Thousands of students have graduated from it over more than 100 years but many people don’t know the Victorian School of Forestry is hidden in the hills around Creswick.
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The school, a campus of the University of Melbourne, was the first forestry school established in Australia when it began operating in 1910 to help protect forests and remedy the damage done during the goldrush.
It has opened its doors to the public for its first ever exhibition, The School on the Hill, bringing to life students’ experiences and achievements and reflecting the history of forestry in the region.
The Creswick Historical Collection grew out of the working museum that was established to cater to the study and research needs of the students and staff of the school.
“Some people even in Creswick don’t know it’s there. It’s a real gem, a really important little spot that few people are aware of,” said librarian liaison Gerard Fahey.
“It would have been quite prominent on the hill when it was established but now the trees have grown up it’s quite hidden.”
The campus also houses a walking trail that passes several significant trees including one that Prince Charles planted and a Lone Pine from Gallipoli.
The exhibition will run until December and is also available online.