It will be the combining of old and young as the historic Gunbower Estate begins its next chapter as an educational facility for the students of Moama Anglican Grammar in the coming months.
Moama Anglican Grammar has purchased the Estate thanks to a charitable trust and has begun initial works on the property in readiness for welcoming students and staff who will benefit from the historic buildings and homestead, 1.1km Gunbower Creek frontage and expansive 84 acres.
Principal Scott Downward says the school is very excited to be the new custodians of the property, and understands the historical significance it has to the Gunbower, Leitchville and Cohuna area.
The Estate was owned by one family for almost 100 years, most recently by Jenny Johnson but originally purchased by her father in the 1930s, and dates to the mid-1800s. See [the earlier Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper story of] its history.
This is the first time in the Estate’s history that it has been owned by and used as an educational facility, and Mr Downward says it will provide real world learning opportunities and character development for students from Kindergarten right through to Year 12 through unique, diverse and flexible immersion experiences.
With the homestead built in the 1890s, there is much restoration required to bring it back to its former glory, which will build upon considerable work done by Mal Johnson to save the cellar, restore the blacksmith shed and plant trees to manage the water table (see below text).
In the 1980s, Mal Johnston painstakingly removed mud and water from the cellar, lifted bricks to place agi pipe to collect water from the high water table, and installed a sump pump to take it away. Prior to the Millenium Drought, the water table was less than a metre below the surface and impacted the house. To try and intercept the water table, 14,000 trees were planted in the front paddocks. Mal has also intercepted the grey water and pumped it onto salty land, diverting it from the creek, has restored the blacksmith shed and undertaken many other jobs.
Immediate works will focus on managing surface water and roof leaks.
Restoring the property is a long-term project, and the school is keen to restore the homestead in keeping with its history and in line with council heritage guidelines. Mr Downward said that while qualified tradesmen will carry out the bulk of any work, students in the Building and Construction Program, and Agriculture and Primary Industries Program will have opportunities to engage in hands-on learning that complements their academic program.
In the future, students will be involved in scientific investigation, conservation efforts to support the diverse wildlife in the region, environmentally focused art, agriculture and primary industries studies and outdoor education. Over time, and subject to planning approvals, the school intends to offer immersive outdoor education camps, a purpose-built challenge ropes course and sustainable eco cabin accommodation.
“Bringing large groups of students to Gunbower Estate at the one time is not our vision,” Mr Downward said, “but bringing students out for varying durations that are age and stage appropriate to support growth is really exciting for the students and our community.
“We want it to be a really personal experience that supports holistic student growth. So, the combination of short-term experiences which complement traditional subject delivery and longer-term immersion experiences is our ultimate goal.”
Mr Downward said it had been fascinating to talk to Jenny and Mal Johnson about the Estate’s history, and the school plans to incorporate Jenny and her family’s history into student learning.
“We want to honour the traditions of the property, including restoring it to preserve its rich history. We also intend to provide access for our community and others in the Gunbower community to be part of that journey, and to understand the rich history of the property.”
Mr Downward, who has been involved in similar programs at other schools, is keen for students and staff to visit and interact with the property. “I’m fully aware of the power of these types of learning environments for student growth. Schools have the academic program, the pastoral program, but the complementary learning that comes from these experiences is really unique. To have the ability for students to have flexible learning opportunities of varying duration really supports holistic development and growth of our students.”
It will be a long-term project to restore the Estate, but with the tender love and care provided by the Moama Anglican Grammar community, Gunbower Estate will continue to be an icon for the region.
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 15 February 2024.
Related story: Historic estate sold after almost 100 years
