Historical information

On 29 February 1892 'The Argus' reported on the first Annual Meeting of the Clunes School of Mines. "The annual meeting of the council of the Clunes School of Mines was held last evening at the town-hall. In place of members of the council retiring by effluxion of time the following were elected: — Rev. Elder Gray, Messrs. John Beveridge, R. Nichol, J. Bryant, W. T. Pitcher, J. H. Daley, and T. Gilbert. The first annual report, showing remarkable progress, was received and adopted. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: — Rev. E. Grey, president; Rev. Father John Barrett and Dr. Gordon, vice- presidents; Mr. Joseph Bryant, hon. director; Mr. W. Y. Witherden, hon. treasurer, Mr. H. E. Sando retained the office of secretary, and the officers for the time being were appointed trustees." Great satisfaction was expressed with the success of the school, and the progress and extent of the classes. It was referred to a sub committee to make arrangements for allowing the free inclusion, in certain classes, of a limited number of boys and girls of 14 and upward, who on examination qualified themselves for the privilege. An offer by an anonymous resident to pay the fees for four miners for admission to any class in the school was announced by the president, and received with thanks.

Physical description

Two photographs showing the exterior of a weatherboard building known as the former Ballarat School of Mines Clunes campus.

The Timber hall was erected as a School of Mines and later used by the Australian Natives Association. The retort furnace (indicated by the large chimney) is still located in the rear rooms.