Wonthaggi Technical School (1969 in Wonthaggi, Victoria | School

Wonthaggi Technical School (1969

Locality: Wonthaggi, Victoria

Address: McBride Avenue 3995 Wonthaggi, VIC, Australia

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25.01.2022 From Sharon Melbourne (Miles) and Christine Scurrah (Tipping) : Expressions of interest for reunion for Wonthaggi Technical School students and teachers 1969 - 1974 for Saturday 17 October 2015. Please personal message Sharon Melbourne (Miles) or Chris Scurrah (Tipping). This has been in planning for a while.

25.01.2022 Thats All, Folks ! 3 months and 130 stories/photos later the well has run dry. Hope you enjoyed the memories and hope you understood that I could only tell stories about the people and events in the period I worked at WTS (1969-1976). I certainly enjoyed WTS, its students and staff - it was a happy and energetic time which I remember for its quality education and spirited interaction with students. Cheers .... John C

24.01.2022 From Elizabeth Wymer now Amos, on 26 January 2013. Hi Mr. Coghlan, are you retired or still teaching? You probably dont remember me but you taught me English and maybe other Humanities subjects at WTS, I was TOY/P class of 1975. I remember you always explained things well and made sense.... Miss Hadaway, was one of the loveliest lady teachers. Home Economics was wonderful with her. Do you know if Mrs. Johnson has facebook or an email, would love to send her a private message to congratulate her on her retirement? I also remember Mr. Gould, (Maths) very well, most students seemed to fear him, but I thought he was fabulous. Irene Williams, I did not remember until she approached me last February at Sunset Serenade, Tenby Point, when she heard my name mentioned as growing up in the area. I was Elizabeth Wymer and lived at Coronet Bay. My daughter Kate was performing in the concert, so it was really strange, but when I saw Irene I recognized her as a teacher. It is amazing, how everyone appears to be getting onto this nostalgic band wagon, it must be the ages. Anyway, all the best to you and your family. Regards, Elizabeth Amos (nee Wymer).

24.01.2022 The Blonde Bombshell ! Annette Hadaway, of course ! Annette became Mrs Johnson in 1971 and retired in 2012 after giving more than 40 years service to WTS, mainly in the Home Economics area. Annette was our Tour leader of the school in the morning. Here Annette is pictured with Elizabeth Wymer at the Luncheon at the Wonthaggi Golf Club.

23.01.2022 Oh no, Liz Fletcher ! Cape Paterson will never be the same once you hit town ! Its interesting that your life is turning full cycle ! How about telling us what happened after you left WTS ? Thanks..... John C

20.01.2022 King Rat ! Alan Rat Railton was there in all his inimitable glory, reminiscing about his days as Sportsmaster and denying that he deliberately put all the best swimmers into Flinders House each year so they could win the swimming sports at Korumburra for years on end ! Rat was up to his usual tricks by nipping out to the pokies every now and again. Pictured with Rat are Fred Angarane and Mal Stephenson.

20.01.2022 Hello Sharon Miles ! The word blossom comes to mind as I read your story. Just shows what a Wonthaggi/Inverloch girl can achieve in life ! And how fitting that a Wonthaggi girl should marry a miner and follow the resources trail around Australia. The blossoming refers to your love of family, your Business Diploma in later life, and your globetrotting to America & Canada. But you know, the best bit is your sense of Home Sweet Home - you have a holiday house in Inverloch ! Keep on enjoying life !

19.01.2022 Irene Williams and Muriel Cole ! Both retired now but both still keen to relive the happy memories of WTS in the early 70s. Irene has been Secretary of the Wonthaggi Historical Society for years and years and beguiled us all by selling Wonthaggi Centenary Showbags for $5 bucks a hit. Was doing pretty brisk business during the breaks ! Muriel has also retired in Wonthaggi and had spent the last 6 weeks touring Central Australia.

19.01.2022 Right-t-o my dear hearts, it's time for a few more life stories from students in the 1969 -1976 era at WTS. Here's a great idea ! Let's extend an invitation to Leeane Zappa and Debbie Devoogd to tell their stories after WTS. Well done, girls ! We look forward to your stories with interest.

17.01.2022 From Ben Dahlstrom Hi there, my name is Ben Dahlstrom and Im the eldest son of Rob Dahlstrom. Unfortunately dad passed away some 5 years ago, albeit Im interested in knowing if you have any other pics or stories of him other than those on this page. What do you recall of him??? Any thoughts or efforts are greatly appreciated. Thanks

16.01.2022 Hi everyone. This is John Coghlans daughter Natalie.. It is with much sadness to say that a funeral for Mr John Martin Coghlan will be help in Shepparton today. 1pm at St Brendans Shepparton. Refreshments afterwards at Princess Park... Lemnos Football Club for all his family and friends. Dad died in his chair surrounded by Frances, his 5 children and 15 grandchildren. There was always part of Dads heart left in Wonthaggi!! Rest in Paradise Dad... See more

16.01.2022 Enjoying a Beer ! Geoff Hoghton & Ian Finlay sharing stories at the Wonthaggi Golf Club. Geoff married a WTS girl in Noeline McLeod, and Im pretty sure, unless someone corrects me, that all the Hoghtons and Ian Finlay were Killy-Bass boys way back in the early 70s.

15.01.2022 Its now February 2014, more than a year since the last posts were made on this site. It seems though that more and more ex-students are discovering and enjoying the features. For the rationale behind the site please click on the photo inset in the profile picture for an explanation. As a ways and means of keeping the site active please feel free to contribute any stories and/or photos of WTS in the period 1969 - 1976.... In particular, a more specific and informative request would be to invite staff and students of the time to submit a summary of their life story after school and what they are doing now. That may sound a bit too invasive for some but if youre interested = give it a go ! Thanks - John Coghlan.

14.01.2022 From Linda Blackley, 6AB in 1976, on the 26 January 2013. Dear John, I dont know if you are still checking this site but I have only just had a look at it after being told about it then forgetting to look. I am Linda Blackley on my daughters facebook page. I thought I would fill you in on what I have been doing over the last 30 or so years. I became a Primary school teacher.I married James Wilson in 1979 Lived in Wonthaggi and had 3 daughters. Divorced and remarried in 199...9 to Neil Austin who was a teacher a Wonthaggi Secondary College when my girls were there and moved to Kilcunda. Dad passed away suddenly in 2005 and Mum 2 years later. The children are now independent and we have moved to Far North Queensland living Flying Fish Point near Innisfail near Cairns. I am currently teaching Prep in a Catholic School in Innisfail. We make regular trips back to Wonthaggi to see family. We are also expecting our first grandchild in April. I was amazed to see how old your children are. Time goes by so quickly! Regards Linda Austin

14.01.2022 From Frank Macri Hello all ! Who remembers my art teacher - her name was Miss Casey. I have good memorys of a trip that my form did to Swan Lake by train and what a trip that was. No one cared about Swan Lake - it was all about the trip to Melb back in those days. They were the days. Cheers !

14.01.2022 The Two Organisers ! Sharon Miles & Christine Tipping with big smiles on the day ! Well done, girls, or should I say ladies now ? Christine lives in Yinnar, just past Mirboo North, and manages Pazaaz Printing, alongside her husband, Lennie Scurrah. Sharon Miles, believe it or not, married a miner by the name of Melbourne, gained a Business Diploma in later life, lives in the Churchill/Morwell area and still has a holiday home in Inverloch. I still see schoolgirls whenever I look at you !

11.01.2022 The last of the movies made in my English classes in the 1969 - 1976 period. The Money Hunters - 5P - 1971 - 6.57min - featuring Garry Harrison, Peter McKechnie, Les Swift, Kevin Oates, Trevor Dowson and Bill Atkinson. The script was a big production affair influenced by the TV series Homicide. Motor bikes, guns, boats and lots of theatrical dying were prominent in the story. When I viewed the movie just recently I grimaced because none of it in these politically correct ...days would be approved either by our moral watchdogs or increased OHS regulations for schools. 5P and I had fun making the film ! See what you think !

11.01.2022 WTS Reunion ! Approximately 70 people attended the WTS Reunion for the years 1968 - 1973 at Wonthaggi last Saturday. The Reunion consisted of a Tour of the School, led by Annette Johnson, at 10 am in the morning, followed by a Luncheon at the Wonthaggi Golf Club at noon where John Coghlan made a powerpoint presentation of the people and the activities of the time. Congratuations to Christine Tipping and Sharon Miles for their initiative in organising the event. A great time was had by all who attended !

10.01.2022 From Lynette Ann Milnes. Congratulations on what looks like a very enjoyable day last week end. Do you remember Peter (Moonya, Moon) Milnes and Brian, Garry and Debra Ireland? Peter and I were in Wonthaggi last weekend for his Dads birthday and walked past WTS as everyone was gathering outside. We spoke to Irene Williams as she arrived but we had commitment at home so were unable to join you all.

10.01.2022 A request from Frank Macri. Hi there ! Does anyone know where Mandy Drowley is these days ?

10.01.2022 The World of Opera ! Elizabeth Wymer, now Amos, has joined the Victorian Operatic World after her humble beginnings at Coronet Bay and WTS. Her eldest daughter Kate is a lead singer at many of Victorias opera events and venues. Younger teenage daughter Karen (I think) who accompanied Elizabeth to the Reunion, is following in her sisters footsteps. Frank Virik, now retired, went on to become the Big Boss of the IT operations at Holmeglen Institute of TAFE. Thats yours truly pictured with Frank & Elizabeth at the Reunion.

10.01.2022 From Han Cousin, son of Tom Cousin : - Hi Wonthaggi Tech, my dad Tom Cousin says hello to all and he is sorry he missed the reunion.

09.01.2022 The Heart Throbs ! One of the features of the Powerpoint Presentation was the heart throbs of the period, namely Jim Brooks, Gavin McDonald and Frank Virik. Brookles and Frank turned up to a swooning reception whilst Macca was an apology. Two out of three wasnt bad, I thought ! The funniest moment came during picture time at the Golf Club when Jim & Frank were invited to join the group with anyone else who wanted to share with them. Well, there was a large WHOOSH and shrill EEK as those schoolgirls, now mothers and grandmothers, rushed to sit on Brookles knee and stand beside Frank with arms around waist. In fact, the girls literally had turned their backs on me !

09.01.2022 From David Johnson Hi there. I attended the school for a couple of years from about 71 to 73. Unfortunately l cant see any shots with me in them, though l do recognise quite a few of the names and faces. ... Allan Rat Railton is one, Steve Madsens another. The latter was my English teacher who threatened regularly to introduce me to his Whacker Bat on several occasions, and he did indeed hit me with it more than once...Aaaah, such fond memories. Mr Gould seemed to have a bit of time for me and helped with with my maths enough so that l scraped through. Some people in my grades were Dallas McKenzie, Gwenda Hunt, Tracey Bolding, Ian Clover, Allison Justice, Carl Derrick and Michelle Tonello. I used to live near Robert Weibenga on the island, though he was a couple of years ahead of me. I learned to play the trumpet at Wonthaggi, and later saw Allan Fenney around the traps as he became an accomplished player in the navy, where l also served. If you know what became of any of the people Ive mentioned Id be interested to know. Likewise, if you know where photos from that period are located Id love to see them. Youve put together a fantastic, informative site. Thank you. Kind regards David Johnson

08.01.2022 From Frank Bassett Hi folks. I am Frank Bassett, [Diannes brother.] I attended Wonthaggi Tech in 1954-58. I was in the farmers class, 3AF & 4AF.... I remember John Coghlan when he played football for Kilcunda-Bass. I was probably the time-keeper for the Seconds then. Terry Tate was the Coach. Is there any body out there from that era ? Regards Frank. P.S. I know the Mowats. They used to live at Bass - Woolamai. Jack and Beryl are retired in Echuca, I live in Moama.

07.01.2022 OK Babes, thats all the photos I have ! Please feel free to add photos of the Reunion if you have any decent ones ! I would like to give a special mention to those who werent in my snapping range at the Luncheon. Ian Sullivan and Kevin Green managed to avoid the cameras as did Marilyn Joyce, Roseanne Prossor and Barry Poxon. A special thanks to Marilyn Joyce who bought me a drink - a lemon squash - as soon as I walked in the door. Big Kisses, Marilyn ! You were a great debutante at our Golden Jubilee Debutante Ball in 1972 !

07.01.2022 From Jeanette Ferguson (Dare) : - Hi there Wonthaggi Tech, Jeanette Ferguson (Dare) here. Does anyone out there have a class photo of "us" 3G 1971? Really sad that I missed the recent reunion. I only just found out about it when I was trying to connect with some old school mates.

07.01.2022 From Maureen Ware, the baby of the Ware family : 16 January 2016. Hi John, Maureen Ware, its lovely to speak to you. I unfortunately missed the reunion, which I would have loved to attend.... Whoops, I posted this before I finished. I pretty much went from Tech school to the MCG. Tony, my brother, was working there at the time on the arena staff in 1978 and I worked in admin in membership initially. Still there 37 years later, albeit not in the same role. I worked as PA to our Project Manager on the rebuild of the Southern Stand, then in our maintenance dept. And now for the past 14 years I have worked in our Events Dept which manages major events on game day, so a bit of everything and always plenty going on at the G. I have great memories of WTS and also your contribution to the school and community, including your time at Glen Alvie FC. Take care and who knows, may cross paths in the near future. Wishing you all the very best.

07.01.2022 Do you recognise all these faces/names ? Well, here goes ! Noelene McLeod/Geoff Hoghton, Sharon Miles, Faye Tooley, Ian Finlay & Jack Lindsay. My question is straightforward ! Who the hell is Faye Tooley ? Two other tradies who were present but avoided the camera were Ian Slugger Sullivan & Kevin Green. They were probably off discussing their golf grips and golf swings for most of the day.

06.01.2022 Guess who found me in the Wonthaggi Golf Club car park before the Luncheon started ! None other than Ian Wart Johnson who was just about to play a round of golf. He was a fit looking Wart too, with muscles rippling on his muscles. Where did you get those guns from, Wart ? From 30 years of running my own bricklaying business was the reply. I distinctly remember a 16 year old Wart teaching me how to box in the old Youth Club Hall in Murray St, and Wart starring as a Homicide detective in our 1971 Form 5 movie with the title of Murder. Wart, who is on the far right in this Murder photo, actually appeared to watch the movie at the end of the Luncheon !

06.01.2022 Students and Teachers at the Reunion ! Pictured are Christine Tipping, Sharon Miles, Annette Johnson, Jim Brooks, John Lindsay, Julie Ledwidge & Frank Virik, with John Coghlan and Frank Angarane sitting. Annette had to sort out the wrong keys for the morning tour whilst Frank was still serving on the committee of the Dalyston FC, including a stint as President. Well done, FranK !

05.01.2022 One more photo from the reunion on the 17 October, courtesy of Sharon Miles, now Melbourne. The Reunion was a 2 part event, with a Tour of the School at 10.00am followed by a luncheon at the Golf Club at 12 noon. This is a photo of the Tour group in a school location that wasnt there in the 70s ! Maybe Sharon or Chris Tipping, now Scurrah, can put names to the faces for us !

05.01.2022 From Tom Cousin in Merimbula, Sunday 20 December 2015. Hi John, Well I must say that it was really great talking to you today....Continue reading

05.01.2022 From Sharon Macmillan Class photo 1971 - Form 1E. Just some of the girls I remember are Barbara Hunt, Roselie Gillingham, Linda Blackney, Sue Bird, Devon Eden, Irene Murdock and Janine Hancock, Sharon Mowat (Macmillan).... Any idea where these girls are now and what they are doing ?

04.01.2022 RIP Bob Spooner ! A very sad event happened in the week leading up to the Reunion. Bob Spooner, one of our Fitting and Machining teachers of the 70s and later, suffered a massive heart attack on the Tuesday and died on the Thursday. Our sincerest sympathy is extended to his wife Mary and family, particularly Sharon & Christine whom I taught. Bob would have been at the Reunion with his great Rovers mate Jack Lindsay. The picture is a 2009 photo of Bob, together with Irene Williams and Jack Lindsay, celebrating Jack Lindsays Citizen of the Year Award at Wonthaggis Australia Day Awards.

04.01.2022 The last story ! The History of the State Coal Mine and Wonthaggi - 1909 - 1968 ! The idea to insert Australian History, including a major unit on Local History (Wonthaggi), in the Form 2 Social Studies curriculum was a no brainer as far as I was concerned ! Kids need to know where they come from, and how they fit into the bigger picture, was the basis of our thinking. Well, when it came to Wonthaggi there was nothing conveniently available to tell the story. We had to start ...from scratch and piece it all together. So the families, kids, and community all generously pitched in together. Kids brought in photographs, letters, booklets, newspaper articles, mementos and life stories - all on the cross-my-heart promise that they would faithfully be returned to their families. And they were ! Experts connected to the SCM contributed either as guest speakers, interviewees, or as writers of articles - namely John Knight, Jon Sleeman, Fred Webb, Arthur Quilford, Andrew Reeves, George Broome, Walter Taberner and Jim Bowes. And whats more, they all consented to having their views published ! Two gems of publications surfaced in the form of a 1910 publication called The Powlett Coalfield and Coal History of Victoria, and the 1934 Powlett Express Souvenir of Wonthaggi & District - both brought in by kids ! The Annual Reports of the State Coal Mine (found in Stan Cacketts office), Borough of Wonthaggi Notes and Minutes, and the Australian Railways Historical Society were all sources of valuable info and photos. Both teachers and students (most) jumped for joy when something new was added to the story. Then there were the excursions to Central Area & Kirrak, the one day dress-up trips to Coal Creek, and the extended trips to the gold fields of Victoria which all hopefully added colour, spice and interest for the kids. So the end product of teaching Local History to Form 2 at WTS for 8 years (1969 - 1976) was the publication of the history of The State Coal Mine and Wonthaggi, 1909-1968 - in 1979. So, even though I was working at Warragul Technical School from 1977-1979, the story of Wonthaggi was never far from my mind. Why ? Because Dennis Leversha and myself spent many weekends and school holidays during those 3 years preparing a history of Wonthaggi for publication. And where do you think all the info and photos came from ? - youre right ! - from the efforts of all concerned with Form 2 Social Studies at WTS. The noble idea was to publish a basic history of the State Coal Mine era to preserve the coal heritage of Wonthaggi in the minds of the younger generations. So 1000 copies of the State Coal Mine and Wonthaggi, 1909 - 1968, were printed in 1979 ! A 120 page, A4 size, hard cover book which took 10 years to sell the 1000 copies @ $20.00 a copy. If you have one, it should be worth a mint by now !

02.01.2022 The Inverloch Girls ! Margie Atkinson & Noelene McLeod ! Here they are poring over some photos of the old schooldays. Noelene married Geoff Hoghton and lives in Wonthaggi, whilst Margie married money and lives in Eltham, driving her Brent Cobra to the Reunion & wearing a Harley Davidson motorcycle jacket to protect herself from the cold !

02.01.2022 Ok So in Mulgrave on John Coghlans page and would appreciate some contributions to continue Dads legacy and the fondness we all share for Wonthaggi Tech..... Ready,set......GO

02.01.2022 From Maureen Ware, the 'baby' of the Ware family : 16 January 2016. Hi John, Maureen Ware, it's lovely to speak to you. I unfortunately missed the reunion, which I would have loved to attend.... Whoops, I posted this before I finished. I pretty much went from Tech school to the MCG. Tony, my brother, was working there at the time on the arena staff in 1978 and I worked in admin in membership initially. Still there 37 years later, albeit not in the same role. I worked as PA to our Project Manager on the rebuild of the Southern Stand, then in our maintenance dept. And now for the past 14 years I have worked in our Events Dept which manages major events on game day, so a bit of everything and always plenty going on at the G. I have great memories of WTS and also your contribution to the school and community, including your time at Glen Alvie FC. Take care and who knows, may cross paths in the near future. Wishing you all the very best.

01.01.2022 Right-t-o my dear hearts, its time for a few more life stories from students in the 1969 -1976 era at WTS. Heres a great idea ! Lets extend an invitation to Leeane Zappa and Debbie Devoogd to tell their stories after WTS. Well done, girls ! We look forward to your stories with interest.