WRITERS GROUP

Old Geelong Gaol

Last Friday March 21st, the Oberon Writers’ Group was out on another writing adventure, this time to the Old Geelong Gaol. After a brief introduction to this amazing location from our guide, Star, students were allowed to wander around the gaol’s abandoned cells, taking pictures of cell graffiti, touching the cold stone walls and listening to the sounds of the abandoned prison. The gaol dates from the 1800s when it was a silent prison and it was used right up until the 1990s with very few upgrades. Some of the notable prisoners include Chopper Read, Edwin John Eastwood (responsible for the Faraday kidnappings) and bushranger Captain Melville.

The kitchen of the gaol is known as one of the most haunted places in Australia and here students met with an actual ghost hunter, complete with ghost detecting equipment, which lit up in response to ghostly interactions. It was indeed a spooky experience!

Inspired by the gaol, students then produced a piece of creative writing from the perspective of a prisoner, a ghost or a guard.

Thanks to Ms Schultz and Ms Wright for joining us on this fantastic writing trip!

Adrian Stirling