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BEECHWORTH - CHILTERN - RUTHERGLEN - STANLEY - YACKANDANDAH Friday, June 20, 2025
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Indigo Interview
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Primary school’s milestone Beechworth Primary School to celebrate historical 150 year commemoration on 2 July
AN incredible 150 years of public education will be commemorated on 2 July this year by Beechworth Primary School with a bigger event planned for the warmer month of October. The heritage listed building also has social, historical and architectural significance to the state of Victoria as it represents a boom period in Beechworth’s history. Among past students celebrating the incredible milestone will be Beechworth’s Forrest family with a proud and long-standing connection to the school over five generations. Bruce Forrest, his brother and father were educated at the school. “I’m very proud that our son Scott and daughter Amanda were educated at the school too with our grandchildren now attending,” Bruce said. Bruce’s wife Michelle had also been educated at the primary school.
BY CORAL COOKSLEY
ccooksley@ nemedia.com.au
Their son Scott has taught at the school for the last seven years with his two sons nine-year-old Theo and sixyear-old Kit now attending. Scott said his goal of teaching at the school derived from his great experiences as a student. “I want my own kids to have that experience now, and I can see the fun and engagement they’re having,” he said. Teaching has also been a family affair with Michelle’s mother and grandmother having taught at the school while Scott’s wife Airlie Forrest teaches there as well. In a trip down memory lane for both father and son they recalled the significance of the “fairy tree”, and the wetlands which foster imaginative play and learning – an area Scott’s children now enjoy. Scott said the fairy tree is
a pivotal spot and a major school icon still standing strong where school graduations take place in front of the tree. “It’s a magical little spot, because foundation grade kids have make-believe games and when in middle and senior years progress to the wetlands, the cubbies and creek systems,” he said. Another memory for Bruce is being on the school council for years as well as being school council president. “It was great and a really rewarding time,” he said. “I remember doing all the welding on the rotunda at the front of the school too,” he said. With the recent school upgrade Bruce said the change is amazing from when he attended. “The building still looks magnificent but internally has dramatically changed for the better,” he said. ■ Continued page 3
DRESSES GALORE Volunteer for the ‘Dreams Can Come True Formal Wear Hire’ community project Shayne Prater showcases one of the many debutante dresses available for hire for young people, with the Chilternbased library growing ten-fold since its inception in 2022. ■ Story page 6.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Health & Wellbeing NEWS
52 Sydney Road Beechworth, VIC 3747 (03) 5728 0200 www.beechworthhealthservice.com.au www.facebook.com/BeechworthHealthService
Passionate About Health? Help Shape Local Healthcare EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST NOW OPEN:
BHS Community Connection Health Committee Are you passionate about health and wellbeing in your community? Do you want to make sure local voices - patients, carers, families, and residents - are heard and valued? This is your chance to make a real difference. Beechworth Health Service (BHS) is inviting expressions of interest from community members who want to help shape local health care. Join our Community Connection Health Committee,and use your lived experience and insights to influence the way services are provided.
As a Committee Member, you will: ☑ Join monthly meetings (online or in-person at BHS) ☑ Commit around 2 hours of your time ☑ Collaborate with staff, community groups and partner organisations ☑ Share your insights to improve services and strengthen care Whether you’ve used our services, cared for someone who has, or simply care deeply about community wellbeing – your voice matters. Be part of something meaningful.
Help make our health service stronger - together.
INTERESTED? Contact our Community Engagement Officer on (03) 5728 0200 to find out more and register your interest.
Beechworth Health Service is your local partner in providing acute and sub - acute care, primary health services, community health promotion, aged care and visiting specialist services.