Longerenong set for 130th milestone
Preparations for 130th anniversary celebrations at Longerenong College are in full swing, with the college set to open its doors to the public on October 5 and 6.
To celebrate 130 years of ‘education, training, tradition and pride’, celebration organisers have invited anyone with links to the historic institution – students, staff members, families who lived on campus, teachers and students of the primary school which closed in the late 1980s and anyone else with ties – to attend.
A highlight of the celebrations will be a Saturday night gala dinner at Wimmera Events Centre on October 6.College alumni anniversary co-ordinator Jenny Blakeley said the celebration was an opportunity to look back and commemorate the resilience of the past while showcasing the present and being inspired by future ambitions.
“Longerenong College has produced many outstanding graduates,” she said.
“From those who have gone on to become well-known leaders of businesses, farming bodies, as well as politicians and even elite sports people, right through to others who implemented their skills and knowledge on their own family farms – achieving a strong and successful legacy to leave for future generations.”
When Samuel Clemens, writing as celebrated American author Mark Twain, visited the college in 1895, he noted, ‘there were 40 pupils there – a few of them farmers relearning their
trade, the rest young men mainly from the cities – novices’.
More than 120 years later, the college now has more than 100 full-time students, many of whom are from metropolitan centres and more than half are female.
The college also has more than 40 apprentices as well as part-time students who are studying either on-campus or online and more than 140 VET in School students who attend the college as part of weekly secondary studies.
Mrs Blakeley said the college peaked in 1969 with 31 residential houses on the campus.
“Their occupants totalled between 120 and 130, including about 20 children in the primary school and about 17 teaching staff,” she said.
“Although most of the houses have been removed, and only a few staff now reside on campus, Longerenong College itself continues to thrive. Major renovations have taken place, new buildings have been erected, dormitories are full, enrolments are booming and there are exciting plans for a future expansion of accommodation facilities.
“That’s not bad for an institution that many thought was near closure when Melbourne University severed ties with us in 2006.”
Mrs Blakeley said the college had sought to invite as many people as possible from its alumni database and the response had been overwhelming.
“There are people coming from all over Australia as well as some from overseas,” she said.
“One gentleman travelling from New Zealand has booked every hotel, plane and bus required to arrive on the Friday before the event.
“He’s part of the 1960s era, which has been instrumental in encouraging us to have the celebrations.
“Some participants are making a long weekend of it and have organised buses from Melbourne, booked out motels and have the bus driver at their disposal.
“They’ve been sending weekly emails sharing stories and photos, and they are super keen to catch up with their mates and remember the good times.
“Due to out-of-date contact details, some people have missed out on receiving invitations so we are hoping the various year levels will spread the word so anyone who would like to come will come.”
Anyone wanting further information can call Mrs Blakeley on 0427 816 201 or look up the event online at www.longy.com.au.
“Although most of the houses have been removed, and only a few staff now reside on campus, Longerenong College itself continues to thrive” – Jenny Blakeley