Bendering School - Site of

Statement of Significance

The site represents a way of life no longer practiced. It demonstrates
associations with the early settlers and education in Bendering.

Physical Description

Plaque on a rock plinth. The foundations are apparent, and there are remains of fence posts
and some plantings.

History

As early as 1915 the settlers in Bendering had written to the Education
Department for a school facility in their area. By 1917 the locals were petitioning MLA Hickmott, suggesting
several sites for a school. The Education Department offered to pay part of a teacher's salary. The main
problem was that no one site could be agreed upon by the community. In late 1920, HJ Evans offered the
use of a room in his cottage. Furniture was supplied from the recently closed Gnerkadilling School and 12
students attended the assisted school with Miss Bernice Knight teaching. With the prospect of a further 23
students, consideration was given, for a government school, and the need became more urgent when HJ
Evans needed the use of his place. The Bendering Progress Association suggested a site north-west of
Bendering Spring, and on 15 September 1921, a 10 acre site was accepted, the Gnerkadilling School was
relocated to the site. The furniture from the school at Evan's place was stored at deGruchy's farm until the
school opened on 24 January 1922.
From when the school commenced in 1921, the unmarried school teachers boarded with local
families.
In 1925 the Parents and Citizen's Association was formed, and they were very active in providing
amenities for the children and improving and maintaining the school. The P & C lined the interior of the
school, enclosed part of the verandah, and built a brick fire place, with materials supplied by the Education
Department.
In about 1930 (after Brown's took over the Bendering Store), the popularity of the tennis court at the
Siding prompted a community meeting about forming a tennis club. 70 people attended a meeting at the
school which subsequently led to the formation of a club and the construction of the hall.
The school was the community focus for interaction prior to the construction of the hall.
In 1935 a school house was constructed between the school site and the hall, and a married teacher
appointed to the Bendering School.
The Parents & Citizens Association lobbied to the Kondinin Roads Board for improved roads in the
Bendering area. They ran a Christmas Tree every year, with the exception of the World War Two years., until
1950 when the school closed. From 1950-1958 the annual event transferred to the Bendering Hall (Sports
Club).
In 1947 renovations were carried out on the school building, and the children attended school at the
Bendering hall during that period. The school closed in 1950, due to the introduction of school bus service
to transport children to Kondinin. The school building was sold by tender to FC Bell of Narrogin, and
removed from the site. After the school closed in 1950, the School bus driver and district workers used the
former school teacher's house. In 1959/60 it was relocated to the Agriculture wing at the Narrogin
Agricultural School.

Condition

Site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.