Subject Search Guides
About Public Record Office Victoria
Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) is the archive of State and Local Governments in Victoria. We hold over 100 km of digital and physical records from 1836 to the present day. Many records are accessible to the public either online or for viewing in our Reading Rooms. PROV also sets mandatory recordkeeping standards for state and local government agencies and provides advice on recordkeeping to government.
A volunteer success story
This year we celebrate International Volunteer Day with huge news from our volunteer team - they've just completed their multi-year project to list the central registered correspondence of the Department of Education, dating back to 1873! Congratulations to all of our volunteers and thank you for your continued dedication to making Victoria's public records more accessible for all.
Look history in the eye
NEW EPISODE AVAILABLE: In this award-winning podcast series by Public Record Office Victoria we interview the people who delve into public archives and uncover interesting truths about Melbourne and Victoria's past. Hear about the amazing monuments never built, Victoria's queer history, prison escapes...and new in November 2024...the Brookside Reformatory girls.
Hazelwood power station drawings book
As part of our recent transfer of Hazelwood Power Station records, we now have the Stage 1 Drawings Book available to view online. The Drawings Book, 1959, contains colourful large plans and technical drawings prepared in response to the tender for construction of the power station.
We built this city
A City of Greater Dandenong heritage project involved a series of public installations with links to videos celebrating the diversity and history behind local sites such as Harmony Square. The project was funded by a local history grant. Applications for the next round of grants is now open.
Delve into the archives
Stay up to date with the latest records and interesting stories uncovered from the collection. This blog will offer you a snapshot into the world of historical research featuring the extraordinary tales of Victorian people captured within Victorian Government archives.
Records management
Personal information is at risk when agencies do not have an effective disposal program in place and continue to hold public records for longer than the required minimum legal retention period. See our advice for managing personal information in records.
Visit us
Monday to Friday 10am to 4:30pm and every second and last Saturday of the month. Closed public holidays. Visit
Please note the PROV reading room is closed from 2pm Tuesday 24 December, reopening Thursday 2 January 2025. The National Archives' reading area is closed from 4:30pm 20 December until Wednesday 8 January 2025.
Monday to Thursday 10am to 4:30pm. Closed public holidays. Visit
Please note this reading room is closed from 4:30pm Monday 23 December, reopening Monday 6 January 2025.
Wednesday and Thursday 10am to 4pm. Closed public holidays. Visit
Please note this reading room is closed on 25, 26 December and 1 January, reopening 2 January 2025.
Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4pm. Closed weekends, Mondays and public holidays. Visit
Closed weekends, Mondays and public holidays.
Please note this reading room is closed from 5pm Tuesday 24 December, reopening Thursday 2 January 2025.