Scotch College

Boarders create their 'Owen' tradition at Mansfield

Hidden away in Victoria's high country about thirty kilometres south of Mansfield in Victoria is a far-flung piece of Scotch territory, which has come to play an important role in Scotch boarding house culture and tradition.

Gordon Owen Lodge, established in the early 1970s, is situated on a one hundred and forty-five-hectare former pine plantation, and commands sweeping views down the Howqua Valley to Lake Eildon. It's a tranquil setting, where boarders on weekend visits enjoy the company of kangaroos and wombats - and at night, perhaps the occasional bunyip or drop-bear!

The lodge is named after the late Gordon ('Gunner') Owen, a former Scotch Senior Boarding Master, who conceived the idea of a country lodge for boarders. 'Mansfield', as it's usually known, provides a unique opportunity for Scotch boarders to learn practical as well as leisure skills, while developing team spirit and a strong sense of camaraderie.

The boys organise the cooking, cleaning and maintenance - but there's plenty of entertainment and excitement as well. Bushwalking, rock-climbing, horse-riding, fly-fishing, trail-bike riding and skiing or water-skiing are good examples. At night, there are walks in the crisp mountain air, jokes around the campfire and, at times, sleeping out under the stars.

During the '70s, the locally-based Andrews family, who had two boarders at Scotch at around that time, granted the School a ninety-nine year lease on a four-hectare site forming part of their land. Last year, Scotch purchased the original four-hectare site from the Andrews, along with an adjacent one hundred and thirty-five hectares also belonging to the family.

Many Scotch people have contributed to Mansfield's development, including two generations of boarders. Scotch teachers and parents have spent many hours doing construction and maintenance work.

Tim Bence now coordinates the Mansfield activity, and also provides social activities for boarders on non-Mansfield weekends.

Recent outings have included theme activity evenings, mountain bike riding, tobogganing, go-karting, cinema nights and aquatic centre excursions.

Dean of Boarding Doug Galbraith said the lodge gave boarders a welcome break from the routine of bells, rules and regulations. 'One of the great benefits of boarding at Scotch is the camaraderie that develops among the boys, and Mansfield is a great place to build it,'

Mr Galbraith said. 'Boys really get to know each other and barriers are broken down.'

Although the lodge is two hundred and fifty kilometres distant from the Scotch boarding houses, it is very much part of the Hill's culture. The spirit of Mansfield filters down from Old Boys and senior boys to young boarders, who are keen to make their own Mansfield discovery.

'Mansfield plays an important role in helping our boarders find a niche for themselves,' Doug Galbraith said, 'and that's an essential factor in developing their self-esteem.'

David Ashton