coverage includes articles from the Armidale Express ("Armidale Aborigine Houses Best Kept," 10/06/1966), Australian Women's Weekly ("Assimilation: Club breaks color bar," 06/11/1957), and the Castlecrag Newsletter (April 1959). 

The collection includes an interview transcript with James Thomas Smith, President of the Aborigines Education Association (07/06/1966), and a 1973 essay by Diane Paine documenting the formation and early work of the AAA, prepared as part of her Armidale Teachers College Diploma requirements.