The HistoryThe original Staughton Vale School was opened in 1875 and operated with several interruptions, until the early 1970’s. The school building and toilet block, with the addition of basic shower facilities, were then used as a base for under canvas camps by schools from the Geelong region.
In 1986 its potential as an outdoor learning centre was recognised and it came under the management and control of Nelson Park School and North Shore Primary School (now Northern Bay College) as Staughton Vale Outdoor Education Centre (SVOEC) . Plans were subsequently produced for a major redevelopment of the site to the stage of a fully functional facility. With invaluable support, both financial and ‘in kind’, from the Geelong business community, the then Ministry of Education and numerous volunteers, the project was completed in 4 stages. The vision was finally a reality in 2005 with the completion and opening of stage 4 (New toilet and shower facilities). Unfortunately, disaster struck in late January 2006 when bushfires ravaged the Brisbane Ranges and SVOEC was hit hard, losing the Rec Hall/Kitchen (original school building), the ‘Goldsworthy’ Bunkhouse (Sth), BBQ Shelter as well as outbuildings, fences and bushland. After many delays, the camp has been rebuilt with a new purpose built Rec Hall/Kitchen, a replica of the original ‘Goldsworthy’ Bunkhouse (Sth), a new BBQ Shelter and storage shed. The rebuild was completed in July 2009. Facts:
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