Official opening of Torwood Library (Kal) named after hybrid gum tree

30/7/96

A strange quirk of nature that saw the creation of a new hybrid gum tree in the grounds of North Kalgoorlie Primary School was commemorated at the opening of the school's new library and resource centre today.

Education Minister Colin Barnett today officially opened the $360,000 Torwood Library, named after the Torwood eucalyptus, now a common ornamental tree in Kalgoorlie Boulder.

Cross pollination of two trees a Coral Gum (eucalyptus torquata) and a Lemon Scented Gum (eucalyptus woodwardii), originally planted to beautify the school grounds, resulted in the hybrid.

Mr Barnett said care had been taken in planning the new buildings at the school to preserve original parent trees of the Torwood Gum.

"This is a fascinating and unique part of the school's heritage and most appropriate that it can be commemorated in the name of the new library and resource centre," the Minister said.

"The school itself, with its original building dating back to the goldrush days of early this century, is important to the heritage of Western Australia."

The Minister congratulated the coordinators of the school's building program for the attention that had been paid to ensuring the new buildings blended with the older ones in terms of both style and design.

"This even included the use of bricks from the old school in the new facade of the administration area," he said.

Local architect Vince Mullins designed both the new library and an $81,000 upgrade of the administration area.

Contractor for the administration area was D.J.McGinty and Jaxon Constructions Pty Ltd built the library and resource centre.

Mr Barnett said the multifunctional library building was an important asset for the school's 580 primary and pre-primary students.  It would also prove invaluable for the 43 staff members.

"It is essential for students to have access to a variety of information sources and to develop the skills necessary to find and use information to meet their needs throughout life," Mr Barnett said.

"The library will give them access to a wide range of literature and other resources to cover the varying interests and ability levels of students."

The library had been provided as part of the Education Department's 1994/95 capital works program.  Each year the department reserved part of its capital works budget to provide library and resource centres at schools round the State, to provide students with facilities appropriate for learning at the turn of the 21st century.

Media Contact: Anabel Gomez 2229595

FOOTNOTE:  North Kalgoorlie Primary School, while a historic school because of its link to the goldrushes, also has another link to the heritage of education in Western Australia.  It was the primary school attended by two former Directors General of Education: Dr T.L.Robertson and H.W.Dettman.