1285 BAMBRA
The Bambra area, once known as Retreat, was first settled in the 1860s when part of the Armytage’s land was opened for selection. Robert Jeffers conducted a private. school in his home for some time, then another was conducted in the Bible Chapel until 1874. In that year, the Department granted the local request for a school, and leased the Methodist Church building. HT Robert Gorrie took up duty on 25th of March. A site for a permanent building was also gazetted in 1874, but low attendances did not warrant a building. Settlement of the nearby Boonah area provided sufficient children for a small school there: a temporary building was obtained, and school commenced on 3rd of June 1881, half-time with Bambra. This arrangement continued until Augvst 1882, when Boonah became a separate school (No. 2521) with its own teacher. John Hore was the last teacher at the old Bambra school. During his time, requests for a permanent building were finally granted, and the still-existing building erected in 1886. It was occupied on 20th of September as SS2767 with HT Selena Williams who remained until 1889. The school closed in 1969 with Ron Millard as HT.
– Vision & Realisation (1973)
2767 BAMBRA
This school opened 20th of September 1886 under HT Miss Salome Williams. A new building, with quarters, had been erected. HT John Bryce, early in the century, built the detached room as a residence for his sister. The school building served as a community centre, church and post office. William Tranter was HT for a short time. HT Rodney Cowan during the depression years planted many ornamental trees; the school won the ANA prize in 1932, Bambra closed temporarily in 1945, reopened in 1946. The last HT Ron Millard served from 1951 to 1969 when the school closed.
– Vision & Realisation (1973)
Surf Coast Heritage Committee 