The Making of the Bungaree History Walk


In 2011 the students of Bungaree Primary School researched the town of Bungaree with help from the members of the Bungaree & District Historical Society. Dennis Spielvogel (Spiv) and Sherrill McKinnon helped the children put together a map of the town, using historical notes from Eddie Keeble, a long time resident who left behind some memoirs. They painted a large map and then placed each building based upon records. Some building have long disappeared.

Later in the year the older children researched many of the significant buildings in Bungaree. They put together slide shows which were presented at the 2011 History Festival in Ballarat. Click here to see the slide shows they made. 

Meanwhile the younger children learnt about the old bluestone Bungaree school. They recreated school life by dressing in period costume. They also drew pictures of school life based upon the memories of Bill Grigg who was a student at the school. 

The partnership won a NAB Schools First award which has provided the resourcing to take it the next step. Click here to read more about the award.


2012.

Picture
Roy Huggins helping Keeley and Chloe with their research in 2011.

In 2012 the students have again collaborated with the historical society to produce a self-guided historical walk for the town. This website is designed to present extra information, as well as showcasing the childrens' research for you to enjoy as you proceed on the walk.  

Acknowledgements:

This history project was made possible because of the following people and organisations:
  • The students of Bungaree Primary School in 2011 and 2012.
  • The staff from Bungaree Primary School; Calvin Tromp, Jan Westake, Sherrill McKinnon and Querim Gonzalez.
  • Dennis Spielvogel (Spiv), president of the Bungaree and District Historical Society. His vision, passion and enthusiasm for local history has helped drive this project.
  • The NAB Bank for providing seed funding.
  • Heather Trigg for her articles on the schools, Mechanics' Institute and St Johns.
  • The many members of the Bungaree and District Historical Society.
  • Max Lawless, Dot Devereux, Kevin and Frank Hanrahan, Lucy O'Donohue, Frank McGuigan,  for being agreeing to be interviewed.
  • The Grampians Department of Education and Early Childhood Education, in particular Mr John McClure.
  • Eddie Keeble for writing his recollections and producing a town map.

Click on a photo below to enlarge it.