SDN villagers in the Southern Tablelands (SDN Crookwell Preschool and SDN Lady McKell) have recently demonstrated their commitment to preserving their history by making some great donations to our archive.

In the next few editions of Community Times, we will showcase examples of SDN Lady McKell’s most recent donation. Among a tranche of photographs that we will share with you soon, SDN Lady McKell sent up an album of newsclippings detailing many important events in the history of the centre from its foundations in 1954 up to its 40^th anniversary celebrations in 1994.

All the clippings appear to be from the Goulburn Post newspaper and its predecessors under another name. I’ve scanned a choice selection of the clippings to share with the SDN village.

• Happiest Spot in Goulburn (1954)

An article about the upcoming opening of SDN Goulburn, which at the time was considered cutting edge. The purpose-built preschool was “light and airy” and L-shaped in its design with modern and expensive equipment.

There is also reference to education through play in the article which was a relatively new idea: “Drawing on all the newest ideas of child education and modern psychology, the Day Nursery Association has provided toys and equipment that teach through play and give the growing child the right foundation for future school life and eventual citizenship”.

• A Wonderland for Youngsters (1954)

Another article about this state-of-the-art facility ("one of the most modern of its kind in Australia"). There is a sense of optimism in this article and true community pride in the new preschool.

• Open Day at Lady McKell (1961) as part of Education Week

• 30 years as Youngsters' Wonderland (1984) 

An article about SDN Lady McKell’s upcoming anniversary celebrations. It takes a look back at the centre’s coverage 30 years early, when the service was referred to as a “youngsters' wonderland”. The featured photo is also historical and is of children at Christmas in 1961.

• Springfield chosen for celebrations (1984)

Post-event coverage of SDN Lady McKell’s 30th anniversary with photos of some of the original fundraising committee.

• SDN Lady McKell 40^th Anniversary Dinner Ticket (1984)