Volume 14 No 1 March 2011

TALKABOUT HAS REACHED A CROSSROADS.

This issue of Talkabout is the first of Volume 14. It has been published three times a year for over thirteen years. That means that the editors have put together enough information for 40 editions and have been able to maintain the interest of hundreds of ex-students of Wagga Wagga Teachers College covering the years 1947 to 1971. In 1997 the Alumni Association resurrected the College paper, Talkabout, with the dual aim of communicating with as many Alumni as possible, and to raise money to provide a perpetual scholarship for an Education student at the Wagga Campus of CSU. Because of the incredible detective work of Ann Smith the first aim was achieved, as the majority of ex-students have been found and added to the Talkabout mailing list, which now totals over 3,500. The second aim has been achieved, as the Scholarship target of $60,000 has been reached so that scholarships of up to $6,000 can be awarded each year. Unfortunately our appeals for contributions to pay for the printing and postage of Talkabout have largely fallen on deaf ears. In spite of having Talkabout delivered to them for 13 years, more than two thirds of those on the mailing list have made absolutely no contribution. We can only assume that those people are no longer interested in reading anything related to Wagga Wagga Teachers College, and therefore do not wish to receive any further copies. The cost of printing and postage has increased beyond the amount we have been receiving from contributions so it has been decided that a voluntary contribution will no longer suffice. This is the last issue which will be posted to all alumni. In future only those who pay a subscription will receive a printed copy of Talkabout. Talkabout is uploaded to the CSU website and many alumni have indicated that they are happy to receive their copy electronically. Alumni with computers will be able to view Talkabout on line, and all those who have been regular contributors will continue to receive a printed copy. For this year the annual subscription will remain at the suggested contribution level of $10 with the possibility of a change in the future. WWT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 8TH FEBRUARY 2011

ELECTION OF OFFICE standard and is much enjoyed by its (WATAL) and a tree with the BEARERS FOR 2011. readership. Talkabout is an original sign marking the opening of important communication tool for the Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College There being no other alumni present the WWTA Alumni and provides a in 1947. The naming of the student at the meeting, the existing valuable means for fundraising, residential block pays tribute to the committee was reelected for the recalling teaching memories, significant and historic role that the coming year. advertising and reporting on WWTC played in the development In attendance was Michelle Fawkes reunions as well as a vital link to the of CSU. who has now been appointed the University. Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College, Manager, Alumni and Philanthropy Charles Sturt University pays tribute through its Scholarship, has at Charles Sturt University. to the dedicated editors, Lindsay established a lasting legacy for She submitted a comprehensive Budd and Lew Morrell, who three future teaching students of Charles report and the following is taken times per year produce a quality Sturt University. from that report. magazine, continually evolving its The physical reminders of the content and methods of delivery to Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College on meet the needs and expectations of the Charles Sturt University Wagga REPORT FROM THE the alumni of Wagga Wagga Wagga campus and the naming of MANAGER, ALUMNI AND Teachers’ College. PHILANTHROPY. the WATAL building pay tribute to THE LEGACY OF WAGGA the dedication, hard work and WAGGA TEACHERS’ generosity of the Committee and 2010 saw Charles Sturt University COLLEGE members of the Wagga Wagga establish an Advancement Unit Teachers’ Alumni Association. within the Office of Corporate Charles Sturt University is proud to Affairs and the establishment of the claim the Wagga Wagga Teachers’ FUTURE DIRECTION OF Faculty Advancement Officer (FAO) College as one of its predecessor WWTAA institutions. WWTC was the first role in partnership with the Faculty The major issues identified by the wholly residential co-educational of Education and its alumni. WWTAA are the distribution of tertiary institution on a single Talkabout and where to from here Throughout the year, the focus was campus in . As such, its with fundraising, but perhaps the on supporting the Faculty of students formed enduring bonds. more pressing issue of all is the Education to meet its objective of The success of the WWTAA can, no sustainability of the WWTAA. building strong and enduring doubt, be attributed to the strength of relationships with its alumni and these bonds and the long lasting Talkabout magazine (the cost of its encouraging philanthropic support adherence to the College motto printing and distribution to alumni) for CSU and its students from “Excel with Honour”. In June 2010, Mr Adrian Lindner current and potential donors. The dedicated and generous support advised the WWTAA that the Head The WWTAA, through its efforts in given by the alumni of the Wagga of Campus Wagga Wagga Office co-ordination with the FAO, has Wagga Teachers’ College has would assist the Association for a made a considerable contribution to enabled $60,000.00 to be set aside to period of 12 months with the cost of these goals. secure the Wagga Wagga Teachers’ printing and distribution of hard On behalf of the University and the College Annual Scholarship in copy Talkabout. This assistance is Faculty of Education, I would like to perpetuity. The Scholarship will be conditional on the Association take this opportunity to formally offered each year in accordance with notifying its alumni that they will thank the President of the WWTAA, the criteria already established by need to supply an email address to Mr Bob Collard, the Committee and the WWTAA. CSU to continue to receive the magazine. There is only one more the many members and donors from Charles Sturt University in Wagga hard copy issue of Talkabout to be within the Association for their Wagga is privileged to have, on its produced with Head of Campus dedication to the objectives of the north campus grounds, four tangible Office assistance. Association and Charles Sturt reminders of WWTC – the Rotunda University. and the statue of Myrtle both Outlined below are options for your TALKABOUT brought from the WWTC site; as consideration: well as the newly dedicated Wagga • print and distribute hard copy of The Talkabout magazine in 2010 Alumni Teachers’ Association Lodge was once again of a very high Talkabout to all alumni without Page 2 email, using a provider external Advice on constitutional procedures I’m not really grouchy, I just don’t to CSU. The provider can enter pertaining to the dissolution of the like traffic, waiting, crowds, into a ‘Confidentiality Association can be provided to the lawyers, loud music, unruly kids, Agreement’ with CSU for the WWTAA by the University’s Toyota commercials, barking dogs, supply of the mailing list; corporate governance and legal lying politicians, and a few other • divisions if so requested. print and distribute only to those things I can’t seem to remember who contribute to the Michelle Fawkes. right now. Management Fund, again using Manager, Alumni and Philanthropy a provider external to CSU; or email: [email protected] I’m sure everything I can’t find is in • discontinue the publication. a safe secure place, somewhere. ****************** In support of the Association, I’m wrinkled, saggy, lumpy, and Charles Sturt University can offer: YES, I’M A SENIOR CITIZEN! that’s just my left leg. • free distribution to all WWTC I’m having trouble remembering alumni with email addresses an I’m the life of the party...... even if it simple words like...... electronic PDF copy of the lasts until 8 P.M. Talkabout magazine supplied by I’m beginning to realize that aging is the Editors and place the I’m very good at opening childproof not for wimps. magazine on the Alumni caps... with a hammer. website; and I’m sure they are making adults I’m usually interested in going home much younger these days, and when • incorporation of any WWTC before I get to where I am going. did they let kids become policemen? teaching memories, reunion notices or other WWTAA I’m awake many hours before my I’m wondering, if you’re only as old information submitted to the body allows me to get up. as you feel, how could I be alive at FAO into email communications 150? to alumni of the Faculty of I’m smiling all the time because I Education at the Dean’s can’t hear a thing you’re saying. And, how can my kids be older than discretion. I’m very good at telling stories; over I feel sometimes? The WWTAA (the future) and over and over and over... I’m a walking storeroom of facts..... Since the inception of the Wagga I’m aware that other people’s I’ve just lost the key to the Wagga Teachers’ College Alumni grandchildren are not nearly as cute storeroom door. Association in 1997 at the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of as mine. Yes, I’m a SENIOR CITIZEN and I WWTC, the members of the I’m so cared for — long term care, think I am having the time of my Committee, predominately Pioneers, eye care, private care, dental care. life! have devoted many hours and much energy to developing and supporting ****************** the Association and its objectives. Over the years, there have been only CONTACTS a small number of more recent alumni who have come forward to President: Bob Collard MBE: 2 Louise Close, Ourimbah 2258 add their help. Phone 02 4362 2764 Secretary: Dorothy Tanner: 282 Doncaster Ave, Kingsford 2032 Now, 14 years on, most of the Ph 02 9663 3204 E-mail: [email protected] original Committee still stands. I Research and Records Officer (Retired): understand that many of you are John Orange: Unit 1 1039 Pacific Highway, Pymble 2073 wishing to stand down at this Phone 02 9144 2690 meeting and enjoy other activities in Treasurer: Lindsay Budd: 4 Flemington Close, Casula 2170 your lives. Phone 02 9601 3003 E-mail: [email protected] Talkabout Editors: If filling the positions of the Lindsay Budd: 4 Flemington Close, Casula 2170 WWTAA Management Committee is Lew Morrell: 25 Grandview Drive, Newport 2106 shown to be untenable, the Phone 02 9997 1506 E-mail: [email protected] Committee may in accordance with Faculty Advancement Officer: The University Advancement Unit, its Constitution take steps to dissolve Charles Sturt University, Bathurst NSW 2795 Phone 02 6338 4680. Email: [email protected] the Association. Page 3 REUNION PAGE 1959-60 50 YEAR REUNION

2010 was the 50th year anniversary of RSL Lounge and in casual groups Jennings gave a speech which WWTC 1959-60 students, so a very went to dinner, after which we all covered most aspects of our WWTC dedicated trio; Beverley Fleming, gravitated back to the lounge for life and happenings in 1959-60. We Julianne Nevin and Barbara (Newby) more getting together and had a Trivia/Questionnaire with Bradstock decided to try for a very reminiscences, showing of photos questions about various aspects of special reunion. and tales of schools, families and WWTC in our time. Answers varied others not present. Some took to the from “spot on” to “just hilarious.” Emails were sent to everyone dance floor, but most were content to Some teams scored themselves 35/ registered with WWTC Alumni and chat the night away. 30. A little skulduggery there! response was most enthusiastic. The next morning at breakfast, there We all sang “College of the It was decided to hold the reunion in was more catching up, chatting, Riverina” and “Gaudeamus”. with November over a weekend. photos and plans for the day. much gusto, probably more than in The venue was at Mittagong RSL Different groups went to the various 1959-60. Two lecturers attended: which had motel accommodation on venues suggested by organisers: Betty Keech (Robertson) who was same premises. This turned out to be winery, Berrima, Bowral & others. our dorm warden (Ipai) and Bob an excellent choice, as anyone who Huntsman. In retrospect, they were That evening there was a special wished could enjoy a drink or two probably not much older than the dinner held in a private area so it was without having to drive afterwards. students. WWTC full on! The three organisers Most travelled to Mittagong on the had decorated the venue with An official photographer attended Friday and soon after checking in, balloons, streamers and had a huge and she was kept busy all night people were meeting up over lunch/ collection of WWTC memorabilia taking pictures of couples, groups coffee etc. Some people were laid out for all to see. A sumptuous and finally one of the whole immediately recognisable; others had three course meal, with wines was gathering of more than fifty. Pictures changed a little over fifty years! much appreciated by all. Neville were available then and later On Friday evening, we met up in the appeared on their website for more Page 4 REUNION PAGE ordering. It was a wonderful night; many more years. I think someone honoured with an OAM in 2003 and to me it was like being back at suggested another in five more (which he hadn’t mentioned till after college again. Much later some years. I hope it eventuates. Everyone the weekend). A modest hero! stalwarts retired to the lounge for seemed so happy to renew old Janet Parkhill who is still teaching more drinking and dancing. friendships and take that wonderful (Casual). Probably others are too, trip down memory lane. Sunday breakfast saw all manner of but she was the only one I knew of contact details being exchanged, but From my perspective and from my then. the wonderful organisers later put own acquaintances that weekend a Last but not least, the three together a spreadsheet of all few people should be mentioned: wonderful women who made this attendees who had given contact Barbara (Sargent) Hobbs from Ipai/ reunion a reality. They did an information, which they emailed to Mari dorm, who still had her amazing job and I know there was a all. Those three women left WWTC blazer and it still fits! lot going on behind the scenes to absolutely nothing to chance. They make it actually happen. I thank you couldn’t have done more. Judy (Larsen) Price who travelled three wholeheartedly and I am sure I from USA especially for this The weekend was over far too soon speak for all who attended. reunion. and leaving was to me reminiscent Joan Kirkham (Robinson) of leaving WWTC in December My grad partner, Brian Webb who 1960; very sad. Many of us would survived a massive stroke twenty

like to get together again before too years ago and who also had been ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 1950-51 GIRLS ANNUAL REUNION

Back: Barbara Trist (Tibbits), Narelle Griffiths, (Matthews), Ella Keesing (Redpath), Gladys Meaney-Budd (Chapman) Front: Pam Holman (Clayton), Decima Pickles (Wheeler), Margaret King ( Wallace), Marjie Bell (Burke) For more than 35 years a group of and notifies the other girls of the in , Barbara from Urunga girls from the 1950-51 session have venue. and Margaret from Nowra. been meeting for lunch once a year This year the lunch was held at the As you can imagine the conversation in . More than 20 girls from Swissotel Sydney on Market Street. flowed as they caught up on their the session have attended over the The day was one of the hottest on various activities over the previous years. Decima makes the booking record so the numbers were down year. for the first Wednesday in February but several girls travelled a long way ******************* to be there. Ella from Mt Waverley Page 5 TEACHING MEMORIES DOUG MILL (1963-64) were easy and I spent most of my time Apparently the previous teacher had a REMEMBERS. playing sport — Rugby, Basketball, shrinking population and his nine hando, athletics , swimming, either in pupils had shrunk to six and he had It often takes a glitch in the system to the pool or the river and then girls. I’d failed to advise the Inspector. So my motivate me into action. I received my been to a boys’ school and bought up first job for the NSW Education latest edition of “Talkabout” addressed in a religious family so I had to learn Department was to close the school. to a Mrs Geraldine Mill at my home about girls at College. Well that’s my This took three weeks to reorganize address on a printed tag, whereas for story. the kids, complete some external exams back in Sydney, make years I have received my copy I’ve said many times that they were arrangements with the Inspector and addressed correctly to Mr. Douglas the two best years of my life. I enjoyed keep teaching until the changes were Mill, No. 44253. My wife, Shanti the mature relationships with lecturers, effected. suggested that, the den of iniquity, playing and singing in a folk music Wagga, had reared its head again, and band, running an 880 yards record Not having previously taught at a one there was another unknown woman in time in athletics, diving from the 10 teacher school, in those three weeks I my life. metre board at College carnivals, also had to learn how to teach six This letter is a way of saying please boxing in the Jimmy Sharman tent at pupils in four different age groups fix the glitch and I have no idea who the Wagga Show, kissing girls behind including a 6th class and one in infants. this lady is and she does not live at one of the classrooms, having table I really only remember standing my home. groups that got up to all sorts of tricks outside on playground duty waiting for during meals, day trips to the a slow moving cloud to decide whether Despite that, I have often thought of snowfields, chanting the Maori Haka it would rain on us in this drought writing my memories, but things have before rugby matches and ….. stricken area. It didn’t. So I closed the always got in the way. Besides, unlike school and went to Coonabarabran to many of you, my teaching career At the due time in January 1965 I relief teach, learning to cope with the lasted only one year longer than my received the relevant documents, with Headmasters 6th class while in town two College years so I have more train ticket, to proceed to Warwick. but otherwise going to teach in places memories of College than of teaching, What? I lived in NSW, was trained at like Gunnedah, Tambar Springs, so not many memories at all, but they a NSW College and expected to be Yullemambry, Baradine and were unusual years. sent to a NSW school. Warwick was Binnaway. I played my one and only in Queensland. But further So to College. I was the last entrant in game of League in Coonabarabran. investigation suggested there was a 1963’s intake, probably because I Warwick near Cowra, so at the Relief Teaching continued to be a didn’t have a half decent Leaving appropriate time we headed off to the difficult task because I would go from Certificate performance, after two Central West and found a one teacher one teacher schools with ten pupils to tries, and I had 6 months mucking school in the middle of the Edgell individual classes of 30, often for only around at Uni before I got a job at farms about 12 miles out of Cowra. a day or two, each taught by wildly Qantas. My father insisted that I different methods by quite different become professional and the We drove through miles of a variety teachers who I never met. Of course I alternative was accountancy and I of crops up a small rise and there on was often told “We don’t do that here”, believed that was too boring. So I was one side of the road was a tin shed or “you’re not doing it the right way”. put, along with another late starter into community hall and on the other side the room next to the bathroom of the of the road a one teacher school. We I guess that meant pupils and I did a oldest men’s dorm. (being my parents and I) saw no one lot of reading and the things you do in and drove back into Cowra where one big schools you don’t do in small It was always noisy. But we had a great of the local ministers had a bedroom schools. Ringing a bell for 15 kids in bunch of guys and if there wasn’t to board in. On the Monday I ventured the one room is for the birds. At jamming, there was boxing and of out to the school wondering if anyone Tambar Springs there were four or five course taking on the other men’s else would turn up. It had looked so teachers and I had to relieve there for dorms. Ours had three entrances which deserted, but sure enough over the next what must have been a week although meant we were easy to attack, but we half an hour six pupils turned up, some it seems much shorter. had a bit of cunning and plenty of guts. with parents. I had to stay in the pub and not being My two extra years of age gave me a a drinker I read the paper after school, lot more learning maturity so exams Page 6 TEACHING MEMORIES walked the 100 metre length of the go back to Sydney to Auburn West At the end of three years I was given town and had an early pub dinner by Primary School. Teaching took on new my Teacher’s Certificate and sent to myself in the dining room then a bit meanings — having to prepare a the one teacher school at Bungarby more reading and off to bed. program, meetings in the staff room, (yes, another place never heard of) signing in, playground roster, six bells because they wanted people like me Well from 6:00pm onwards the pub a day, other teachers to socialize with. in places like that. started to swell and swell it did. My imagination suggests there could have One teacher schools and relief The closest I got to Bungarby was the been easily 100 people washing down teaching was a lonely job. We could Education Department in the city the Black Plains dust of the day till use the cane and did. The kids were a where I told them that they were 10:00pm. So finally to sleep. motley lot, from the very best to the ruining my Rugby ambitions, so they very worst. There was little to get them offered Wollongong. But I was To extend the story, in the late 1980’s on side — batball in the playground stubborn and holding out for Sydney. the family was driving down the inland for money seemed the best. We swung Well we both said that a “gun was highways from Lismore to Cowra and the bat and paid up if they caught us. being held to our head” And we didn’t I decided to pass Tambar Springs. 20 kids running for the same ball part friends. Well, nothing had changed. No new didn’t provide many catches. houses, the same general store, service So my teaching career ended in 1967. Obviously in those days there were no station and pub, all without a repaint Since then I’ve worked in Travel optional extras both for them and us. and the brick school on the hill looked Agencies and Travel Wholesale not a day older. I was at Auburn for the rest of my two Companies, in the building industry as and a half years of teaching and I drove a sales rep and then as a Franchise While in Cowra we drove out to from Turramurra across town with the Manager. Warwick and lo and behold the school traffic and then later from North building had gone. We asked a local I was retrenched and worked in Fiji Sydney but it was good to be back in who advised that the farmers next door for two years as Public Relations for a the bustle of life. I took up again the had bought the building and moved it resort complex and salesman for a Rugby that I had abandoned and onto their property and there it was. millionaire’s island paradise. I left that played for Northern Suburbs and they The verandah and hat and bag pegs to be the Sales Manager of a Textile also referred to me as the “young Doug were still in place but the room had Knitting Mill and finally another move Mill” as they had in college although become a home for the chooks. to Sales Manager in a Solar Company. I was older than many. Funny that in my musings I only Thirty years on and I’m still in Solar It just so happens that this month I’m remember three personalities — the and Insulation with my own business going to a celebratory lunch for John Bank Manager’s daughter, the wool for the last 27 years. So I do have some Thornett, my first North’s captain. I classer’s family that I stayed with and stickability and currently I’m writing understand that so will Jim Lenehan a farmers family whose son was in 6th nasty letters to Government and Beres Elwood who I recall playing class at Coona and they invited me out Departments and Auditors General against in Wagga. to the property to play tennis, stay trying to find out why they are trying overnight and go shooting kangaroos. I enjoyed teaching in Sydney and to ruin my business. being part of a regular school. I told I remember going shooting with the I would like to say good day to all my the kids the most outrageous stories town boys and that scared me a lot. friends, not seen for many years in the (all harmless) and was assessed by the The risks they took. One afternoon, I 1963 to 1964 years of WWTC and say Inspector to be easy to get on with but shot a Kangaroo in the hip, had no that I often think of you and the great I should learn to talk less and let the more ammunition so had to run after times I had. pupils put their point of view. him to finish him off with a blow to Doug Mill (1963-64), the head. To this day I remember those One drawback was that in the third eyes looking at me. I have never shot year I was teaching a 5A class next Managing Director, anything since. door to the Deputy Principal who, with The Demand Group. an extra 15 years service, was teaching It was drought time and the vast Pilliga www.demandsroup.com.au the 5B and was in charge of certain Scrub caught fire and burned for rosters. I couldn’t see myself lasting ********************** weeks. I am an asthmatic and the that long for just that. smoke got to me so I was relieved to

Page 7 Those Were The Days DAME MARY GILMORE 1865-1962

In October 1956 the opening took receive some on their frequent they had established a communal place of the wrought iron gates to returns to Wagga. settlement called New Australia two the Wagga Wagga Teachers College. years earlier. There she married Her father purchased land and built The gates were donated by students William Gilmore in 1897. By 1902 his own house at Brucedale on the as a gift in honour of Mary Gilmore. the socialist experiment had clearly Junee Road, where they had a They capture the spirit of the failed and the Gilmores returned to permanent home. She was then to evening or dancing star of “Jiemba”, Australia, where they took up attend Wagga Wagga Public School the Wiradjuri name bestowed upon farming near Casterton, Victoria. for two and a half years. At 14, in Mary as a child whilst she lived and preparation to become a teacher, she Gilmore’s first volume of poetry was played with them on the worked as an assistant at her Uncle’s published in 1910, and for the Murrumbidgee and Houghlagan’s school at Yerong Creek. ensuing half-century she was Creek area. regarded as one of Australia’s most After completing her teaching exams Mary Jean Cameron was born on popular and widely read poets. in 1882, she accepted a position as a 16 August 1865 at Cotta Walla near teacher at Wagga Wagga Public In spite of her somewhat Goulburn, . When School where she worked until controversial politics, Gilmore she was one year old her parents, December 1885. After a short accepted appointment as a Dame decided to move to Wagga Wagga. teaching spell at Illabo she took up a Commander of the Order of the Her father become a carpenter, teaching position at Silverton near British Empire in 1937, becoming building homesteads on properties in the mining town of Broken Hill. Dame Mary Gilmore. Wagga, Coolamon, Junee, Temora There Gilmore developed her She was the first person to be and West Wyalong for the next 10 socialist views and began writing granted this award for services to years. This itinerant existence poetry. literature. allowed Mary only a spasmodic She went with other socialist formal education; however she did idealists to Paraguay in 1896, where

Page 8 Those Were The Days During World War II she wrote Wagga? If so you will probably have ago, on Friday last half hour I used stirring patriotic verse such as No your father’s piercing eye. I was put to read children who had never seen Foe Shall Gather Our Harvest. into the teaching Dept as P.T. [pupil- a story book, “Robinson Crusoe”, teacher] owing to his report on me “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” & the like with In her later years, Gilmore, separated as a scholar in the old Wagga a watcher at the door in case an from her husband, moved to Sydney, Wagga School. He gave me my inspector or someone came along & and enjoyed her growing status as a initial report on which I was allowed reported me - . How different now! national literary icon. Before 1940 to sit for the entrance Exam. I she published six volumes of verse ******************** admired (and feared) him greatly, and three editions of prose. After the In Memoriam feared because he was so stern, war Gilmore published volumes of Years go by, memories stay admired & trusted because he was memoirs and reminiscences of As near and dear as yesterday. so just. However, Gerald O’Byrne colonial Australia and the literary was my father & my mother in the Don Wyburd 1948-50 November 2010 giants of 1890s Sydney, thus Maurice E. Hale 1961-71 November Dept. A kinder man never lived. contributing much material to the 2010 mythologising of that period. Dame To Mr Hicks, 2 July 1936: Jean Walsh (Flower) 1948-50 January 2008 Mary Gilmore died in 1962, aged Miss Everitt told someone not long Judith Malcolm (Perryman) 1957-58 97, and was accorded the first state ago that your father (or was it your July 2010 funeral accorded to a writer since the John Pigram 1950-51 January 2011 grandfather?] Insp. Hicks said I was death of Henry Lawson in 1922. Ruth Chiswell (Kerr) 1950-51 the most brilliant pupil teacher he August 2010. had ever passed. It was nice to have it come back to me after all these ***************** The following excerpts are taken years. Miss [Mary] Everitt was my from Mary McPherson’s book “It first head mistress as an official Happened at School”. pupil-teacher at Wagga Wagga & COMING EVENTS When she became a well known afterwards had the Training College. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION writer she had some correspondence [i.e., Hurlstone Training School]. MEETINGS with the editor of the Department’s To Mr Hicks, 28 July 1936: The next quarterly meeting of School Magazine about the use of the Alumni Association will be some of her work and also making Mrs K. Lindsay told me that John held at 11 am on: suggestions for education in general. Masefield (& his wife) visiting Tuesday 10th May, 2011. friends of his & Mrs Lindsay’s here, The meeting will be held at: The following extracts from her NSW Teachers Federation spoke in special praise of my work & letters are reminiscences about her Conference Centre. said that of living Australian poets 37 Reservoir Street time as a teacher. They also ‘Paterson & Mary Gilmore were the Surry Hills. demonstrate the healthy state of her All welcome. only two at all well known in ego as in fact she, like many of her England’. fellow pupil-teachers, failed to gain WWTC ALUMNI LUNCHEONS promotion at one of her examination To the Editor, 5 February 1956: and gave up being a pupil-teacher, The next Alumni luncheon will In my young, & in my Teaching days, be held at the Icons instead taking an appointment to a school reading was so serious. It Restaurant in the Marriott small school, Beaconsfield (later had a moral in my first books, Hotel, Pitt Street Sydney (near Quandary) Provisional near Temora the Quay) on Tuesday 17th sometimes printed, sometimes not. in 1886. She was then appointed to May, 2011. But how obvious. Illabo Public School in 1887. I, as a young teacher, soon saw the For bookings contact Lindsay To Mr Hicks, 16 July 1931: need of a widening for the child’s Budd on 9601 3003 a week before. mind! In a little railway school I had Are you a son of Inspector [David (Illabo near Wagga) over 60 years S.] Hicks who used to be at Wagga Page 9 A LIFE OF ACHIEVEMENT DON WIBURD OAM (1948-50) St Stanislaus’ College headmaster John Edwards said Mr Wiburd was part of the lives of generations of young men being educated in Bathurst. “He was very involved with Fr Doug Akehurst coaching Stannies’ sports teams,” Mr Edwards said. “The Wiburd Shield [schools rugby] competition was named in his honour and he always took an interest in the competition it generated between schools.” All Saints’ College headmaster Dr Peter Miller was amazed by how Mr Wiburd was forever spending his spare time coaching, encouraging and inspiring youth to play sport. “A real treasure in so many lives for so many years,” Dr Miller said. Don served youth cricket in the Bathurst region for more than 50 Don Wiburd was the only child of instrumental in establishing the years. He was Chairman of the plumber Les and Elsie Wiburd. He Western Associated Schools Sports Country Schools’ Cricket grew up in Rocket Street, South Association. Association until his passing and Bathurst. His father died in a founder of that school group in In 1996, Don received an Order of building accident when he was about 1991. Australia Medal in the Queen’s five but Don and his mother resided Birthday Honours list for his work in It is due to Don’s vision and drive in the family home for 31 years. the promotion of school sports that all Country Schoolboy He attended the old Bathurst Public events and fixtures. He had been cricketers have had the opportunity School in Howick Street, now the Western Associated Schools Sports to play at the highest level they are Australian Fossil and Minerals Association secretary from 1960, capable of. He was also Convenor of Museum, and the South Bathurst Country School Rugby Union the Douglas Shield, which is a Public School before going to Association secretary from 1976 and Statewide Country Schools’ Knock Bathurst High School and on to the Country School Cricket Association Out competition which he instigated Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College in since 1991. in 1991. 1948-1950. “Mr Wiburd was a unique teacher in Prior to 1991 Don was the Secretary His first teaching appointments were Bathurst because he taught or was of the Western Associated Schools one-teacher schools at Gunningbland involved in sports at all three of the from 1962 to 1976 and again from South, Driftway and Daiseybank as big boys’ schools during his career, 1978 to 1991. As Secretary, he was well as the Bathurst Migrant Camp and he was still involved right up responsible for organising sports in 1952. He then ventured into the until his death,” Mr Richards said halls of Bathurst Colleges at Scots in yesterday. such as cricket, rugby and athletics. 1953 as a Geography teacher. He also coached Junior Cricket St Stanislaus’ College headmaster teams at Scots College (1954 to The Scots School headmaster Tim John Edwards said Mr Wiburd was 1976), St Stanislaus College (1977 Richards said Don had been involved part of the lives of generations of to 1990) and at All Saints College with the school for 23 years and was young men being educated in (1991 to 1996). Bathurst. Page 10 “He was very involved with Fr Doug Akehurst coaching Stannies’ sports. A LIFE OF ACHIEVEMENT He founded the NSW Country didn’t run around, harum-scarum, JOHN JOSEPH JAMES Schools Rugby Union with the like the rest of us. PIGRAM staging of the initial Country He didn’t own a bike. We certainly Schools Championships in 1977, and 1950-51. didn’t see him riding one on the road remained as the Association’s or footpath like the other boys in the Secretary until 2006. neighbourhood. His influence on the NSW Country Sometimes he would appear in my Rugby Schoolboy landscape can’t be parents’ general store up on the measured, and there are many corner, always very quiet, with players who have progressed to impeccable manners. That quietness higher representative honours who and manners were with him came under the watchful eye of Don throughout his lifetime; “the ultimate Wiburd. gentleman” as recalled by a Bathurst NSW Country Rugby Union friend. President Bruce Worboys said “Don He didn’t play sport. I never saw Wiburd was a wonderful contributor him wearing shorts; and when he to rural and regional sport, followed Kevin, Don Boyle and particularly Rugby and Cricket”. myself to Wagga Wagga Teachers “He was one of nature’s true College, his participation in college gentlemen and will be sadly missed sport was non-existent. The library by those who had the pleasure of and books were his loves, and associating with him”. helping other people. The following tribute to Don was So, a few years later, when I learnt submitted by two of his friends from The following is taken from the of what Don was up to: coaching College, Brian Webb and Kevin eulogy delivered at John’s funeral in cricket and rugby in the Bathurst Wilcox. St Mary and St Joseph’s Cathedral , area; administering sport and Armidale by his eldest son, Paul. Ed. conducting competitions; it was with DON WIBURD OAM total disbelief! Surely, I thought, Professor John Pigram, was born in A LIFE EXTRAORDINAIRE. that’s not the Don Wiburd I’ve May 1933 in Cootamundra to a known for so long. For the life of sheep grazing family. He was one of three children. They lived at the edge The Wiburd and Webb families lived me, I couldn’t imagine Don, of town and maintained their farm close to one another in Rocket perhaps, running up and down the further out on the Berthong Road. Street, South Bathurst. Don started sideline, shouting instructions or school the year after I did (Brian), at standing in front of a wicket, He was educated at the De La Salle South Bathurst Public School. Don demonstrating a stroke. School at Cootamundra, at was not an ordinary little boy; even Thornleigh and at Oakhill College then he was quite different in many But, it was. Questions filled my for a period and then Cootamundra ways. head; where did he, if he had never High School for the Leaving played cricket or rugby, or never had Certificate. His mother, widowed when Don was an interest in sport, get the skills to five, saw to it that he was always pass on to so many students with He attended Wagga Teachers College neat and clean; even at the end of the in 1950 and completed a primary whom he came into contact. –”A real day there were no dirty, skinned teaching qualification in only 18 treasure in so many lives for so knees, no shirt hanging out and no months and was teaching school at many years (about 60)”, Dr Miller unkempt hair. the age of 18. said. “A selfless man from another Don appeared not to like to play; time,” said another. He spent 4 years as a relief teacher in later on my friends and I thought it south west NSW. He worked in was because of his mother. At school And so, before a crowded Cathedral, many mostly small schools in places (infants and primary) he would sit this “naively, old-fashioned man; such as Wagga, South Wagga and and watch, rather than play, and he this tireless and benevolent man; this Lake Albert, Bulgary, Yarragundry, man of integrity and generosity; this Berrigan, Finley, Tumbarumba, and man from another time, but for all Oberne, times, “was honoured by so many Page 11 pupils, former pupils and friends A LIFE OF ACHIEVEMENT Cootamundra, Temora, Walleroobie, He was appointed as a lecturer In 1987, John with Warren Musgrave Nangus, Ariah Park, South Gundaga in the Department of and John Burton received a grant of and Stockinbingal. Geography at UNE in 1970. He $750,000 from the Australian He would board with one of the local established a successful Government to establish the Centre for families, travelling home at academic profile and was Water Policy Research at UNE. He weekends often by goods train in the promoted to Senior Lecturer in was Executive Director and Director guards van or locomotive courtesy of 1974. of the Centre until 2001. a long list of cousins and mates He was frequently involved with The Water Centre undoubtedly working on the railways and then on external students. UNE was, at the embodied his most significant the bike out to home. time, way ahead of the competition in international academic achievements He was posted to Cootamundra High distance education. Each semester he and brought him great satisfaction. School in 1956 as a “GA” teacher. In recorded lectures and commentaries He became a leading international 1959 he enrolled in a Bachelor of for the externals. Boxes of audio tapes figure in water resources. He travelled Arts as an external student at the were shipped out across Australia. He frequently, visiting every continent University of New England (UNE). took a particular interest in the welfare excepting the Antarctic. He He majored in Geography and of the externals, with a first hand established a wonderful network of Economics, studying at night, and understanding of the challenges facing international colleagues. graduating in April 1964, at the age the distant student frequently with of 30. competing life interests. He was a founding member of the Board of Governors of the World In 1981 the family (all six of them) Water Council. had the opportunity to visit Iowa He was President of the International City, and later Ireland and England Water Resources Association for about 6 months. (IWRA) 2001-2003. John worked at the University of He chaired the organising committee Iowa, teaching a climatology for the 10th World Water Congress course. of the IWRA in Melbourne (2000). Later, in 1985, the family spent 6 In 2001 he was appointed Fellow of months in Kitchener/Waterloo in the International Water Resources Canada. John was a Visiting Association and in 2006 received the Professor at both the University of Distinguished Service Award of the Waterloo and Wilfred Laurier Association. In 1964 he married Jenny Galloway University. In 2008, he was selected for the most who had been appointed to He taught a range of courses in Cootamundra High School in 1962 prestigious Ven Te Chow Memorial Geography during his teaching Lecture Award of the International to teach English and History as her years, in particular: first appointment. Water Resources Association. • 2nd yr Environmental They moved to Sydney to take up He enjoyed a 40 year career in Planning and Resource new teaching appointments. John research, teaching and academic Management (EPRM) was commerce master at the new leadership. He received many major Gymea High School. • 3rd yr Leisure and research grants from agencies such as: He was invited to do an Honours Recreation. Australian Research Council Year in Geography at UNE in 1967 In another direction, he was and so the family including the instrumental in the formation of St Land and Water Resources R&D firstborn, Paul, moved to Armidale. Albert’s College at UNE. He was Corporation He graduated with first class honours a member of the College’s Senior Murray-Darling Basin Commission and then embarked on a PhD Common Room, and was awarded EPA entitled: “An assessment of the water an Honorary Fellowship at St resources of the Liverpool Plains”, Albert’s. Greenhouse Information Program graduating in 1971. US National Science Foundation

Page 12 A LIFE OF ACHIEVEMENT World Water Council and in 1961 he was appointed colleagues called him, worked out He was a Charter Member of the Principal at WWTC. He remained the rules with the students I have International Academy for the Study Principal until the College closed in been told. Bathurst was set up as a of Tourism. He was twice nominated 1971. modified copy by Lionel Allen, who had been George’s Vice Principal. for the Stockholm Water Prize. In 1972-73 he worked in Head Objectives were the same viz. 1st Office (Department of Education) He supervised 31 PhD students and rate preparation for teaching and in 1973 became Principal of 21 Masters students, many of whom children, following a set syllabus, Wollongong Teachers College., and have gone on to be leaders in their and similar in style to David Stowe, later Director of the Wollongong field in their own right. the Scotsman pioneer of teacher Institute of Education. He retired in training at Jordan Hill (where I’ve He completed around 150 1978. international publications including 7 seen his statue). He and his wife lived on the South books and numerous journal articles. All the 10 colleges in N.S.W. Coast (Austinmer) prior to moving ultimately followed Mackie and Just 3 weeks ago he received a copy to Dubbo in 2007 to be near to their Stowe’s influence, regarding an of the new Chinese translation of his only daughter (Val Roberts) as their option study purely for itself for the book “Outdoor Recreation health was not good . They needed tertiary development of the trainees Management” written with John assisted care and moved to live in who were young and from secondary Jenkins. Holy Spirit Retirement Complex in education. The professional aspect Dubbo. He made more than 70 presentations required subject teaching, to international meetings. Maurie passed away in November, demonstration lessons and He was a frequent and sought after 2010. supervised, helpful practice advisor to governments, industry The following is taken from a letter teaching. Of course the 10 colleges groups and corporations in Australia that Maurie wrote to the 1963-64 varied according to details of this and abroad. session on the occasion of their 40th programme. ***************** year reunion. As you all probably are aware I was Dear students of the 1963/64 appointed by the governor of N.S.W., MAURICE E HALE session, W.W.T.C. to take charge of W.W.T.C. coming from a background of achievement Maurie Hale was the Principal of Congratulations on having a academically and in teaching at WWTC from 1961 to its closure in reunion! Sydney College and University, 1971. As you look back now and re-live teaching primary and secondary Maurice Hale was educated at Fort your 2 years in training, can you see children, working for 5 years in Street B. H. and Sydney Boys H.S. what was happening at Wagga Research Branch, lecturing at He took up a scholarship to Sydney Wagga in its framework. The first Balmain, Sydney, Bathurst and Teachers College and then took BA teachers’ college for N.S.W., taking Wagga (2 years as the senior and MA degrees at the University of the place of the PUPIL-TEACHER lecturer in 1955-6) and vice- Sydney. SYSTEM, was Sydney T.C., built by principalship at Bathurst. He began his teaching career at Alexander Mackie as a copy of I considered the rules, published in Glebe Primary School and followed Moray House, Scotland, where the the calendar of the college, as basic with appointments to Croydon Park students were day people, as indeed and with the help of Wade, Swan and and Homebush. He then qualified as were ours at Balmain, Alexander others, modified both the study side a School Counsellor and took a Mackie, Westmead and Wollongong and the running of the houses by position at Broken Hill. Colleges. student committees toward the end of the 1960s decade. He was appointed to Balmain But when Armidale was set up, as a Teachers College when it opened in result of political pressures, The college was replaced by the 1946 and later spent some time as a residential provision was required to Riverina College, as part of the lecturer at Sydney Teachers College get numbers. Wagga followed, then framework imposed all over and was a Senior Lecturer at Wagga Bathurst (pressures again) and all 3 Australia and following the U.K. A Teachers College in 1954 -55. He were residential and co-educational. new man (Cliff Blake) was appointed was appointed to Bathurst Teachers George Blakemore, founding in charge. College as Vice Principal in 1956 principal, “activity George” his **************** Page 13 NEWS FROM CSU Sod turned for early education at CSU “The central area is the focal point of the building, which allows children of all ages and abilities to share Charles Sturt University (CSU) aims to provide the highest meals and experiences with each other and their quality in early childhood education and care in its siblings.” proposed facility to be established at Thurgoona in 2012. The building design embraces the environmentally The start of the new building will be celebrated by CSU sustainable principles showcased throughout the staff and project partners with the turning of the first sod at campus, with features such as underfloor heating, 5.30pm on Tuesday 8 March at the building site inside the solar-panelled roofing for air-conditioning offices, rain main entrance of CSU on Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, water collected for watering surrounding gardens, ‘grey Thurgoona. water’ used for flushing toilets, and maximising areas of recycled glass to minimise artificial lighting. ”We believe this facility will “Children will interact with these features which will be a centre of early illustrate the simple use of the ecologically sustainable childhood excellence in development that surrounds them,” Ms Moloney said. collaboration with Woodstock Support, and New MoU for health and welfare be available for the A new agreement will be signed between Charles Sturt children of University staff University (CSU) and Anglicare Canberra and and students and Goulburn on Monday 21 March. The purpose of the community members,” agreement is to further develop the relationship says Head of CSU’s between the higher education institution and the Murray School of welfare agency Education, Associate over the next Professor Louise Hard. five years. The Memorandum of “With the move of the Murray Children’s Centre from its Understanding existing Olive Street site in central Albury to Thurgoona, we (MoU) outlines a have incorporated new services into the design of the number of ways building, which will be located near the entrance of Charles the two Sturt University.” organisations As part of the Centre development, CSU is offering the can foster future service in conjunction with the Woodstock Support Early cooperation. Childhood Intervention Service, which provides early These include intervention services to infants and young children who initiatives such have development delays or disabilities. as adjunct academic appointments; reciprocal ethics Woodstock Support chief executive officer Mr Nigel Stone committee arrangements; and expanding workplace said the partnership with CSU enables the organisation to learning opportunities for CSU students with Anglicare continue providing high quality education and therapy Canberra and Goulburn in areas such as social work, services to children with disabilities in the Border region. allied health and nursing. Course Director from the “At the same time, the new centre will allow our families to School of Humanities and Social Sciences at CSU in have access to mainstream services, while increasing Wagga Wagga Dr Bill Anscombe said, “As Charles community education and awareness about children with Sturt University is one of the leading providers of social disabilities, and their families,” he said. work, nursing and allied health education in Australia, The proposed centre will also provide important learning the new broad ranging Memorandum of Understanding opportunities for early childhood education students from will give us more opportunities to ensure our students CSU’s Faculty of Education. as well as contributing to are “work ready’’. The MoU will be signed by the research undertaken by CSU staff and students which will University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) ultimately provide long term benefits back to the Professor Ross Chambers and Bishop Stuart Robinson community. from the Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn The new building, designed by NBRS + Partners, will have at 12 midday on Monday 21 March. The ceremony will four wings to house areas for infants, toddlers, pre- take place in the Chancellor’s Room in the Convention schoolers and staff, with a common entrance and central Centre, building 230, near car park 16, Jingellic Place multipurpose and dining area linked to the four wings. at CSU in Wagga Wagga. New Head of Campus at CSU in Albury-Wodonga, Ms Sue Moloney, describes the design as a ‘pinwheel’ that “allows visitors to enter at one point and branch into four routes that entices visitors down the corridors with attractive To stay in touch with all the news from vistas to outside areas. “Curved walls between the wings add a sense of CSU register on the CSU Alumni online movement, variation and fun, with lounge areas allowing community at www.csu.edu.au/alumni parents some privacy to watch, breastfeed or comfort children, or talk with other parents or staff.

Page 14 The Wagga Wagga Teachers Alumni Association

KEEPING THE SPIRIT ALIVE IN 2011TO SECURE THE FUTURE The Scholarship Fund has been closed with a grand total of $60,000. Congratulations to all our contributors! This means that we can award Scholarships to a total of $6,000 annually. We also have a further $11,423which will be contributed towards our next Fundraising project. You will note that our Association is now known as the Wagga Wagga Teachers’ Alumni Association as all graduates of W.W.T.C., Riverina C.A.E., Riverina Murray I.H.E. and the C.S.U. Campus have been invited to join our ranks. The next stage of the W.W.T.A.A. fundraising is still to be confirmed. The Committee is still considering the options with providing student accommodation on the Wagga Wagga Campus a high priority.

However, while we consider the best way to move forward, we encourage you to continue supporting the WWTAA and we hope that the past generosity will remain strong. All donations should be made payable to the Charles Sturt Foundation at:- Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst NSW 2795

As you know, we pay for the printing of TALKABOUT as well as the cost of postage. Each edition of Talkabout costs approx. $3,500. It has therefore been decided that an annual subscription of $10 per member is required and that this will fall due at the time of the March “Talkabout”. Talkabout subscriptionsshould go directly to the Treasurer of the WWT Alumni Association:- Lindsay Budd, 4 Flemington Close, Casula NSW 2170. If you require a receipt please enclose a stamped addressed envelope.

The University over the years has been a great supporter of the Association and will continue to provide volunteers to carry out the mailing of Talkabout.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the University Advancemant Unit on 02 6338 4680.

Here is my donation to WWTAA Fundraising. Donations over $2.00 are TAX DEDUCTABLE. Here is my annual subscription to the production of TALKABOUT. My donation for 2011 is: $______My subscription for 2011 is: $ ______Please find my cheque for $ ______OR please debit my credit card for $ ______Surname: ______

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Volume1 No 14 March 2011 March March 2011 Volume 14 No 1 Volume

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