History of the Centre
By Mary Cole - Principal ,
21 May 2003
Environmental studies has always been a strong feature of the curriculum at Bogong Outdoor Education Centre. Outdoor Education is education about "self, others and the environment." We take care of ourselves, we can then look after others and together we can look after the environment.
This Centre is the result of 3 years of dedicated work by the staff at the Centre. Their resourcefulness, innovation and love of our amazing alpine environment has created an interactive learning environment which has been much appreciated by our students. We hope they will always think about their stewardship of the environment for their benefit and the benefit of generations to come.
We have had three Enviro Coordinators, Charlie Bissett, Mick Geerling and Jarrod Paine. Charlie started the long journey of planning the Enviro rooms, working on the Cattleman's Hut, Long Room and planning for the Main Room. Mick continued the work on the Long Room and the curriculum planning for the Main Room. Charles Sturt University students assisted with the curriculum framework for the Main Room. Jarrod, together with Steve Curtain and Michelle Forrer, has completed the curriculum development and displays for the Long Room and the Main Room.
The Cattleman's Hut is our IT room. Russ Bellingham first suggested that we build the hut and students really appreciate the atmosphere. Russ assisted with the construction of the hut and provided all of the trappings that make it an authentic replica of a Cattleman's Hut. We have a projector screen, a multi-media projector, video and computer. Paul L'Huillier, our IT expert, has set up our hardware and made it functional. Jarrod and Paul have produced a wealth of environmental powerpoint presentations and short videos.
The Long Room has a working model of the Hydro Scheme designed by Roger Blackwell, our Assistant Principal. On the central display of corrugated iron, Barb Parker has painted a mural depicting the road from Mt Beauty to Falls Creek, with the help of Melinda Basham This shows the changing environment and the flora and fauna along the way. On the other side, there is a timeline of the history of the area, with particular emphasis on environmental impacts. Jarrod, Steve, Russ, Michelle and Paul have created our displays, with assistance from Anita Mamers.
The Long Room and Cattleman's Hut were officially opened by NE Regional Director of DE&T Adele Pottinger at our 30 year staff reunion in 2001.
The Main Room is a wealth of information and interactive displays with worksheets designed using multi intelligent learning styles. The room has been used by students for the first time in term 2, 2003.
We welcome the opening of the Main Room by Govenor Landy (22 May, 2003)
The Centre is named after Ian Ryan, a BOEC staff member for 10 years, who had a passion for environmental studies.
