Convicts, Conflicts and Contraptions at Sovereign Hill

On Friday the 27th of June, the Middle Years Convicts, Conflicts and Contraptions class headed to Sovereign Hill to explore the living museum and experience what it has to offer. 

Throughout the first semester, our class learnt about a range of topics that have influenced the Australia we know today, from the Industrial Revolution to Indigenous Australians, the first European settlers and the Gold Rush. 

On arrival, we were given the opportunity to explore what the museum has to offer, including watching battery demonstrations, playing ten-pin bowling, talking to people in character, and most importantly, visiting the lolly shop for some raspberry drops.

We were also lucky enough to participate in a learning program, about life for First Nations people living on the Goldfields. Although learning about some confronting aspects of our history, it was important for us to not only hear about some of the things that happened, but also see real-life examples of the challenges many Indigenous people faced. 

Before we left, we did some panning for gold, during which many us were lucky enough to find some small specks to take home. However, as we left, Mr Sev was arrested by the police for crimes Mr Sev claims he didn’t commit. In order to be released, we were expected to hand over a bribe, which we refused. As a result, we watched on, as Mr Sev was taken away. 

We’d like to thank Mr Sev for organising the day and Mrs Fisher for coming along and driving the bus.