Fairbridge, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fairbridge Village |
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Fairbridge Chapel, located in the village, designed by Sir Herbert Baker
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| Location | |
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Pinjarra, Western Australia
Australia
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| Coordinates | 32°35′59″S 115°56′44″E / 32.59972°S 115.94556°E |
| Information | |
| Other names |
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| Type | Secondary School, part of Fairbridge WA Inc |
| Established | 1912 |
| Founder | Kingsley Fairbridge |
| Status | Currently used for education, school camps, and tourism purposes |
| Authority | Independent |
| Principal | Gavin Nancarrow (Acting) |
| Chief Executive | Graeme Gammie (Acting) |
| Age range | 11-18 |
| Enrollment | 150 |
| Official name | Fairbridge Farm School |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | 2 June 1998 |
| Reference no. | 1762 |
Fairbridge Village is a special place in Western Australia, near a town called Pinjarra. It used to be a farm school, but now it's a busy spot for learning, school camps, and visitors! It's also home to Fairbridge College, a high school that helps students learn and get back on track.
This village is also a rural area within the Shire of Murray in the Peel Region.
History of Fairbridge Village
How Fairbridge Started
On April 15, 1912, a man named Kingsley Fairbridge and his wife, Ruby, arrived in Western Australia from England. They traveled to Pinjarra, arriving on July 16, 1912. Their goal was to create the world's first Fairbridge Farm School.
The school officially opened on October 19, 1912. Kingsley Fairbridge dreamed of helping "little children" escape tough situations. He wanted them to grow and learn on a farm, surrounded by many interesting things.
Helping Children Through the Years
From 1913 to 1982, Fairbridge Farm School helped 3,580 children. These children came to Fairbridge through different "child migration" programs. This meant children, often from England, traveled to Australia to live and learn at the school.
The school taught them many useful skills. They learned about farming, working with metal, and woodworking.
Fairbridge During World War II
During World War II, Fairbridge Village was used in different ways. Dutch refugee children, who had to leave Indonesia, stayed at Fairbridge. They waited there to be reunited with their families.
At the same time, the site also became a training area. Women from the Women's Land Army trained here. Part of Guildford Grammar School also moved to Fairbridge. Their own school was being used as a hospital. An airfield was even built and used at the school during the war. It stayed open until the 1950s.
Recognizing Fairbridge's Importance
In December 1997, Fairbridge was recognized as an important historical site. The Australian Heritage Commission noted that Fairbridge was a great example of early efforts to help migrant children.
They said it played a big part in Australia's history of migration. It helped many children, single parents, and families move to Australia.
Apologies for Past Harms
Sadly, many child migrants were told they were orphans. This meant they never saw their families again. Australia has apologized for its part in these programs.
In 1998, the Western Australian Government apologized to former child migrants. They said sorry for any physical or emotional harm suffered in state institutions. In February 2010, the UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, also made a formal apology. This was to the families of children who had suffered.
Fairbridge Village Today
What Fairbridge Does Now
Fairbridge Western Australia Inc. is a charity that started in 1983. This group now owns and runs Fairbridge Village. They offer many programs and services for young people.
These include an independent school and training programs. They also run school and community camps. Fairbridge works closely with a local company, Alcoa. Together, they provide job training for young people in the area.
Supporting Youth Opportunities
Fairbridge is a "not-for-profit" organization. This means any money they earn goes back into helping young people. They invest all extra funds to create more opportunities for youth.
A Unique Historical Site
The village covers 30 hectares (about 74 acres). It works as a training center for young people. It's also a popular place for tourists to visit. Guests can find accommodation, food, and activities in its historic setting.
Fairbridge Village is the only Fairbridge Farm School site still standing. Eight such schools were originally built around the world.
Exploring the Village
Fairbridge offers historical tours and fun activities. It has 55 heritage-listed buildings and ten newer ones. These buildings are used for conferences and events. There's also a coffee shop where you can see local artworks.
The village has a chapel, a dining hall, and many cottages. Some cottages are single-story, others are double-story. There are also training and sports facilities. The village can host up to 370 people. There are 23 different self-contained cottages. They can sleep from 2 to 56 people.
Activities for Visitors
Guests staying at the village can enjoy many facilities. There's a 30-meter swimming pool and a full-sized sports oval. You can also play tennis, beach volleyball, or mini golf. The village also has an art gallery and a museum.
Fairbridge has won awards for tourism. It received the Silver Medallist award in 2006 and 2007 from the WA Tourism Awards.
