In the year we became ‘co-ed’

PROF. RICHARD PAGE, CHAIR OF COUNCIL

This year marks 50 years of co-education at The Geelong College, an anniversary to celebrate as a milestone for diversity. To understand the significance of this for the school and the community at the time, it is worth considering what was happening 50 years ago in a social context.

In 1974, hairstyles were long, the Whitlam Government was just reelected, and the number one music hits in Australia that year included The Rolling Stones (Angie), Grahame Bond (Farewell Aunty Jack), Terry Jacks (Seasons in the Sun). To top it off, ABBA won Eurovision.

Pop culture covered Beatlemania, flower power and disco, on the big screen were ‘The Godfather Part II’ (winner of the Academy Awards’ Best Picture), ‘Chinatown’ and Mel Brooks’ ‘Blazing Saddles’. A young author named Stephen King released his debut book, Carrie, and the Rubik’s Cube was invented.

Outside of entertainment news, Richard Nixon became the first

US President to resign following the Watergate affair, the Terracotta Warriors were discovered in Xian, China and the fossil of one of the oldest known humans, an Australopithecus afarensis specimen nicknamed ‘Lucy,’ was found in Ethiopia.

For the sports fans: Australia drew with Chile in the World Cup, Evonne Goolagong overcame sweltering heat and Chris Evert to pull off an inspiring victory to win the Australian Open and Richmond beat North Melbourne in the VFL Grand Final.

I think you will agree that 1974 seems a long time ago (though: hands up, those of you who remember it!). The 70s were a time of great change, and much has changed again in the years since.

But while all of this was occurring in the wider world, big changes were also underway at The Geelong College. Under the leadership of then-Principal, Mr Peter Thwaites, and with the support of the College Council, it had been determined that the school would become coeducational. Initially, we accepted enrolments from girls from Prep (now ‘Foundation’) and Year 1, 2 and 3.

In February 1974, four girls made history as they began their educational journey at Campbell House. They were followed by another three girls later that same year. Enrolment was extended to girls at all year levels from February the following year.

To become co-educational was a big, bold decision given the long history of the College as a standout boarding school for boys. However, it was a necessary decision, enabling the school to achieve a social balance, reflecting the social changes in the wider society. The increase in student numbers also enabled the College to expand upon the available liberal education offerings.

As a school community, we benefit from the vision of those who came before us. A decision that may have seemed ‘bold’ at the time has since become the new normal.

From a personal perspective, a dinner table poll one night at home has confirmed this. Each member of my family reported that they significantly appreciate the positive, balanced educational experience the College offers today, and found it difficult to imagine this same experience being possible without co-education. The strength of lifelong friendships (for students and parents alike) was noted, as were the benefits of the wonderful balance we have across the gender spectrum.

From a College Council perspective, it is my hope that we may continue to advance the College’s legacy by paying forward and contributing to the rich evolution of education and opportunity.

As the Greek proverb goes – ‘a society grows great when we plant trees whose shade we may not personally benefit from’.

This leads me to our most recent College ‘tree’. It grew from a seed planted a number of years ago, has now grown to maturity and is about to bear fruit: the amazing sport and wellbeing centre, Belerren, due to open next term.

Our entire College community played a role in bringing this project to reality and deep gratitude must go to all those involved. Designed by John Wardle Architects, constructed by Bernie Henry’s team at Lyons Construction, and overseen by the College’s Project Manager, Brad Carr - the result is something we can all take a great deal of pride in.

Acknowledgement, too, must be given to those who supported Belerren’s funding. The Belerren Campaign Committee, headed up by Dr Hugh Seward, provided a great deal of support to Campaign Manager Peter Moran and his team at the College’s Community Relations, as Peter led the campaign to reach a most ambitious fundraising target. Of course, this target could not have been reached without the support of the wider College community, whose generous contributions made the construction of Belerren possible.

Together, we have delivered a generational asset that will be enjoyed by all who pass through the gates of The Geelong College for many, many years to come. How appropriate, too, that the first teams to enjoy these world-class courts and playing surfaces will be both girls and boys - the perfect way to celebrate our 50 years of co-education.