Bunyip Primary School Holiday Play Centre – May 1978
Today’s history story comes from the Bunyip and Garfield Express newspaper, May 1978.
It was during the school holidays that Bunyip Primary School hosted a holiday program for kids.
Around 150 children, aged between six and fourteen, attended over the three days, enjoying arts and crafts, kite making and new games.
One of the popular activities was paper-mâché, where children could get their hands messy with paper and paste, moulding all sorts of wonderful creations.
And as you can see in this old newspaper photograph, everyone was busy making something!
The photograph features Mrs Sheila Edwards, Mrs Barbara Birch and Mrs Jean Thompson (Mum), all helping out.
There was even a special visit from the Hawthorn Football Club, with some of their top footballers giving the children tips during a football clinic.
The Holiday Play Centre was organised by the Bunyip Mothers Club in conjunction with the Pakenham Shire Municipal Recreation Officer, Mr Bob Utber.
Mrs Barbara Birch was the program coordinator.
The event was considered such a success that plans were made to hold more holiday play centres during the September and Christmas school holidays.
Today, it is not unusual to have school holiday activities, but back then, in the 1970s, it was the start.
Thank you to our parents for their help in making these activities happen. ❤️
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