Diocesan Archives

Archivists ensure that records which have value as authentic evidence of administrative, corporate, cultural and intellectual activity are made, kept and used……  the work ensures management and retention of personal, corporate and social memory.
 From the Mission statement of the Australian Society of Archivists

Every five years, the diocesan bishop is required to submit to the Vatican a report on his diocese.
Part of the report includes a section on what is being done to preserve the history and “patrimony” of the local Church

The Diocesan Archives are housed in a purpose-built facility where important records are preserved in a climate-controlled environment— 20C and RH 55%. This is the industry standard for preservation of documents

Evolution of the Rockhampton Diocese

Click here for a chart on the Evolution of the Rockhampton Diocese

Archivist:

Fr Val Shoolepoff,
Assoc. Member ASA

Fr Val is assisted by two part-time research assistants

The Diocesan Archives hold the following resources:

  • Baptismal and Marriage Registers of the regions dating back to 1863, and various Confirmation and Death registers;
  • Documents and correspondence generated by the Bishops, parishes and diocesan agencies;
  • Complete editions of “The Review” since its inception;
  • Memorabilia of events and anniversaries;
  • Religious and Liturgical artifacts (museum-types items)
  • Architectural and engineering drawings of diocesan buildings and plant;
  • Photographs of diocesan/parish personalities and events
    (as yet uncatalogued);
  • Taped recordings (audio and video) of major events;
  • Extensive holdings (incomplete) of the Australasian Catholic Directory

Although simple enquiries can be dealt with over the telephone, research requests should be in writing—by mail or email.
It can shorten research time if as many details as possible are provided: full names, dates of birth, localities of residence.

The work we do - the services we provide

  • In addition to the collection, preservation and documenting resources:
  • Research for diocesan agencies;
  • Research support for historians and researchers;
  • Issue of Baptism certificates and assistance to family history researchers;
  • Provision of copies (certified when necessary) of requested documents.
  • Because of the physical and private nature of many resources, the Archives are not open to the public.

To contact us:
Diocesan Archives
DCEO Complex
143 West Street
PO  Box 524
Rockhampton  Qld  4700

Phone: [07] 49 313 708
Fax:      [07] 49 313 700
E-mail: archives@rok.catholic.net.au