Bendigo Teachers’ College
A photographic tour of La Trobe University’s Osborne Street campus in Bendigo.
I don’t normally do photo walks around creepy old near-abandoned buildings, but for a change I decided to do a walk around La Trobe University’s Osborne Street campus at the former Bendigo Teachers’ College.
This is a strange collection of buildings spread across 12.3 hectares. Looking at the place, I am sure that the whole lot will soon be razed or at least sold because many of the buildings are quite literally falling apart and is probably worth a small fortune. As I walked around, it seemed that the site had almost been abandoned, but not entirely as there was still some evidence of recent activity.
Bendigo Teachers’ College on Osborne Street, Flora Hill (then Pleasant Vale) was constructed in 1959 although the institution itself pre-dated this period by several decades. Post-war, the state government realised that there was a looming shortage of teachers and so the Department of Education desperately set about constructing new training colleges.
Like the quick-and-cheap Light Timber Construction (LTC) schools that were being erected across Victoria at the time, the teachers’ colleges were also built to a uniform design with cheap materials. The Bendigo building is the only entirely intact specimen of this design that remains. Identical buildings in Geelong have been demolished whilst small sections of the colleges at Frankston and Ballarat (Wendouree) remain but serve other uses.
The former Bendigo Teacher’s College site contains two LTC wings with classrooms as well as a large hall and an administration annexe. Beside these are a number of smaller buildings, also from the same period that served as residential units for the students.
The above image is of the administration wing. The complex would have looked like this originally, with welcoming glass windows and double doors at the top of the stairs. As it stands now, one of the supporting walls has collapsed, leaving only two steel beams to support the veranda roof. A lot of the timberwork is rotting and the former front entrance is now being used to dump rubbish.
Bendigo Teachers’ College was merged into several successor organisations over the decades. Today, the site is owned by La Trobe University who have almost abandoned the site. Teacher training ceased there several years ago and as far as I can ascertain, the residential colleges were emptied in 2011. The main hall of the facility mainly serves as an examinations venue now.
The site is quickly falling into a state of disrepair.
In places whole sections of cladding, which consists of dull grey cement tiles mounted on wooden battens, has fallen away or are collapsing. The guttering and downpipes are rusted and torn and decaying curtains can be seen in classrooms that appear to have been abandoned long ago.
Peculiarly, parts of the link corridors have been boarded up and their lights and carpets removed with the space now being used for storage (as are some of the classrooms). Once upon a time, students would have eagerly passed through here on the way to lectures.
As I wandered around, I couldn’t help but wonder what it was like for students when it was new. Apparently the college had an impressive art collection at one stage that decorated the walls of the corridors. There would surely be hundreds of students with fond memories of this place?
Today the place has an almost haunted feel to it. Several 1960’s-style Hill’s Hoist clothes lines (some with pegs) litter the yard to remind us that people used to live there once. One of the link corridors has been demolished after an arsonist set fire to it last year.
If the classrooms and hall weren’t depressing enough, the student accommodation is something else again.
Also designed by the Public Works Department and constructed in 1959, it’s difficult to believe that these colleges would have been nice places to live even when they were brand new. Their design seems to have been inspired by the Soviet Union!
These cottages sit atop a hill beside the old teachers’ college. The spaces between them are filled with lawn, some trees, concrete paths and a range of utility sheds.
Walking around the campus, it seems somewhat sad that the place has ended-up in such a sad condition with almost no future to speak of. Unloved, it probably awaits the wrecking ball. One can see the pride with which it would have been greeted by the community in the beginning and the indifference with which it is treated now.
The grand driveway that used to wind up the hill to the admin block has been permanently closed for years. The end is near.
It has struck me as odd that I cannot find a single historic image of the Bendigo Teachers’ College, nor any non-academic or non-governmental reference to it on the internet. I hope, if nothing else, this blog post will in time serve as a final reminder of what stood here. This site has much history.
Comments
52 responses to “Bendigo Teachers’ College”
It would be very nice if someone who attended there left a comment. Deserted buildings are always sad as you imagine lives lived within the walls.
Thanks Andrew. I do indeed hope an ex-student comments, as I felt exactly as you describe.
Once again you capture the reader with the descriptive narrative provided along with your series of photos of the subject of the blog.
How interesting to read the history of this now dilapidated site. It is quite sad to think, (as you comment) of how busy and full of people this once was. Along with Andrew, I hope someone with memories of working in the venue in happier times will be motivated to send a reply to you.
It really doesn’t look much different to when I attended an lived onsite in the 1970’s. The buildings lacked warmth then. The front of the admin building was altered for another use (Accomodation?) after the campus was closed as a teacher’s college. The sculpture of the pheonix which now is at La Trobe hung from the admin wall. The federation house was occupied by the principal Keith Scarrott (sic) and his family . There was a small flat at the rear which was occupied for some time by a lecturer and his wife and she was the head supervisor for the residences which were occupied by girls. The poor lady came and ate with us sometimes. Some of the food was basic at best. The favourite was friday fish and chips and the least was a delectable (not!!!!!!!) concoction (Pink clag and pears) which was a pear half filled with some pink coloured claggy blacmange!!!!!!!
bloody hell
Great read! very interesting
I gained a Trained Primary Teacher’s Certificate at Bendigo in 1962-63. The college buildings were pretty new, Sidney Walters was Principal, a majority of students came from country areas and lived in the hostels. I came from Swan Hill and lived upstairs in “Pleasant Vale Hostel No.3”, the one nearest the entrance, adjacent the Retreat Road car park. I know of a number of reunions in the past decade, but haven’t attended as I live in NT! I have quite a few photos, mostly Kodachrome, of that era, could exhume them and scan applicable ones. I have contacts for many students of my vintage if you are seeking more anecdotes and images. Latrobe Bendigo had a student affairs officer several years ago, name forgotten. He sent me some information on students of my year. So all is not forgotten.
I was a student at BTC in 1962 -63.The grey walled buildings were not inspiring at any stage, but as I drive by now, I still fondly remember my little room at Hostel 2 which was home for 2 years. Many of the friendships formed there have survived the 50 years since first we met.There were some memorable staff members – Kath Alexander, Miss Jessie Burnett, Mr Fred East, Mr Cecil Houston and Paul Divola. I cherish the opportunities I was given there and have many happy memories….Socials in the Common Room, the operettas,catching the tram to schools during teaching rounds,taking our turn at waiting on tables in the dining room, signing in and out of our hostels and being “gated” if we arrived home late. However, it does make me sad to see the buildings falling down and i wonder how long it will be before it is demolished.Will the Phoenix rise again?
Hey, I lived in Pryor Hall, and then Pryor Annex in the 1990s. Visited the other day since I heard they will be demolished. They were always ugly, with thin walls between bedrooms but I’m sad they were never kept up properly. At one stage upstairs bathrooms couldn’t be used due to regular flooding. Living with 40 others in mad cap barracks-like conditions is life changing & the new accommodation is not the same, although if it has air con that would help. Also recall exams in Osbourne Hall & once The Wiggles performed there. The food was awful, until they employed a proper chef in about 97.
Thank-you for the images…I was a TPTC student 1965 – 1966.
The place as I remember was buzzing and dynamic, and a really progressive teacher education institution…but nothing material is for ever…the memories triggered by these images wow!!!
David Jones
Can anyone help me with research into the history of the Golden Square Rural Training school of the 1960’s? It was set up by the Teacher’s College to give student teachers experience in multi-age classrooms in preparation for Rural school teaching.I would love ot hear from anyone who may have been a student at that time.
I was a resident at the halls of residence in the mid to late 80’s, there were 3 large ‘Halls’ (the double story buildings), called Scott (next to a car park), Mills (next to tennis courts) and Pryor, further into the ‘interior’ of the area and closest to the oval also nearer the ‘school’ buildings. There was also a ‘Annex’ (I suspect it was the Admin building once) which also was a student residence, it was called Pryor Annex to differentiate it from Pryor Hall the nearest ‘Hall’ to it. Later in the 80’s another Annex, called Scott, was opened in the longest single story building amongst the various buildings, but was only half used at first before the other half was expanded into (but that was after my time). There was a Halls of Residence magazine put out by residents each year (at least it was while I was there) – usually a montage of pictures and the odd funny story about the people who lived there – maybe the Uni of Latrobe (Bendigo) has copies of those magazines, former students may have some as well (I still have mine somewhere). I have many found memories of the place and will be passing by to have a look before it’s gone for good.
I was part of the initial intake in 1960. It looked good to a country boy. You mentioned the art work. There was a wonderful Leonard French mural and I think a Fred Williams. All paid for by students. Interesting how it eneded up at Latrobe.
Andrew, I am an old lag, TPTC 1960 and 1961. Sid Walters, was the camp Komindate. We had an absolute ball over the two year course. Stalag 13 was a place were we were subject to amazing attempts to discipline or at least civilise us enough to let us out to teach in Victoria’s finest government schools.
Reading Plato, Freud, and Russian authors was a cause of some concer amongst certain staff. Other cheers the subversive on Max James, Wilfred Berhoff {? spelling}
I was caught out putting on a Welsh accent and ringing Sid Walet’s secretary to tell her that I would out for the day, etc, etc. We actually were given a some valuable academic education, but the more important thing was that we were ACTUALLY taught who to teach and be effective in encouraging children to learn and aim high.
A great many of my friends when out to schools, others eventually did other things. It is now, perhaps, 10 years since my mob had a reunion — but what blast that was. It is really sad to see the gulag which we loved and hated falling down. It deserves better.
I have just pulled out of my files my graduation certificate.
I would love to hear from past inmates and interested folk. E mail me at Monash.
Best wishes, MalcolmK
I lived in Scott Annexe from 1996-1998.
In my first year, I stayed in Room 20 upstairs, close to the communal TV room (before it was moved to the other end of upstairs), which was a pokey little cupboard with no room to swing a cat. In my second year, I applied for – and got – Room 2 ‘downstairs’ (Scott Annexe wasn’t like the other halls; it actually wasn’t a hall at all – just a long corridor separating ‘upstairs’ from ‘downstairs’). Room 2 was big and roomy, and there were less students to compete with the downstairs showers (which were – admittedly – a little grotty).
I had some of the best years of my life at the Halls. Still friends with a lot of those who stayed there back in the day. A bunch of us even moved over to the UK at separate times and all stayed in touch.
Harry Oldmeadow was the ‘Warden’ of the Halls back then. He was also my Film Studies lecturer. He even has his own Wikipedia entry. He was laid back, and treated us as adults. One night, a bunch of us got inebriated and damaged the Annexe, setting off fire extinguishers and the like, and he called us to his house (which was on site at the Halls), reprimanded us, but never told us off like children; basically told us to pull our heads in. Good bloke.
Anyway, I was surprised to see that the Halls are no longer in use. Truly the end of an era.
Yes sad but that is progress, it served its purpose well & it was not meant to last until now. Much better value than a few more recent political decisions costing a lot more.
As another Swan Hill boy it was a big move but not far from home and the special care we received at Comersdale was great.
Great memories – did not last long as a teacher but enjoy the pleasure of catching up with fellow 1961/2 year students last Saturday in February every year now since our special big bash for the 50th. We are very grateful to Marlene G for keeping us together.
The artwork from Pleasant Vale is presumably all at the La Trobe Campus not far away – we attended there in 2012 for an inspection and presentation of a plaque to recognise the now very valuable Leonard French 3-piece work on prominent display.
Yes BTC Pleasant Vale campus is very much alive & well in a lot of hearts many of which are now 70 years old. I have magazines & quite a lot of photos for access by interested persons
I am amazed it looks so good really. I was a student 65-66. Many memories. Fred East and Jessie Burnett come to mind. Getting the girls back to the hostel at 11.30 and then getting back to Lancewood at 11.30. Not easy.
Presentation balls were great and inter college sports another highlight.
My brother Peter Goode was a student in 61-62 and my sister Jennifer was a student in 67-68.
I attended 1972-1974 and like many others had a great time. Many students lived away from home and and it was a very close environment. Rod Goode – thanks for your comment, I used to babysit for you at Darraweit sometimes when I was still a school student. I am in Romsey, in the phone book and would love to catch up.
We are in Bendigo this weekend celebrating our 40 years since commencing our diploma of teaching in 1974. We are reminiscing about all the wonderful times we had during our college years. We all resided in Scott Hall in our first year and can remember the 10 o’clock curfew. After dinner each night, many of us gathered in the lounge to watch the ABC serial ‘Bellbird’. We have spent time this weekend pouring over our old photos that capture many special moments and events such as our trips to Ayres Rock, Fraser Island and New Zealand. We have remained friends over the 40 years, regularly catching up. In 3 years time we will be back to commemorate our graduation. If you attended Bendigo Teachers College during 1974-1976 and are in the vicinity we would love to hear from you.
I Lived in Scott Hall 1992-93.
I have some wonderful memories and made some life long friends from my time at “The Halls”. Sometimes its hard to believe any work/studying was done, but there was always someone to help when you needed it.
Like “GEOFF ARCHER – 23 July 2013” I too have copies of my Halls Reports. I was such a hoarder then and don’t have the heart to throw them out now. Having read your blog, I’m so glad I still have them and some crazy photo’s. Its so sad how the campus has ended up.
Looking at your photo’s I can still see the place being so busy. Thank you for sharing.
We are past students (1977-1979) of Bendigo Teachers college who would like to connect with past students from this time.
I entered BTC, whilst its main buildings were at Camp Hill, in February 1953, aged 17 yrs 4 months. Men / “teen age boys” were accommodated at a magnificent old mansion, “Lancewood”, in rooms of 3 -5 occupants. Ladies /”teenage girls”, occupied Sandhurst House right in Mitchell St and a smaller Comerford at Golden Square, accommodated the remainder on an approximate 66%/34 % ratio to males. Probably 10% of the 1953-4 intake had local accommodation. The hostel experience in itself was great education. A couple of supervisors were quite competent.
The actual college collection of buildings were right at the top of Camp Hill, walking distance to two of the hostels, close to swimming, sports grounds and main Bendigo Shopping Mall.
It was a shame that planning could not have sited the erstwhile “Flora Hill” college, close to Camp Hill , with its central location and public transport hub. The lecturers were efficient and their capabilities for that post war era, made the education process enjoyable.
One gentleman in particular, Mr Fred East (with a stack of degrees after his name), left lasting impressions on me. A returned POW from Japanese internment in WW2, his health must have been an unseen physical burden for him. What he said, what he challenged our thoughts with and how he cut to the gist of the matter still leaves his model, as an alternative choice in all major decisions, one has to face occasionally in life. His summation of situations and people were decisive and usually , unerringly accurate. He bestowed self confidence in so many of us.
With three children to educate, an energetic wife and observations of the poor remuneration even senior teachers were receiving, I left the “department” for the world of commerce.
My education at Bendigo, I respect as a foundation for my later successes.
Hi, I went to osborne st in 1976. I stayed at lancewood ian stevens (stumbles) wa in charge., They were great times.
Its sad when an era like this comes to an end. Many ere’s in fact!! Lots of activity over a long period of time.
An article that your blog readers may find interesting, Adam, is posted as a pdf at: http://ro.ecu.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1872&context=ajte (cut and paste into URL if link does not fire up) by Anthony Potts (2012), and is titled: Lack of Men, Flame Throwers and Rabbit Drives: Student Life in Australia’s First Rural Teachers College 1945-1955.
Kind regards
Di
My Mum, Cherie Hill attended in the 60’s until, I think, 1970. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers her, especially a dear friend who was known by the nick name “Eddie”.
Sad to see the buildings as they are now. I was among the first ones to occupy a room at the new hostel-in those days they were just hostels 1,2,3.
We started at the Camp Hill site in 1957 and turned out to be the first group of women to complete our TITC 3 year course in Bendigo.
Yes the rooms were small, but they were brand new!! Coming from the old Sandhurst Hostel where the girls on night duty had to stoke “George” the boiler in order to keep the hot water up to the 40 residents we thought we were in luxury when we moved out to the new College.
Some close friendships were formed and we still keep in touch.
Sad to see it the way it is in the photos above,and I’m told they are now being demolished.
I attended BTC from 68 to 70. Loved my three years there. I lived in private board in 68 but got into Lancewood for my final two years. My girlfriend Margi Petzke was in Mills on campus. We were the very first intake of 3 year diploma students. It was a very social life. So many fun times !!! I went on to be a teacher and principal, retiring in 2005. Lecturers I remember: Collis, Geary, Colson, Reed, McIntosh, ……I’ll remember more when I stop trying !! College Balls were huge…..in the Bendigo Town Hall. We had the Masters Apprentices one year. Strictly black tie. I’ll never forget seeing myself in the mirror for the first time in a dinner suit ….wow!….. sharper than James Bond !!! Friends included Geoff Nevill, Peter Ryan, Jim Goodall, Bruce Needs, Bud Thorsen, Peter McManus, Trevor Hogben (guitar genius), Bruce Taylor etc etc. It was the hippy era. I can hear so clearly, even now on the radio stuff like Spirit in the Sky, Beatles, Stones, Dylan, Carpenters, 5th Dimension, Creedence, The Real Thing, Bee Gees etc etc. Loved you Bendigo Teachers College !!!
Thank you for your photos Adam, sentimental memory lane for many of us! I was Lou Hadfield when I studied at Bendigo Teachers College 1966-68, completing my Trained Infant Teachers Certificate, which took 3 years! We were I believe, the last of those, and copped a fair bit of flack for choosing to stay on and do an extra year when we could be out earning a wage!
This year is significant for us – timed with the demolition of the last of the residences ( hostels) – we celebrate 50 years since we began – I lived in Hostel 3, it was my first time away from home and I knew nobody. Firm and lasting friendships were made, and I loved being a part of the larger social happiness that thrived during that time – the College musicals, the hockey team, the balls ( I think the ratio was 5 girls to 1 boy at the time!), and the College newspaper ( Embers). Saturday nights took us to The Pacific, St Mary’s or the Y dances – with Colleen Hewitt on the circuit and a curfew to abide by! The trams still ran and it was the year decimal currency began! The drive-in provided alternative entertainment for those who had cars to share! There were Studentships to help pay fees, and we existed without computers or mobile phones! The hostel buildings may have lacked style but the sentimental attachments of what we created within those walls, remain!
I am excitedly looking forward to our Reunion in August, a weekend of fun for us to rediscover those bonds from long ago – will we recognise each other??!! 50 years is rather special and worth celebrating, especially as most of us share such fond memories of the beginnings of our afterlives there. I particularly admired the passion of Norma Fawdry who imparted the gems for real teaching during our 3rd year……and the names mentioned in comments above evoke more memories to treasure – those sad buildings served us well despite whatever Fawlty Towers they may well have been!
For many years the Melbourne Mandolin Orchestra held an annual Mandolin Music Camp from 1977 – 1980 during the first week of the year. This camp, festival brought together many players of mandolin and guitar from other states of Australia, WA, NSW, Q, ACT,
It was a an excellent venue for the players, reasonable accomodation, some people camped, far from other residences in Bendigo who were never bothered by our midnight music which often went on until 3 am. We would rehearse and party for a week and play a concert in the Bendigo Town Hall.
Our conductors were eminent musicians from everywhere. Fred Witt from Dortmund in Germany was particularly charmed with Bendigo and wrote a piece of music “Memories of Bendigo” which includes a song that he wrote with Glen Tomasetti and which she sang at the premiere of it in 1980.
Forty years on the Mandolin Festivals still continue and in January 2017 we are meeting in Adelaide
for the Adelaide Mandolin Festival 2017. A good number of the players will have be reminiscing about Bendigo. In 2018 the Melbourne Mandolin Orchestra which pioneered cultural tourism in Victoria will be 50 years old.
Hi. I lived on this site in 1982 for a about a year. I recently searched to see if I could recognise the old Bendigo College of Advanced Education Campus (now Latrobe Uni. I also wanted to see if the Osborne Street Student Residence was still there too. I appreciate that you have captured it here and I wanted to contribute.
I have great memories of the Osborne Street Residences as a student. It was grey and government like. It is incredible how some youthful enthusiasm (“P” Plates on every car), finding a place in the world can make such a place come alive. Unlike what is seen in these picture.
To get a sense of the environment, add some music, instruments, students coming and going, ambition, competition, and loads of kids in cars, coming and going at a high pace. Leaving home, specifically from cities, towns and farms all over Australia. Also International students. I recall lots of laughter, running about, doors slamming, tears, joy, pranks, drunks and parties. Decorations, flirtations and lots of boiled food. Movie nights were fun too.
Yes the food was just as average as the look of the place. But it was healthy and it was there when you needed it. The staff would joke with you and the senior peace-keepers would keep to themselves. It was fun to eat at the central hall with your new pals and meet the new students. I still have friends that I met there.
There was a single general store just down the road that was the only place to go besides the Brougham Arms pub a couple of km’s away. I don’t recall it as a depressing place as it was my first taste of independence as a 17 / 18 year old and leaving the family home. There were 100+ students living their and taking meals in central kitchen and dining rooms.
Each main building dormitory lined with ten rooms on both sides with single rooms, up and down stairs. Common-room at one end and bathrooms at the other. One larger room designated to a senior supervisor person, but they keep to themselves. There were some flats/ground level places at one end that some friend had, but I mainly recall the three main dormitory buildings and central kitchen and dining halls.
I hope this gives you a sense of what was going on here. It was full of hope and opportunity. It was not gloom and boredom that could be easier to imagine from the images. My thanks to whoever listed this. Your questions are welcome.
This is an excellent blog “article” Adam. Well done! Great photos!
And the many comments you have garnered show how people with connections to the Bendigo Teachers College, and its facilities, remember it in better times.
Two comments may add to this.
First, as I’m sure you know, the system of Teachers’ Colleges established in several Melbourne suburbs, and in major regional towns, were originally owned, built, and operated by the Education Department of Victoria. This meant that the budget for buildings, and building design, was always tight, even though during the Baby Boom the Australian economy was robust as the nation recovered from World War II. It also meant that most of the Teachers’ Colleges were deliberately sighted close to a Primary school, and possibly a Secondary school, thereby providing facilities and school students for the student-teachers to observe and then conduct practice lessons. In essence these adjacent, or neighbourhood schools were “demonstration schools”, although never designated in that way. Moreover, during this Baby Boom era, the buildings, for schools and teachers’ colleges, were more or less uniform in design, essentially because of the central management of the Education Department. (Elsewhere, in a separate blog article, you remark on the way some of the old Teachers’ College dormitory or student-residential buildings at the Burwood campus of what is now Deakin University, look the same as the corresponding buildings at Bendigo. Of course they look the same! They both had, as it were, the same “parent” — the Education Department.)
Second, the Light-Timber-Construction buildings used to create the new and urgently needed Primary and Secondary schools for the Baby Boomers during the 1950s and 1960s, were only ever intended to be temporary — stop-gaps! My maternal grandfather, John Firth, was an architect whose working career (from his graduation shortly after returning from World War I, until his retirement around 1961) was in the Public Works Department of Victoria. Eventually, he was appointed Chief Architect of Victoria. Although I do not think he had any direct role in designing the Light-Timber-Construction buildings, he would have been familiar with the team involved in that fundamental design. As an upper-level manager, he possibly had to sign-off on building approvals for many of these new school buildings. (I have seen his approval-signature on building plans for other schools.)
I attended Norwood High School, just north of Ringwood, from 1960 (when the school, only two years in existence, had just occupied its first brand-new L-T-C buildings on what had only a year or two earlier been a commercial orchard) to 1966 (I repeated Year 12 to get better marks — something that was unusual, but unpenalized in that era). When my grandfather heard which Secondary school I was about to go to, he remarked, briefly, and darkly, that the buildings were adequate, but were intended to be temporary. I think the long-term planning was that all of these modern Baby Boomer L-T-C schools would be demolished and replaced by the kind of solid brick two-storey buildings that had been standard Public Works designs for State schools in the 1920s and 1930s.
John (ex-staff member of the Burwood Campus of the State College of Victoria, later, Victoria College, and ultimately, the main Melbourne metropolitan campus of Deakin University.)
I attended Bendigo Teachers college in late 1960’s – early 70’s. Great memories of so many people – including principal Hill, Chatfield, Geary and unforgettable students such as Jan Cooper and an incredible footballer known as Tarz!
Time may disappear swiftly into the memory bank of us all. But I for one do not forget!
chezneil@hotmail.com
I stayed at Halls between 94 and 96. First Scott Hall, then Prior then finally Scott Annex.
Yes, the buildings were a bit ugly, but I made some great friends there and some of my fondest memories are associated with the place. The thought of it being gone saddens me.
Thanks for taking the photos and saving them for others to see.
Had work take me back to Bendigo today totally unrelated to my studies at La Trobe. Thought I’d drive out to the old halls and go for a trip down memory lane….sadly, only some concrete foundations left surrounded by fencing. Only thing standing is the Warden’s house.
In 1990 I was in the slightly-bigger-than-the-other-rooms upstairs near the stairs in Scott Hall. Amazing times living away from parents for the first time and just trying to adult. Safe to say things derailed super fast when you hand an 18yr old the keys to freedom! Almost got kicked out end of that year due to an incident with a fire in the Common Room (the heating failed so we got creative).
1991 saw me in Pryor hall, downstairs this time (tried my hardest to get the bigger room near the stairs again but alas, no luck). Like other’s have said, food was terrible, but the experience there was still some of my best years. Just so much growing up to do and looking back now it’s scary what we got away with.
Most Thu and Friday nights people would be coming back from the Brougham Arms Pub falling up the stairs hoping the then Warden (Terry Mills) wouldn’t suddenly appear from the shadows to catch the shenanigans. What a time!
1992 saw us move out to a proper adult house sharing with 4 people. Surprisingly that thing still stands.
Crazy to think that was 30 years ago and the site now is just memories for people who were living their first time away from home…and trying hard to be responsible 😉 Thanks for the photos!
My older sister attended BTC around 1960 amd in going through some family m’stuff’ I have come across a record titled Bendigo Teachers College presents “The Gondoliers” AWA 9435.A . It also has Bendigo Teachers college hand etched in the record centre.
If anyone wants it, they can email me at the above address (donaldhenryorr AT gmail.com).
My sisters name was Glenice Orr. I don’t think she would ask for any payment, but if there is any interest I will get in touch with her. It has a small scratch on side 1 slightly affecting the opening track.
Thank you Adam for taking the time to document the old college. I am trying to write my story and was looking for a photo of the hostel I lived in in 1966 – 1967. I remember the first day I arrived at college – it was a dull day with light rain and the grey bricks of the building looked so uninviting and drab. Happy to say I have some wonderful memories of the girls who lived there with me.
Looking forward to our annual reunion.
Golden Jubilee. 60. Years.
Dates Friday Saturday. Sunday
February 26th 27th 29th 2021.
We thank Marlene ( Hazen)) Judy Hocking. Lindsay Coster and Val. Easterbrook for keeping us all together and organising our yearl event
Start Friday 26 th
Drinks on the ‘ Shanrock ‘ balcony 5 30. Until 6 . 30 then meal at The National Hotel
How good to read all the comments from so many people! I lived in Hostel 2 in 1961-2 and didn’t ever look at the place as dull or dark! My room was next to the lovely Glenice Orr (mentioned above by her brother @DonOrr!) At the end of this month our group will be meeting in Bendigo to celebrate our 60th Anniversary – does that mean we are getting old? Thanks to Judy and Marlene for keeping the group together for all these years.
I remember being told by one of our Lecturers, Mr James, who lived in the home on the bottom corner of the site, that all knowledge was good knowledge – even if we didn’t even get to a school to teach! His words stay with me as they were so true – I didn’t get to teach formally (although have been a teacher informally ever since!) and the number of times I would drag out my lecture notes to check child behaviour, or symptoms of various child illnesses, or any other of the myriad of topics we took notes on was always a reminder of how no knowledge is ever lost!
I met my future husband while living in the hostels – and perhaps my best memory was rushing back to the hostel to beat the curfew one night, running up the steps to the front door, just as Syd Walters emerged! He said ‘Cutting it a bit fine – you’re gated for two weeks!’ I was stunned – when I got into the front door, it was still short of the curfew time, so clearly unfair. However, next morning I received a message to see Syd immediately after he had been to church – so I lined up for him to ask why I was so late (car trouble) and for him to tell me that when he got home he realized I hadn’t been late – he’d forgotten that he had set his clock forward so that he wouldn’t be late for church!!
The other great memory was Jessie Burnett and her seasonal lectures for the girls from the Hostels, she had important messages for us young women to assist us with our morality. So when you come back with your young man, don’t park outside the ablution block (I didn’t even know what that meant) until she added, ‘because if you are not embarrassed at the sound of the toilet flushing, you should be!” She also warned us not to wear black patent leather shoes with our skirts – boys would see our privacy reflected – thankfully times have changed! Music with Bill Arblaster was interesting, but I did enjoy the recorder – he had been a primary teacher for my young brother years earlier.
I remember the purchase and installation of the Leonard French painting; the amazing introductory demonstration of the new math teaching method using Cuisenaire blocks; learning to write with cursive script; chalkboard skills; lesson plans; and teaching rounds – at Bendigo North Primary with an amazing Principal who dictated his version of what was necessary if we were to be competent teachers, which I referred to many times over the years; Golden Square Primary School in an infant class with a pedantic perfectionist; Eaglehawk Primary when I had to umpire the interschool netball with great kids; Flora Hill with huge classes and the poor teacher working his heart out to manage kids just being left behind – having a lecturer who insisted that he was shown a singing lesson – where the song I chose was American, but what did that matter when my crit. said my voice was both ‘tuneful and true’ which was so good, but really only proved the lecturer was tone deaf.
Some great memories – when I was only 17/18! Thanks for the blog.
Students who enrolled at the Bendigo Teachers’ College in 1961 are having a Sixtieth Anniversary Celebration over the last weekend in February. We gather annually if we are able but this year a special effort is being made, and numbers are increasing as time draws nearer. I have read Rod Goode’s comments and wonder about Peter. Rod we haven’t noticed Peter’s name in any 1961 list. Are you certain he was there with our 1961 intake?
We shall be, again, bringing to the media’s attention that Leonard French’s mural, ‘The Legend’, was purchased by BTC students in 1962. All students contributed. As you are aware Fred Courtis was responsible for acquiring an amazing collection of Australian art, which now hangs out at LaTrobe. Many of us believe that The Legend in particular should be readily available for viewing, at The Bendigo Art Gallery, where we who paid for it have the pleasure of seeing it without having to travel out to the University and arrange to view it. Please add your view about this.
We have arranged to have three events over this last weekend in February. On Friday evening people are going to gather on the balcony of The Shamrock, around 5:00p.m., or earlier, for pre-dinner drinks before moving on to The National Hotel for a meal. Saturday night will be our main event at the All Seasons where many are staying, and sharing time together for breakfast Sunday morning. Judy Ozanne/Hocking, Lindsay Coster and Val Caldwell/Easterbrook are taking numbers and I am so very grateful that the delegation of chores makes organization an easier task. Just realized that Sandra has already mentioned this.
Thank you Adam for creating this blog.
I know that there’ll be many reminiscences like Jean’s, above, in the days following our Reunion.
I was only seventeen when I started my teacher training, and I celebrated my Twenty-First birthday late in my second year out teaching. Pyramid Hill. I was teaching French, Science, Sewing and Singing to years 7,8 and 9. What a versatile lot the college turned out. We were taught to teach. And if we didn’t know ‘stuff’ we certainly did our research before hand and entered a classroom well prepared. I’m having lunch with one of my French students next week. We’re both pensioners now.
I have so many vivid memories of college days. These are increased every year when we meet and more tales are tossed around the tables. What a superb group our 1961 friends are.
Fred East taught me HSC English in 1970 at MBC.
Such an intelligent empathetic man considering the tortured life he had had in WW2.
If Fred taught the next generation teachers you were well catered for, insert so as not to end with a preposition.
Good luck from Ireland, take care.
Patrick J Mathews MRCVS
I was at Pryor 73-76 . Lots of memories some good some not so good.
Loved this – thank you. Attended 1969-71 – the sight of smoke coming up through the floorboards in the common room from badly extinguished cigs caused a bit of a panic at times. It was a good time.
Have friends involved with ownership of The Shamrock Hotel in Bendigo. We would love to know the event that occurred in 1961 or 1962 involving a priest and a nun who stayed at The Shamrock. They were befriended by some students and somehow made an appearance at our college ball, and I think they may have been asked to leave – possibly for behaviour unbecoming…! They were ‘ímposters’ – and managed to rob the vault at The Shamrock. Big news next day – but I can find no record of it.
Please email me the story if you have the details. marlgunn@bigpond.net.au
I used to take out lucille newcombe way back in the 60s. I used to rive up to bendigo in an Austin A40. Go out for dinner then bendigo drive in, slept in the car overnight and lucy used to incite me in for brekky on sunday morn. Wow how embarrasing all of those girls but hey it was character building,
I was not a student at BTC, but my older brother Roy Trimble was. I had just graduated from Dookie Ag. College when in May 1965 I met Jan McNally who resided in Burnett Hostel. Jan attended 1964, 1965 and 1966, together with Marion McKenzie and many others. I attended many of BTC formal functions. I can still see the window up on the first floor where my first and only real- resided. Jan and used to attend the Carlos Rosetta Ballroom, the Marathon Restaurant, The PlazaTheater, and, to view the film West Side Story. I began teaching in 1965, straight out of Dookie Ag. College at Warragul Technical School, at age 19. I would hitch-hiked up from Warragul nearly every second weekend.
Jane’s first school after graduating was at Newbridge the in 1968 she was at Kyneton…..her class size contained 52 students. I was attending Toorak Tech. Teachers’ College.
In Jan’s final year at BTC 1966, I would hitch-hike down from the Mallee Research Station at Walpeup (30kmWest of Ouyen) each weekend to be with Jan. Four of the other ‘New Recruits’ at the Department of Agriculture (Walpeup) and myself would write to Jan and many of Jan’s college friends. One time we sent down our written comments to our girl-friends at Burnett Hostel on each-sheet on a whole roll of toilet paper. We were very creative how we at both venues, would write to each other. I loved your College’s camaraderie.
I still have photos of Burnett Hostel, Jan’s Bedroom Window, the Phoenix Sculpture and Jan posing in a beautiful dress on the straps to Burnett Hostel. Jan retired from teaching and Childcare Teaching and Management in 2013. I retired in 2017. Jan has taught at Newbridge, Kyneton, Wurruk and Gutheridge Parade both at Sale, Charlton, Baitnsdale West, in Stawell and again at Charlton.
We are still married (since January 1969) and live in Queensland near one of our daughters, son-in-law and three grandchildren.
We both have very fine memories of BTC, especially Jan of her three years there.
We have been back a few times were I ‘pat-the-wall’s of Burnett Hostel and thank my lucky stars. G T
I was not a student at BTC, but my older brother Roy Trimble was. I had just graduated from Dookie Ag. College when in May 1965 I met Jan McNally who resided in Burnett Hostel. Jan attended 1964, 1965 and 1966, together with Marion McKenzie and many others. I attended many of BTC formal functions. I can still see the window up on the first floor where my first and only real- love resided. Jan and used to attend the Carlos Rosetta Ballroom, the Marathon Restaurant, The PlazaTheater, and, to view the film West Side Story. I began teaching in 1965, straight out of Dookie Ag. College at Warragul Technical School, at age 19. I would hitch-hiked up from Warragul nearly every second weekend to court my girlfriend.
Jane’s first school after graduating was at Newbridge then in 1968 she was at Kyneton…..her class size contained 52 students. I was attending Toorak Tech. Teachers’ College.
In Jan’s final year at BTC 1966, I would hitch-hike down from the Mallee Research Station at Walpeup (30kmWest of Ouyen) each weekend to be with Jan. Four of the other ‘New Recruits’ at the Department of Agriculture (Walpeup) and myself would write to Jan and many of Jan’s college friends. One time we sent down our written comments to our girl-friends at Burnett Hostel on each-sheet on a whole roll of toilet paper. We were very creative how we at both venues, would write to each other. I loved your College’s camaraderie.
I still have photos of Burnett Hostel, Jan’s Bedroom Window, the Phoenix Sculpture and Jan posing in a beautiful dress on the steps to Burnett Hostel. Jan retired from teaching and Childcare Teaching and Management in 2013. I retired in 2017. Jan has taught at Newbridge, Kyneton, Wurruk and Gutheridge Parade both at Sale, Charlton, Bairnsdale West, in Stawell and again at Charlton.
We are still married (since January 1969) and live in Queensland near one of our daughters, son-in-law and three grandchildren.
We both have very fine memories of BTC, especially Jan of her three years there.
We have been back a few times when I ‘pat-the-wall’s under Jan’s window of Burnett Hostel and thank my lucky stars. G T
1973 intake of Diploma of Teaching(Primaty) Reunion.
Students who attended BTC in 1973 were educated in the art of teaching at the Osborne Street campus. Many lived in the halls of residences Mills, Pryor, Scott, Lancewood and Commersdale. During their first year the new name State College of Advanced Education was adopted. As it is 50 years from enrolment next year 2023 a reunion is being organised for all past students. Please email. btc1973@outlook.com.au if interested.
Well the intake of 1972 are all headed to the Shamrock on Nov 12
Great to see the 1973 intake organising a reunion
So many wonderful memories and lasting friendships.
Get amongst it.
I was a first year Engineering student living in Pryor Hall in 1991
Good times spent Thursday nights at The Brougham Arms and Hot Gossip