Prior to 1818, there were solely Aboriginal people tribes living in the greater area before European settlers arrival. By 1900, some 18 acres of land at Purfleet were allocated towards an
Aboriginal reserve, originally known as Sunshine Station, established by the
Aborigines Protection Board, with the purpose of
racial segregation. Originally known as Sunshine Station, Aboriginals who are re-located from the greater area to the reserve, were forbidden to leave to go to nearby towns unless they attained permission of the manager. A
mission school operated on the reserve from 1903 until 1952. The Purfleet/Taree Local
Aboriginal Land Council is located within the suburb, as is the Biripi Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre. Aunty
Pat Davis-Hurst , an
Aboriginal elder, healthcare worker and activist, was born on the mission. ==References==