(From 1968-1992 it was known as the Bogong School Camp)

Below is a brief account of the history of the BOEC

The Victorian Education Department acquired the camp buildings and four houses from the SECV. (State Electricity Commission of Victoria). Instrumental in this deal were the Minister of Education, Lindsay Thompson; Minister for Fuel and Power, Mr Balfour and, Principal Hydro Engineer - SECV, Mr Ron White.

	1969
	Brian Woinarski was appointed Camp Director but lack of funds delayed the renovations needed to make the camp livable. Valuable liaisons were made with Department personnel. Wally Bell, Camp Director of Somers School Camp, was extremely helpful.
Brian Woinarski: Camp Director 1968-88

	1970
	Jim Crebbin was appointed to the camp at Easter to help Brian Woinarski. Major renovations were undertaken by Public Works in the kitchen area to facilitate catering for 100 students. Brian Woinarski and Jim Crebbin gutted the administration building to make classrooms, QM store, archery room etc. The ropes and assault courses were built with borrowed materials and hike routes were trialled.
Jim Crebbin - 1970-94

Jim Crebbin was Deputy Camp Director up until 1979 and was appointed acting Camp Director for 1989.

Indispensable help was given by Ron White, head of the SECV in Mt Beauty and many of his staff in gettng the Camp established (See letter to Bob Wegener (doc)) .

A small group of Education Department officials including Jack Ford, Hec Gallagher and Harvey Cox from the Physical Education Branch all provided valuable encouragement.

It was decided that 48 students was all that the site could handle. Programs were worked out, timetables made and the camps advertised to start in early 1971.

A meeting with the Chief Finance Officer from the Education Department requesting a vehicle for the camp resulted in $100 being given to buy a trailer.

1971

Six staff were appointed to Bogong: Brian Woinarski, Jim Crebbin, Allan Marsland, Barry Lovell, Meg Crebbin and Lois Marsland. There were to be 20 x 10 day boys camps (usually 24 boys at Year 9 Level from two different schools).

The students travelled by train to Wodonga and were bussed to Bogong by Mylons Coaches. Griffiths Coaches - Mt Beauty provided the internal bus travel. Staff used their cars for most other functions, but luckily the SECV provided a delivery service which was vital for the supply of perishables from Mt Beauty.

The program included abseiling on the dam wall (in boiler suits with leather pads over the shoulder), archery, pioneering, environmental studies, target shooting, ropes and assault courses, Kiewa Scheme, wall and beam and canoeing. As canoeing was done all the year round, outriggers were fitted so they couldn't capsize in the freezing waters of Lake Guy in winter. They were stored under the village hall (now dismantled).

Allan Marsland was responsible for developing the environmental studies program. Included in the 10 day camp was: Kiewa Scheme, land use studies, hydrology, animal trapping, botany walks, bird trapping, bugs and a half day bus trip that included a visit to a power station, timber mill, tobacco farm and dairy farm.

In summer, a two day hike was included in the program. Many a hike started on the Bogong High Plains and went over Spion Kopje or to Mt Fainter and back to the camp. In inclement weather out to the Bogong Creek Huts and home over Mt Arthur was another route. Cattleman Jim Edmondson donated his hut at the foot of Mt Nelse to the camp which undertook to maintain it.

In winter, downhill skiing replaced the hike (Cross country skiing was not considered at this stage due to anticipated problems with waxing in an era prior to waxless skis). Ski issue and practice was done indoors on carpet. All skiing was done in the Falls Creek Alpine Bowl as there was no chairlift to take beginners over into the Sun Valley area.

Other staff were: John Marum (Handyman 1971-76), Harold Grealy (Cook 1971), Judy Ryder (Secretary 1971-72), Shirley Smith (Kitchen hand 1971-?) and Joyce Adhair (Cleaner 1971).

1972-1979

The staff numbers increased to 7 with the appointment of Brenda Martin.

A film of the camp entitled 'High Mountain Venture' made by AVEC of the Education Department captured the essence of the camp.

Over the next 8 years many minor changes were made in the program. Terry Corr replaced Allan Marsland (1971-76) as the Environmental Studies teacher. Learning stations and dioramas were created in the environmental studies classroom. A Sense Trial in the Fern Gully North-East of the Dam Wall was constructed.

Abseiling was now done under the dam wall (as well as outside on the spillway) as was pioneering and the indoor assault course. In 1974 orienteering was introduced by Paul L'Huillier and most hikes were now finishing on the Bogong High Plains with the students being transported back to Bogong by bus.

The SECV donated two huts to the camp which were erected and maintained by the camp staff. They were situated at Bogong Creek allowing students to shelter from the rain and leeches thus enabling hikes to go ahead in poor weather.

An indoor climbing area was constructed in the old boiler house at the rear of the administration building and a volleyball court built by the teaching and maintenance staff. Peter Martin's influence in the rock climbing area meant the abseiling sessions were expanded to include more climbing.

Nineteen ten day camps were held during most years of this era.

Permission was finally given for us to bus students direct from Melbourne but we needed a 54 seater bus. Initially Hampton Road Bus Lines did our external work until Pyle's Coaches from Mt Beauty came good with a suitable bus and a competitive price. Charging schools for their share of the bus costs encouraged them to send their full numbers to keep the cost per student down. Transport was the major cost for the students. This policy resulted in most of our camps being full.

At this time in-service courses were run in conjunction with Camps Branch.

The installation of the Eagle Chair and the Playground Poma saw the skiing program blossom with the skill level of students improving considerably.

Other staff were: Lynn Harley (Secretary 1973-93 & Cleaner 1972), Les "Bunger" Smith (Cook 1972-75), Andy Marcia (Cook 1976-79), Phillip Bishop (Handyman 1976-77), Alf Mouvet (Handyman 1978-85), Julie Chapman (Cleaner 1973-74), Marlene Rourke (Cleaner 1975-?), Margaret Howell (Cleaner 1976-?).

1980

In 1980 the camp purchased its first vehicle, a LWB Land Rover for approx $4000 and obtained a licence to carry passengers.

Max Harris was appointed to the position of Assistant Camp Director but died 6 months later while taking part in a camp hike.

Teaching staff for the first 9 years of the camp included, Brian Woinarski, Jim Crebbin, Meg Crebbin, Allan Marsland (1971-76) , Lois Marsland (1971-76), Paul L'Huillier (1973-76) , Helen L'Huillier (1973-76) , Barry Lovell (1971-72) Brenda Martin (1972) Ken Deacon, John Taylor, Terry Corr, Janet Holmes, Jenny Draper, Peter Martin, Garry Lewis, Andy Minko, Geza Kovacs, Greg Verso (1973).

Other staff were: Danny Flynn (Cook 1980-81).

	1981-1989
	The first all girls camp with 48 students from Wellington High School was an outstanding success. The assault course was deleted from the program but otherwise the girls did everything the boys did and performed just as well. Brian Keeble was appointed Assistant Camp Director in 1981.
Brian Keeble

Rapid Rider canoes (without outriggers) were purchased to replace canadian canoes as canoeing was taken out of the winter program.

The first co-ed camps were held but were made up of boys from one single sex school and girls from another. Mainly boy's technical schools were matched with metropolitan girls schools. Later co-ed schools were invited to send 12 boys and 12 girls.

In 1986 a 'Bogong School Camp Adviisory Council' was formed which was made up of staff and members of the community.

• Cross country skiing was introduced;
• Target shooting and assault courses were deleted from the program;
• Five and six day winter camps were held;
• Some environmental camps were held out at Bogong Creek huts;
• The camp acquired its own 'red plate' vehicle - a Troop Carrier;
• Rogaining was introduced and run in an area surrounding Rocky Knobs on the Bogong High Plains. Procedure was continually updated to make it safer. Students were closely supervised in groups of 4 for approximately 5 hours;
• Initiative activities were introduced by Brian Keeble as first day activities;
• The camp ran many in service activities for teachers, but mainly in the downhill-cross country skiing area. Other activities such as rafting, orienteering and ropes course were trialled;
• Having a vehicle enabled us to carry the pioneering spars down to the river where Pioneering was then held with much more success and an element of reality;
• Downhill skiing for the students was made even better with the building of Halleys Comet, Wombats Ramble and the shelter at the foot of Halleys. The Camp never went back to the Alpine Bowl;
• Rock climbing was tried in several areas on the High Plains including Mt McKay, near Faithful's Hut and near Strawberry Saddle. This latter site proved to be excellent and is still being used;
• Another addition at this time was a dishwasher in the slushie area and more sinks in the kit return area for hiking;
• Brian Woinarski retired in 1988 and Jim Crebbin was appointed Acting Camp Director for 1989.

The first camp for regional staff was held.

In 1989 all camp positions were advertised. New staff appointed were Ian Ryan, Heather Blackman, Tony Coventry and Michelle McCauley.

At this time Bogong School Camp complained bitterly about not getting its fair share of the funds that were allocated to the three Victorian Education Department Camps i.e. Bogong, Rubicon and Somers. Support from Somers and independent members of the Committee set up to review the situation altered the ratio. In Bogong's favour was the fact that it had been able to have a 98% occupancy rate on its 48 student capacity over 18 years.

Staff over the period 1980-1989 included Brian Woinarski (1969-88), Jim Crebbin (1970-96), Max Harris, Brian Keeble, Terry Corr, Russell Bellingham, Ann Morell, Joy Nethersole, Mike Watkins, Pam Wood, Peter Bradley, Ken Deacon, Jenny Roberts, Peter Martin, Bernie Redfern, Lorraine Smith, Tina, Jacqui Scott, Ronice Goebel, Geza Kovacs, Heather Blackman, Ian Ryan, Jodie McFarlane, Mike Cleary, David Lloyd, Mike Patterson, Janette McLaren, Michelle McCauley, Tony Coventry and Michael Pearce.

The office area was revamped.

Schools were now given the choice of which activities they would like - horse riding included.

Tightening of budgets in schools and union pressure made it harder for teachers to be away from school for lengthy periods to accompany students on camps. This resulted in the Camp having trouble filling their Camps of 8-9 days. The move was then made to have 5, 6, and 8 day camps, even in summer.

Other staff were: Alf Marien (Cook 1981-86 & 1989), Shirleen Arlett (Cook 1987), Mark Meljnck (Cook 1988-91), Barry Mathews (Handyman 1986-89), Josie Marien (Kitchen hand 1984-86), Jean Moya (Kitchen hand 1988-93).

	1990-1999
	In 1989 Piers Hartley was appointed as Camp Director for a five year term and took up the position on 1st January 1990. At this time BOEC was operating as a School Camp, part of the then School Support Teaching Service (SSTS), along with other school support units, such as school support centres and curriculum centres. It was not a school . The Goulburn North-East Region handled the day to day matters between the Department and the camp and the camp came under the Regional Director's authority.
Piers Hartley- Principal 1989-99 (Term 2)

Brian Keeble had an ongoing position as Assistant Camp Director and the remaining staff were on secondment from various schools, subject to annual confirmation. There was no security of ongoing appointment.

The camp had six staff houses available for staff.

Camp finances were complex, minimal and operating on an unpredictable basis, where annually the Director had to seek funds. Grants from the Department were held and managed from the Region. Claims and accounts were submitted monthly and paid by the Region. Under the then Government regulations, the Camp was not permitted to keep any dollars generated from student fees, other than to pay direct expenses such as equipment and transport. All other cash had to be paid back to the Department, never to be seen again. Thus the Camp had to keep two separate sets of books, one for the claims and one for the student fees. It was an inefficient and iniquitous system.

Threats of closure: In the last year of the last Labor Government (1991) there was a serious attempt to close down some or all of the three Camps as a financial saving. All Camps mounted a large, effective and widespread public campaign to stop this (media coverage, support from user schools, petitions to parliament and deputations to the Minister). The campaign had the desired effect and the plans were scrapped.

However, in the first year of the Kennett Government, a serious and major review of the Camps was ordered by new Minister Hayward, with a view to either confirm their value to the State system to privatise or sell them off. The review found that the Camps were best left in the State system, but with some fundamental operational changes to be put into place. The major one of these was that the Camps increase their revenue flow through greater use and higher fees with the aim of becoming largely self funding over time.

In 1992 the camp changed its name to Bogong Outdoor Education Centre. This was accepted as a reflection of the educational purpose and function of the Centre.

Teaching staff appointments during this time: Roger Blackwell, Craig Chapman, Heather (Hedge) Thompson. Paul L'Huillier worked a number of term contracts from 1996.

Lynn Harley, the Centre's Bursar, retired in 1993 after 20 years service.

Other staff were: Kathy Panozzo (Secretary 1993-94), Cheryl Jarem (Secretary 1995-), John "Bluey" Bowden (Handyman 1990-91), David Ramage (Handyman 1992-1995), Ken Gilmour (Handyman 1995-), Andrew ? (Cook 1992), Bernice Russell (Cook 1993-94), Pip Newitt (Cook 1995-96), Peter & Jo Estey (Cooks 1997-2000), Marie Potter (Cook 2000-), Vicki Bradley (Kitchen hand 1993), Glenda Ramage (Kitchen hand 1994), Sue Aldridge (Cleaner ?-94), Ann Gilmour (Cleaner 1995-).

Piers Hartley retired as principal at the end of term 1, 1999. Brian Keeble was appointed acting principal for term 2 while the principals position was advertised. Mary Cole was appointed to the position from term 3, 1999.

The establishment of the Camp as a school in the early 1990's led to major and far reaching developments:

• The establishment of a school council, with the same powers and responsibilities as councils of a mainstream school, provided BOEC with a proper staffing structure, and with the same appointment processes and ongoing positions for staff as in schools - this was a major improvement of working conditions for staff, giving certainty of their positions for the first time.
• Setting up funding processes that followed the same principles as those operating in secondary schools - again, this was a major improvement as it provided certainty of funds and a greater income flow for the Centre.
• Becoming a Pilot school in the Schools of the Future project.

Other developments during this period were:

• Sale of Bogong Village by Southern Hydro to private developers and the consequent redefining of the Department of Education lease conditions within the village.
• Major improvements to the facilities, including major renovations to the dormitory, redevelopment of Kiewa & Nelse Lodges, rebuilding the student recreation room and canteen; refurbishment of the dining room, kitchen and scullery.
• Major improvements to equipment levels so that all student equipment (such as skis, jackets/overpants, bush walking and climbing gear) was kept in top condition and regularly replaced.
• Abseiling on and under the dam wall was banned in the early 90's because of legal liability problems.
• When mountain biking was introduced it soon became apparent that the route had to be either flat or down hill to cater for all abilities (down hill would have necessitated transport). In 1995 the present half day mountain bike/rock climbing arrangement out to Strawberry Saddle on the Bogong High Plains was introduced.
• The Village hall was demolished and the canoes stored in an SECV garage
• In 1995 the construction of an outstanding high ropes course by Eric Westrup (outside consultant), Russell Bellingham and Roger Blackwell. It's set in mountain ash forest on the shores of Lake Guy. The low ropes course, which was constructed in 1970 on the spur above the tennis courts, was dismantled in 1996.
• In 1996 the development of BOEC's website (www.boec.vic.edu.au) by Peter Bradley and subsequent updates by Ian Ryan and Paul L'Huillier.
• Establishment of the annual Bogong/Rubicon Conference in 1990. The purpose was to build closer working relationships between the two camps and to share the expertise and experience of staff. BOEC & Rubicon take turn about in organising and hosting the conferences.
• In 1998 the construction of the indoor climbing facility at a cost of $25,000, expanded the rock climbing challenges around the Centre. Roger Blackwell co-ordinated its construction.
• Purchase of two Coaster buses and a school vehicle to provide greater flexibility to program delivery.
• Widespread use of hand held radios and mobile phones to improve program safety.
• In depth curriculum development work, bringing the curriculum documentation and delivery into line with current curriculum approaches.
• Introduction of programs for students doing VCE Outdoor Education.
• Introduction of a range of 5, 6 & 8 day programs in non winter terms.
• Introduction of a group instructor or leader system and provision of written reports for every student at the conclusion of each program.
• Undertaking and gaining full camp site accreditation with the Camping Association of Victoria (CAV).
• Undertaking a major two year research project by NOELS (National Outdoor Education and Leadership Services) into the educational outcomes gained students attending BOEC programs. This was a significant research project, undertaken under the guidance of a highly credited professional research organisation, which evaluated for the first time in Australia the educational outcomes flowing from a short stay residential outdoor centre. The research provided valuable confirmation of the outcomes gained as well as providing pointers to areas for further program development.
• The research "reveals a well run organisation and program which is highly valued by its clients and is producing a variety of real outcomes for its students. The study showed that there were areas of particular strengths, especially in improving the students' effectiveness in dealing with life and in developing more positive general self concepts."

	1999
	The Centre saw the appointment of its third Principal, Mary Cole. The death of Ian Ryan, following a cross country ski race in August 1999, affected all staff and were difficult times. Ian had taught at Bogong for 10 years. The PRMS (DEET) allocation of funds ($207,656) enabled a major improvement of facilities in 1999/00.
Mary Cole-Principal 1999 (Term 3)-2004 (Term 1)

Development of a Learning Technologies Plan which included upgrading of the Centre's computer network, connection to the wide area network (VIC One) comprising edumail and the internet, use of digital photography during activity sessions including the supplying of a CD to schools of the students particpation on departure, a major development to the Centre's website (www.boec.vic.edu.au), staff IT in-servicing and most staff taking up the Department of Education's offer of Notebook computers to expand their IT knowledge.

2000

A $40,000 upgrade to the Environmental Studies Centre. This comprised the construction of a dedicated audio-visual room, a major walk through display area called the long room and the redesigning of the main lecture room. Outside access to the Centre, (on the east side), via a path, verandah and double doors was included. Landscaping of the east slope to the road was also done. The project was co-ordinated by Charlotte (Charlie) Bisset.

Extensive renovations done on staff housing.

The introduction of VCE winter ski programs (8 in all) out of the Kiewa and Nelse Lodges in conjunction with the normal year 9/10 ski programs.

Three new staff appointments: Paul L'Huillier, Michael Geerling (2000/02) and Charlotte Bisset (2000/01) making nine full time staff in total.

A triennial review of the Centre was conducted in 2000, with a new Charter written.

New arrangements for catering were made in 2000, with the appointment of an SSO (School Services Officer - Maree Potter) and the Centre purchasing all food.

A 'Safety Audit' was conducted and follow up procedures put in place.

Continuation of the NOELS research in order to collect ongoing data regarding students outcomes.

Vision/mission statement and philosophy agreed to by staff.

Vision:
" To continually strive for excellence in Outdoor and Environmental Education Programs that nurture students and empower them to develop values, attitudes and beliefs that sustain them for life".
(Adopted by BOEC staff on 13 June 2000)

Mission Statement
"To provide State Government secondary students with a unique, professional Outdoor and Environmental Education program in the Victorian alpine area".
(Adopted by BOEC staff 13 June 2000)

Philosophy:
"Outdoor Education at BOEC is about: - people temporarily living and working together in a small community; reflecting on contemporary living in order to.. adopt a basic and environmentally sound lifestyle while.. ensuring individuals are valued and feel that they can make a contribution to others and the environment.

Outdoor activities enable: - students to learn about themselves and to be challenged to perform at a personal best level; while learning about other people and the outdoor environment.. in an active, safe and health promoting way.. in the unique Alpine National Park of Victoria".
(Adopted by BOEC staff on 28 November 2000)

2001

The Residential Outdoor Schools Association (ROSA) was formed. It comprises the three Outdoor Centres run by DEET i.e. Bogong Outdoor Education Centre (BOEC), Rubicon Outdoor Centre (ROC)and Somers School Camp (SSC).

The NOELS (National Outdoor Education and Leadership Services) research study was continued into the educational outcomes gained by students participating in BOEC programs. This was done on a much smaller scale than previous and for only one semester.

Teaching staff employed on contract during 2001 were: Anita Mamers, Simon Williams, Kate Blackwell, Ian Arbuckle and Paul L'Huillier.

Brian Keeble (Assistant Principal) retired in November after 20 years service with BOEC.

Roger Blackwell was appointed in November as the new Assistant Principal .

Michael Geerling took a years leave to become a junior pastor at Faith City - Wodonga.

Charlotte Bisset resigned to pursue other career options.

Steve Curtain was employed on a part-time bases to complete the Environmental Studies Centres 'Long Room' display.

The Centre orgainised a return students 5 day Bogong High Plains Summits Bushwalk (63 km) for 12 students who had attended BOEC in the last two years. It was by application and subsidised by the Centre to the amount of $2,000. Michael Geerling was the staff member in charge of this inaugural activity.

The Centre held a 30 year reunion of staff, friends and others who had been associated with BOEC during this time. During the reunion the newly developed Environmental Studies Centre's first two stages were opened by Adele Pottenger, Regional Director and named after the late Ian Ryan. It is called the 'Ian Ryan Environmental Studies Centre'. Ian's wife Julie unvailed the plaque. Two stages of the Environmental Studies Centre's development were completed for the reunion i.e. The Long Room display and the Cattlemans Hut (audio/visual area). The third stage, The Main Room , is to be completed during the first half of 2002. This room will concentrate on five major themes: Flora, Fauna, Climate & Weather, Geology, and Water.

Improvements to IT have included : • the placing of the Centre's teacher, parent and student information booklets on the BOEC website so schools can access them directly to print out and distribute • emailing to schools of the 2002 application form • student rosters and timetables were consolidated into a professional computerised package • computerised report writing • visiting teachers use of digital cameras to capture images of their students during activities. These images are downloaded to a computer at the end of each day and a CD is burnt at the end of the camp containing all images which is then taken back to school • a multimedia projector and laptop computer have been purchased to be used for presentations in the Environmental Studies Centre and in other areas of the program as needed.

Consolidation of BOEC as a service provider for Wodonga Tafe and of Duke of Edinburgh Award programs.

The program safety audit was completed.

BOEC received $6,000 in LIP funding from DE&T following the Triennial Review and Charter Development. This has been used to fund a variety of special programs in 2002 e.g. Tallangatta SC-personal best (2 days), Berwick SC-literacy & orientation (6 days), Making It theatre group from Wodonga (3 days), Wodonga District Primary students-leadership focus (3 days) and BOEC staff development. The opportunity to assist schools with funding has been a highly successful model, enableing BOEC to selectively provide to schools based on outcomes consistent with their Charter and with State Government priorities.

There were 1850 students from 79 schools who were privileged to attend in 2001. There were 570 Outside Users who used BOEC for a variety of reasons in 2001.

2002

Work on Information and Communication Technology continued in 2002. All groups take a digital camera with them on activities, a selection of photos is taken and a CD is burnt at the end of the week and given to each visiting school. Some of the more innovative and technically competent students produce digital presentations that are shown on the schools media projector during our farewell session.

The Enviro team completed Stage 3 of the 'Ian Ryan Environmental Studies Centre ', dedicated to the memory of Ian Ryan a former staff member. This Centre now has 3 rooms of interactive displays, suitable to a range of ages. It is a credit to the dedicated hard work, initiative and resourcefulness of the Enviro Team led by Jarrod Paine and consisting of Steve Curtain, Michelle Forrer and Russell Bellingham.

The Centre applied for and was granted $10,000 from Parks Victoria in October 2002, which enabled the planning of the Bogong Alpine Village Footsteps project. The project has received a great deal of community support. Interpretative signs will be placed around Lake Guy in Bogong Village in late 2003 and will give our students and visitors to the Village a self guided tour with a focus on the local environment and local history.

The Centre applied for and was granted $75,000 over 3 years for a Strategic Partnership Program , funded by the Learning and Teaching Innovation Division of DE&T. This has enabled the employment of a 0.5 teacher who will liaise with Parks Victoria in Mt Beauty to provide information and resources to visitors to the Bogong High Plains area. Visitors may be primary or secondary students or simply a group of tourists with an interest in the High Plains. The Ian Ryan Environmental Studies Centre may be used for educational sessions. It is an exciting innovative project.

The Curriculum Committee led by Jim Gargan and consisting of the Principal and Assistant Principal, continued to work on applications that are outcome based. CSF 2 outcomes are now clearly identified on our student reports, together with indicators for each outcome. Staff assessed each activity to establish outcomes that best described the activity. Staff assessed programs with established activities to come up with program outcomes that schools could use to select from. A program brochure has been developed by Steve Curtain which allows schools to select programs based on these outcomes and timetables have been established for a variety of programs.

The Principals of Bogong, Rubicon and Somers have continued to support ROSA, the Residential Outdoor Schools Association . This has provided valuable networking between schools, resulting in the first ROSA conference in 2002 at Somers, with teaching staff from all 3 schools. The focus of the conference was Middle Years. A meeting in term 4, 2001 with Nino Napoli from Finance division resulted in all 3 schools being granted an additional staff member. This will support our delivery to over 6000 students per year and is greatly appreciated as recognition of the value of our educational delivery to students.

Roger Blackwell has completed his first full year as Assistant Principal. As a result of his efforts, there has been outstanding development of technology to support the operational organisation of program delivery to schools. We now have a schools' data base which provides us with accurate information related to bookings and provides valuable financial information to us and to our Visiting Schools.

The Catering delivery continues to be excellent. The decision to move from a contractor and to appoint an SSO to this position has proven to be highly successful for over 2 years now. Reports from students and visiting teachers continue to indicate that the quality and quantity of our food is greatly appreciated and that we provide a model of healthy eating for students.

Hydronic heating was installed in the student dormitory as a safety measure. The strip heating was considered unsafe as student use was unsupervised in each bedroom.

There are works planned for 2003 which could include:

• Building a student recreation area next to the student dormitory following recent demolition of sheds. This has been on the agenda for 3 years, but could not proceed until our lease was signed by the Minister of Education, Minister for Conservation and Land Management, and Southern Hydro. This occurred in March 2002.
• Possible purchase of the old Bogong Primary School and upgrade of the building. This will allow additional student recreation area, of which we have very little.
• Redesigning the staffroom and Administration storage area for greater space and provision of a student sickbay in the Administration area to allow for supervision of students who cannot go on program.
• Renovation of dining room to allow for extra VCE students in winter
• Renovation of Q store to allow for 20 extra students in winter.
• Upgrade of sheds for Maintenance Manager and storage
• Rockwall for extension to rockclimbing program
• Continued upgrade of buildings and ground

A major review of the school camps with Nino Napoli from DE&T Finance Division in Melbourne was done in December 2001. Further information was given to Ian Maddison from DE&T Program Division in Melbourne early in term 1, 2002. Many issues such as staffing, utilities, etc were discussed, with a view to have a funding model similar to other schools. As a result of this review, we were allocated an additional ongoing staff member

Two new full-time teaching staff were appointed: Jim Gargan and Jarrod Paine. Jarrod is the Environmental Studies co-ordinator while Jim chairs the Curriculum Committee.

Steve Curtain was again employed 3 days per week during term 1 to complete the Main Room of the Environmental Studies Centre.

Paul L'Huillier gained an on-going teaching position in November after having worked on contract full-time since August 1999.

Craig Chapman who had been teaching at the Centre since 1994 resigned in December and moved with his family back to South Australia to pursue other career options.

Highlights and Achievements

• Completion of Stage 3 of the Ian Ryan Environmental Studies Centre;
• The Bogong 5 day Summits Walk was again a great success;
• VCE programs for winter provided again;
• Catering arrangements highly successful;
• Staff induction package successfully used;
• Duke of Edinburgh programs consolidated into programs for 2002;
• The first highly successful ROSA (Residential Outdoor Schools Association) conference at Somers;
• Display at VASSP statewide conference prior to bookings opening;
• $10,000 grant for the Bogong Village Footsteps project;
• $75,000 grant from DE&T for a Strategic Partnership Program. This is a 3 year project allocation; and BOEC will work in partnership with Parks Victoria and focus on environmental education for students and visitors to Bogong Village;
• An additional ongoing staff member allocated to BOEC making a total of 9;
• Hydronic heating installed in the student dormitory;
• New fleet of mountain bikes and canoes purchased after extensive research;
• The 5 day Bogong High Plains Summits Walk was again conducted in December. Jarrod Paine and Michelle Forrer were the staff involved;

Some statistics

• In 1999, there was a total of 35 camp weeks, with 1723 students from 59 schools
• In 2000, there was a total of 36 camp weeks, with 1874 students from 69 schools
• In 2001, there was a total of 36 camp weeks, with 1850 students from 79 schools
• In 2002, there was a total of 35 camp weeks, with 1907 students from 84 schools

There were 696 Outside Users who used BOEC for a variety of reasons in 2002.

• There were 8638 participation days in 2000
• There were 8370 participation days in 2001
• There were 8638 participation days in 2002
• There were 6371 bed nights in 2000
• There were 6798 bed nights in 2001
• There were 6731 bed nights in 2002

2003

Of great significance to the operations of the Centre were the Bushfires, which ravaged Victoria in January and February of 2003. These fires affected almost the entire area around the Centre and the fires came within metres of the building. The Centre's only loss was of six elements on the high ropes course. The Rocky Knobs area of the Bogong High Plains which the Centre uses for Rogaining was closed by Parks Victoria until sufficient regrowth occurs.

The school and senior staff were involved in dealing with the fires and working with other government departments on their control and the cleaning up operations. The Centre received recognition from the Minister for Education for its efforts.

As a result the Centre was closed for Term One of this year. This closure gave the staff time to review practices, audit and repair equipment and to assess the future needs of the Centre in relation to this disaster.

Special Schools - The Centre continues to encourage and support enrolments from Special Schools and each year a number of schools send groups. These groups are usually paired with a secondary college that sees value in having its students interact with students with impairments and disabilities. Special arrangements are made to ensure that special school students can participate in many of the available activities. These groups stay in the self contained units - Kiewa and Nelse Lodges but eat with students from the main camp.

In summer the students are, where possible, integrated into groups with students from regular schools. This arrangement has positive outcomes for all students.

In winter it is necessary to conduct separate programs for both groups. However, for all other aspects of the centre's operations the students are integrated.

Service Agreement - BOEC is situated in Bogong Village. Southern Hydro has the head lease, BOEC and Bogong Alpine Village (BAV) each have subleases. There is a Service Agreement between Southern Hydro, BAV and BOEC. This came under intense scrutiny in 2002, and payment by DE&T to BAV for provision of services was withheld. The Properties Division, at the request of the Principal, sought accountability for funds provided. It appears that this has had an effect and BAV have agreed to an audit of their accounts and have agreed to allow scrutiny of the 2004 budget by 21 January 2004.

Highlights, Achievements & Plans

• Opening of Stage Three of the Ian Ryan Environmental Studies Centre by Governer John Landy on 22 May 2003;
• The replacement of the old workshop and garages next to Kiewa Lodge with a much larger workshop and double garage and the building of a double garage next to House 25;
• The placement of the Bogong Footstep Project signs around Lake Guy by BOEC staff and other community members in November 2003;
• The 5 day Bogong High Plains Summits Walk was again conducted in December. Jarrod Paine and Lisa McMahon were the staff involved;
• An extra two staff where employed in term three to assist with the year 9/10 and VCE ski programs. These were Steve Curtain (0.5) and Ian Arbuckle (0.5) and Glenn Hobday (1.0);
• A new High Ropes Course is planned to be operational in term four 2004 at a cost of $80,000 to replace the course that was partially destroyed in the January 2003 bushfires. Russell Bellingham is co-ordinating this project.

The Centre would like to thank the following people for contributing to the history:
Jim Crebbin, Brian Woinarski, Piers Hartley, Mary Cole and Paul L'Huillier.