Invergowrie

This magnificent property, walking distance from Tay Creggan, was one of the first sub-divisions of Melbourne, purchased by James Palmer, Mayor of Melbourne, in 18 48 because of its high grounds and commanding views. Strathcona’s Year 9 campus, Tay Creggan, now stands on part of the original estate.

As Year 9 students walk through the gates of Tay Creggan, they are joining a special community. On the tranquil banks of the Yarra, not far from the CBD, there is a sense of bonding with one’s classmates, of shared memories, laughter, hard times and fun. A year to look back on, long after it has passed. It is also a year to delve into the history of the Tay Creggan, meaning ‘built on a rock’, its significance to Hawthorn and to explore Melbourne’s past, as by connecting with the past we can make sense of the future.

In 2022, the new owners of Invergowrie, Angela and Stephen Tomisich, generously agreed to allow all Tay Creggan students to visit their property ‘Invergowrie’. The heritage home is full of historic features. From bluestones marked with the broad arrowhead of convict labourers, to a canoe tree in the garden, which Indigenous Australians used the bark from to make canoes to navigate the Yarra River.

In 1933, owner William McPherson gave his home to the Headmistresses’ Association to be used as a Homecraft Hostel, where female students would reside and learn “home skills” as well being responsible for the running of the “household”. Later, in 1992, the home was sold for private use and the Invergowrie Foundation Trust was established to help educate women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

A visit to Invergowrie allows all students to connect to the past, to experience what it may have been like to live during the early 1900s and to reflect on the establishment of Melbourne as a city. Our Year 9 visit to Invergowrie has enabled us to co-design the ‘Learning from the Past’ program with the Tomisich’s, which they hope to one day roll out to other schools in the area.

Following their visit, Tay Creggan students all responded creatively to the theme ‘Change Over Time’, using Invergowrie as their reference. A short list of submissions were selected and presented to the Tomisich’s, and a ceremony was held in the old Hostel Hall on the property to award students’ prizes.

Maintaining a strong connection to one’s local community is essential for a variety of reasons. Learning from the past is crucial for personal growth and societal progress. By examining history, students can gain a better understanding of the world and the people who inhabit it. Invergowrie has been an invaluable asset for developing connections in the local area and giving our students an important lesson in learning from the past.

KARYN MURRAY Head of Tay Creggan