Gunnedah Water Tower Museum open day for educators

Teaching staff were invited to an open day at the Gunnedah Water Tower Museum on Friday.

The event aimed to introduce educators to what the museum could offer schools and students in their studies.

Gunnedah Historical Society secretary Judy Lee said the museum displays provided an extensive record of local people, places and events. It also showed how these have changed over time.

“We hope to encourage more schools to visit,” Mrs Lee said.

Among those attending last week were teachers from St Mary’s College, Gunnedah, Sue Hunt and Louise Chad.

The pair was gathering ideas for students involved in the school’s textiles class which includes a ‘history of fashion’ component.

The course is run subject to student demand but last year fielded 10 participants.

Also visiting the museum on Friday was a tourist group from the coast led by former Gunnedah resident now living in Coffs Harbour, Judy Heelis (nee Sills). The travelling party enjoyed its visit to the museum and the trip down memory lane.

Interestingly, Judy Lee’s research on the Gunnedah museum revealed that it is believed to be the only water tower museum in the state.

Mrs Lee discovered at least three others in Victoria – Portland, Sale and Murtoa – but none in NSW.

Visitors to the Gunnedah Water Tower Museum, Judy O’Shannessy, Shaun O’Shannessy, Wendy Laverty, Maurice Tate and Jenny Heelis (Sills).