Great Western gears for 150th celebration

The Wimmera wine village of Great Western is preparing for a milestone celebration later this year.

Plans are underway to celebrate 150 years of education in the town, corresponding with the anniversary of the opening of Great Western ‘common’ school in 1867.

Celebrations will be on October 13, 14 and 15, and include the reinstallation of a restored school bell at Great Western Primary School.

Event spokesman, Stawell Historical Society secretary and former Great Western pupil Greg Robson, said there was considerable excitement surrounding the celebration.

“There is going to be a lot of people catching up, some who haven’t seen each other for many years,” he said.

Mr Robson said an original school building, still in use, was built and furnished at a cost of 299 pounds and 10 shillings.

“The current school building was opened on May 9, 1881, with another smaller room added in 1922,” he said.

Mr Robson said the Stephenson Street primary school had been an integral part of Great Western’s community and history.

“There is currently 16 students attending the school. When I was there it was about 66. Numbers have ebbed and flowed,” he said.

“We’ve been busy trying to track all former students who are still alive to send them personal invitations.

“We’re hoping about 200 former students and teachers will return.

“We want to try to get as many people there as possible because of the significance of the milestone.

“We’ll also be launching an historical back-to book, which will include a lot of information sourced from Stawell Historical Society.”

Mr Robson said plans included a Saturday street parade of historic cars, horse-drawn carts, current students on decorated bicycles, marching bands and other attractions.

“Also on the Saturday afternoon will be a roll call and official opening of the weekend along with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque,” he said.

Organisers have planned a Saturday night dinner at Great Western Hall as part of the celebrations.

“We expect there will be many stories of years gone by exchanged at the dinner. We’re all really looking forward to it,” Mr Robson said.

Sunday proceedings will end with a combined church service and morning tea.

People seeking further information can call school council president Andrew Thompson on 0417 166 500 or Tracey Mccartney on 0429 600 228.