Databases and Indexes

Further details of many of these database indexes may be available through the Geelong Family History Group.

Make sure you look at the two Research Options on their website and most importantly follow the link to the GFHG Research Files Catalogue List to check for these or many more indexes and documents.

• South Barwon: Court of Petty Sessions Cause List Books (1859-1888); Court of Petty Sessions Registers (1888-1899)
• Public Record Office Victoria, North Melbourne
• VPRS 350 Unit 11 [part indexed]

• NAME: Either Prosecutor / Complainant / Applicant OR Defendant - COMMENT field will explain which
• DATE: of court sitting
• OTHER NAMES: Either Prosecutor / Complainant / Applicant OR Defendant - COMMENT field will explain which
• COMMENT: Reason for court appearance, and explanation of NAME and OTHER NAMES field for EACH entry
• REFERENCE: VPRS number and UNIT number (entries are in chronological order)

VPRS 350 contains 9 Units:

• Unit 1: Cause List Book 1859-1863
• Unit 2: Cause List Book 1863-1868
• Unit 3: Cause List Book 1868-1873 [part indexed - to end of 1869 at this stage]

• 1,875 entries
• The majority of these have been duplicated as each entry contains two sets of names - Prosecutor and Defendant.

• How before the court?: Arrest, summons etc
• Fees: associated with court appearance
• Charge, cause or proceeding: more detail than provided in the COMMENT field
• Decision, memo of conviction or order
• Remarks

If you would like to assist with indexing the registers for the South Barwon Court of Petty Sessions, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it who is co-ordinating this project.