Bickley Recreation Camp

Statement of Significance

Bickley Recreation Camp, which opened 3 June 1945, was an initiative of the National Fitness Council to promote national fitness, especially among young people. The camp has provided recreation and education facilities for many community groups since 1945. Walking trails in the area allow people to enjoy and interpret the natural environment.

Physical Description

The Bickley Recreation Camp is located at the foot of a thickly wooded hillside on the southern end of the Bickley Reservoir. Set on slopping ground, som parts of the landscape have been tiered. A river runs through the valley and on the west bank are facilities for campers. The complex consists of a number of separate buildings linked by pathways. Some of the original weather board buildings are still evident while separate buildings linked by pathways. Some of the original weatherboard buildings are still evident while some have been upgraded and/or enlarged. There is a kitchen and dining area and accommodation bungalows with ablution facilities linking them. Originally there were four buildings but these have been combined to form two. The old school from Carilla, near Pickering Brook, when no longer needed, was relocated to the camp site. It provided additional space for lectures etc. THere are still some free standing older toilet blocks. The complex has native trees, some landscaping, grassed areas, and facilities for barbecueing, canoeing and hiking. A rope course and bush walk trails complete the campsite. In one section the Gould League have built some commemorative stone seats and ornamental features in an area know as the TS Edmondson Sanctuary.

History

During WWI, many conscripts were unable to meet the standards of fitness and health required by the armed forces so in the latter half of the 1930s, unrest in Europe and the rise of Fascist powers and their prominent youth movements caused the Commonwealth nations to look at measures to address this issue in the event of another war. The National Fitness Council was established in 1938 with the aim of promoting physical fitness, especially among the young. A Camps and Hostels Committee was formed in 1942 and the first State Youth Camp was established at Bickley in 1945. The initial work was done by committee members and volunteer workers and included cleaning up the site, laying paths and erecting buildings, including a lecture hut, kitchen, store and shower block. Accommodation was in tents at first and later in bungalows. The camp was opened by the Minister for Education and Social Services, John Tonkin. A number of community groups were involved in the place - Scouts, Girl Guides, YMCA, YWCA, many church groups, the Junior Red Cross, Rural Youth Movement, Gould League and Football Clubs. More buildings were erected and in the mid 1960s, the old school from Carilla, near Pickering Brook, was transferred to the site. A 50m swimming pool was created in the reservoir, jetties were built by two local men, George White (grandson of Jabez White) and Bill Webster, and an amphitheatre and several memorials added. Commemorative stones, seats etc were built by Hans Jenal. The Gould League have contributed enormously to the understanding of the area by laying trails. Facilities have been constantly improved for the greater enjoyment and appreciation of the beautiful setting and the flora and fauna. In 1978 the Reservoir was drained and cleaned to make it safe for swimming. Fifty years of use were celebrated in 1995. Over the years activities held at the camp have included among other things swimming camps, social functions, water polo, athletic groups, Scout and Guide groups, youth drama and art groups. A manager resides on the site.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High degree Authenticity: High degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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