Opening of History of Education exhibition in Kalgoorlie

16/6/93

The discovery of gold in Western Australia played a key role in the establishment of a proper education system in this State.

The arrival of thousands of miners and their families to the Goldfields in the late nineteenth century, and the State's new-found prosperity, prompted the Government of the time to formalise the education system.

This historic role played by the Goldfields in establishing the State's education system was highlighted today by Education Minister Norman Moore.

Mr Moore was in Kalgoorlie to officially open the History of Education Centenary Exhibition at the Golden Mile Museum at the top of Hannan Street.

"The gold discoveries and the colony's new-found wealth prompted the preparation and passing of amendments to the Education Act in 1893, by Western Australia's first Parliament," the Minister said.

"It is not widely known, but the Goldfields, in a very real sense, was the catalyst for the creation of a formal education administration in this State."

The exhibition - including text, historic photographs and memorabilia from the past - was part of Statewide celebrations this year to mark the 100th anniversary of formal education and was touring the State this year.

The Western Australian Education Department was founded on October 13, 1893, when 'The Elementary Education Act, 1871, Amendment Act, 1893' became law.  The Act replaced the Central Board of Education and created a Minister, with an administrative body - the Education Department.

Mr Moore said that after the Goldrush beginnings, both Government and non-Government schools were expanding in the Goldfields.

The modern-day goldrush of the past 10 years, with the resurgence in the price of the precious metal, has meant a growing population and increasing pressure on educational facilities in Kalgoorlie and Boulder.

"The Ministry is continually assessing these growing needs to ensure the Goldfields community maintains its high standard of education."

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