Cavendish Road State High School from just south of the Brisbane Central Business District has returned to Bingara for their Year 11 Modern History excursion. This year they sent three classes, each spending one night at The Living Classroom (TLC) before returning the following day via the Myall Creek Massacre Memorial site.
Students from Cavendish Road High plant ‘Pig weed’ a highly valued
bush tucker, beside one of the swales at TLC.
“It was like ‘Russian roulette’ at TLC”, said the Gwydir Learning Region Manager Rick Hutton. “From last Monday through to Wednesday, one group would arrive, stock up with food for breakfast downtown, take a tour of the Roxy, then settle in at the Bunkhouse before going for dinner at one of the Bingara restaurants.”
“After dinner, they had a presentation at TLC, before a song and some toasted marshmallows around the campfire. Then off to bed for an early start the next day visiting Myall Creek before the bus trip back to Brissie!” Rick explained.
It was very much a quick trip for the three classes, but one which the Head Teacher Humanities, Strachan Kosanovic, said was extremely worthwhile. “Our students take this time to get to know each other better, to discover a little about country towns and to learn about the events that took place at Myall Creek in 1838. One could question ‘Why drive 14 hours round trip for a 1 hour walk – it’s because of The Living Classroom and the amazing work done at the site” said Strachan.
The students left their mark at TLC by planting some ‘bush tucker’ plants on the site. Rick Hutton thanked them for making the trip, and invited them all to return some day if only to see how their plants have flourished.
Although each of the three classes had a quick turnaround visit, they all had some ‘first time’ experiences. The first class was fed at the Sporting Club Restaurant during a blackout, the second group enjoyed a rousing evening of songs around the campfire, and the third class planted the ‘bush tucker’ as part of the TLC food story. “They all seemed to enjoy themselves,” said Rick Hutton, “and it is very rewarding to see The Living Classroom stretching its appeal all the way to Brisbane.”
