Is there something you would like done in your local area?

Historian Helen Harris tells us about a group of nearly 300 children from Box Hill State School who petitioned their local council for a new playground in 1924. How did they put the petition together? What was the outcome of their efforts?

Find out in Helen’s video below. Download our lesson plan to go with this video and letter writing template designed by PHA (Vic and Tas) member, Felicity Claire Design.

About Helen D Harris OAM

Helen holds an MA in history and has had a long involvement in family, local and women’s history.  Her publications include research guides to Victorian goldfields, 19th century police and criminals, and women in local government.  A more detailed biography can be seen here:  https://helendoxfordharris.com.au/about 

Online Gallery - Photographs from the Box Hill Historical Society Collection, Public Records Office Victoria and City of Whitehorse Council
Image 1 - Box Hill Primary School, (State School, 2838), B12691 
Images 2 & 3 - Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) Inward Correspondence Files, Nunawading, VPRS 9548/P1 Unit 16, March 1924.
Image 4 - Box Hill Primary School, (State School, 2838), B0910 
Image 5 - Nunawading Shire Hall, B5418 
Image 6 - Box Hill Councillors, 1927, B12682
Image 7 - Box Hill Garden playground - City of Whitehorse Council

To learn more about the Box Hill Historical Society visit their website here.