For nearly 50 years, the Mirboo North ‘Gymnasium’ has been a familiar part of community life. Built on school land between the Primary and Secondary College back in 1979, it is Mirboo North’s only indoor recreation facility. Generations of students have attended PE classes there, sporting clubs have trained and competed under its roof, and countless local families have spent evenings and weekends cheering from the sidelines.
What people may not know, is that this key facility began with the recognition that sharing an indoor facility between the Mirboo North schools and local community would be really valuable for all. It was then made possible by a valuable collaboration between the community, schools, the Shire and Education Department.
An idea years in the making
The idea of an indoor sporting facility for Mirboo North dates back to 1962, when the Rotary Club of Mirboo North supported a proposal to establish a gymnasium for local schools and the wider community. The Shire of Mirboo was also supportive, but early fundraising efforts struggled to gain momentum, and the idea remained unrealised for several years.
However in 1976, the school principal of Mirboo North Secondary College, Roger Gee, helped revive the proposal, drawing inspiration from gymnasiums already operating at Alexandra High School and elsewhere in Victoria. Plans were drawn up and a cost of $200,000 established.
There was jubilation in 1977 when the Department of Education approved a grant towards the project for $100,000, with the Shire of Mirboo having committed $25,000 and the Department of Sport and Youth, $50,000. It was agreed that the community (via both schools) would fundraise the remaining $25,000.
From plans to reality
Construction began in late 1978 and on 12 September 1979, the Mirboo North Gymnasium was officially opened with more than 100 people attending. This was followed by an afternoon tea ‘upstairs’ and a basketball match played by students.
Among those present were Minister for Education A. J. Hunt, Shire President Cr Bill Beyer, and school principals Roger Gee and Ken Lehmann.
As the years passed, the building continued to evolve. In 1988, an additional room was constructed for activities such as weightlifting and aerobics, as well as school PE. It is now known as the Green Room, thanks to its green beize carpet. In the late 1990s the Gym had a new roof installed, but the current floor, concrete covered in vinyl, remains exactly as it was when built in 1979.
Committee of Management
From the start the Mirboo North Gymnasium was envisioned as a shared community asset, supporting physical education during school hours and local sport beyond them. The attached image (courtesy of the Mirboo & District Historical Society) is an extract from the MN Times in 1980 and shows an advert which highlights the first Committee of Management as well as encouragement for community users to get on board.
Were you part of the original gymnasium story?
The Mirboo North Community Stadium working group would love to hear from anyone who remembers the planning, fundraising, construction or early years of the ‘Gymnasium’.
Perhaps you helped with the original project, attended the opening, played in one of the first teams or have photographs tucked away at home.
Your memories would really help tell the story of the people behind the original building as we plan for its future.
If you have a story, photograph or memory to share, please contact: mnthjba@gmail.com
Contributions may be featured in a follow-up celebrating the people and memories that have shaped the gymnasium’s history.