FEW places in our district have stayed more or less the same over the years as Bangholme has. Wide open spaces, sheep and cows lowing on green paddocks, and a semi-rural feel.
But when the skies open and the swollen Dandenong and Eumemmerring creeks burst their banks, Bangholme gets the worst of it.
My mention of past floods brought back a tide of the memories to Murray Smith, 65, of similar moments.
Mr Smith, the son of the late Alfred George Smith of Bangholme, recalls the floodwaters of 1955.
“I remember going to get a horse at the home of Mr David Pillar. It had got up on the roof during the floods and was rescued by an army duck.”
The primary school he attended was closed for a month.
“It was an enforced holiday for the students, but we didn’t mind,” he chuckled.
“It wasn’t just our school. The Bangholme Methodist Church was flooded, too.
“One of my great-uncles was Fraser Pillar of Bangholme. It was a great place.
“Everyone helped everyone — it epitomised thoughtfulness for others.”
Homework’s all done
Like so many other Dandenong schools, Lyndale Primary School is multicultural and progressive and principal Victoria Golding and the staff can be justly proud.
The school was established in 1956 and had, at its peak, a population of up to 1000.
The school now has 480 pupils, who come from 49 countries.
And to keep up with a new world of learning, three new buildings of one level grace the grounds in Oakwood Avenue.
“The three wings we used to have are now gone and the new buildings look just fabulous,” enthuses one of the ancillary staff.
The pupils take part in a multicultural day, Clean Up Australia Day, a bush dance and tree planting at Tirhatuan Park.
Members of the school council and ‘friends of Lyndale’ all work to provide support fund-raising. A ‘well done’ for one more school!
Playing around
Ask the kids: what’s your favourite part of the playground and they’ll probably all shout at once.
Last month, the City of Greater Dandenong rolled out stage one of an upgrade to the popular Burden Park playground in Springvale South.
To come up with the vision, the council held community consultations and, yes, even made visits to 10 primary and secondary schools.
The community wanted to retain the community feel of the site and castle structure. At the same time they wanted a better look, easier access, picnic amenities and links to other youth and adult activities.
The original timber playground was established in 1994 and has been a big hit with youngsters, and their parents too.
What do you think? Post a comment below.
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