Part of the wonder of Clunes is that the experience is both uniquely individual and intensely communal.
These reflections from some of our Clunes alumni present a kaleidoscope of big and small memories that enliven a special time in a special place, providing a taste of the formative, and at times transformative, life experience it was for so many.
As Kate Loder (OW2006) reflects, ‘It felt like Clunes was giving us tools for our future, even if we didn't quite understand exactly how or why they might be handy at the time.’
Tom Pewtress (OW2018)
‘My time at Clunes was a formative experience which I reflect on fondly to this day. Group 63 (Term 2, 2015) enriched my understanding and connection to the history of Victoria and the city of Melbourne. Be it dreamtime stories or our colonial past and the gold rush, the Friday afternoon bus tours exploring sites all across central Victoria and engaging our history expanded my understanding of who we are. Truly formative in understanding our modern context.’
Kathryn Tripodi (OW2007)
'I was in Group 19 (Term 3, 2004) at Clunes. I have so many memories… I even made a Memory Box! I remember buying our own groceries and cooking our own meals as a house of eight, meeting at 7.30am every morning to find out what was happening that day, gaining independence and life skills by being allowed to walk to Fraser Street with a buddy to pick up mail, get a deep-fried mars bar or just chill off-campus. I also remember using the blue phone in Jubilee Hall (no shoes allowed!) to make phone calls home, making new friends and doing different classes compared to normal school, like bird watching, sunrise walks, dancing, bike riding and music, along with a heap of others. I found Clunes challenging as I was so home sick, but I was proud that I lasted the whole term.’
Amy McAlister (OW2003)
‘I still remember the anticipatory buzz around the Middle School when Clunes was first announced. As the first year level to attend, we had no idea what to expect. Now, 25 years on, I look back on Clunes with fond memories of eight weeks filled with wonderful friendships, questionable creative pursuits and countless musical performances in the bluestone church. We navigated our way through culinary experiments, along with more than a few laundry disasters. A dear friend still hasn't forgiven me for shrinking her beloved drama tour jumper! All-in-all, we not only survived the experience, but thrived, building resilience, resourcefulness and a sense of responsibility. I'm very thankful to have been an inaugural student at Clunes back in 2000.’
Josh Kidd (OW2018)
'I am so thankful to have spent a term living at Wesley Clunes. It was a great opportunity to develop lifelong skills, memories, and to connect with students from all three campuses. Clunes has such a rich history: it’s Victoria’s first gold town, a filming location for Mad Max (1979), and now a home away from home for 100 groups of Wesley students! Wesley Clunes was a truly formative experience in my life, and I make sure to visit the town (and bakery) every year.'
Fergus Watts (OW2003)
I was Term 4, Year 1 of Clunes. In its first year, Clunes was the Wild West! Which I loved! It gave me a taste of independence away from my family and I thrived. The opportunities across sport and music were vast and the ability to create my own rules was liberating in many ways. Term 1 at Clunes was the perfect time for me. I loved the town and the campus. Looking back, it was the harder times and the conflict that I learnt the most from. The looser environment outside of school put the decision making squarely back on the student. That took some getting used to. I can’t recommend Clunes highly enough as part of developing as a young person.’
Katya Crema (OW2006)
‘Clunes was a transformative experience that really did contribute to shaping me as an adult in a positive way. Being away from home for an extended period at such a pivotal age taught me independence, responsibility, and the importance of resilience. These weeks were filled with learning, connection, and moments that pushed me out of my comfort zone, fostering personal growth and confidence. The memories of late-night conversations, teamwork in the kitchen, and discovering new perspectives will stay with me forever. It’s an experience I would love my children to have, as it builds character and lifelong connections.’
Nick Boyd-Caine (OW2003)
‘I still remember how rough the campus was when we arrived as part of Group 1. Landscaping hadn't been completed, the houses were not quite ready, and we didn't have hot water in ours for weeks! Rather than a negative, it was great having such a stark, visual reminder that this was all new territory. The staff, the students, the school… everyone was taking the plunge together. The best part was the freedom we had to choose and direct how, and on what, we spent our time. That really underpinned what I understood the purpose of Clunes to be; breaking kids away from their routine, pushing them into new and challenging situations and seeing what we made of them. The trust that went into that was pretty significant but for the most part, I think we repaid it.'
Alastair Davis (OW2006)
‘Reflecting on my time at Clunes during just my second term at Wesley, I remember it as a fantastic experience that challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and helped build relationships that lasted throughout my school years. The close-knit community and hands-on learning are experiences I still reflect on, and I feel fortunate to have been a part of it all.’
Lorenzo Parronchi (OW2011)
‘Clunes was a memorable and formative experience. I think I took it for granted at the time, but having two months away with your friends and peers to learn and grow and explore is pretty special. Being exposed to the world in new ways. Learning to budget, planning your shopping and your meals, cooking, cleaning, exercising, and living with friends and peers for the first time and all the dynamics that come with that. Learning to navigate life. Learning about community. Researching and presenting on a topic of passion, and oh, I’d almost forgotten the crazy movie marathon soiree at the end. What a time to be alive!'
Kate Loder (OW2006)
‘Every person that goes to Clunes has their own unique memories of their time - but there is also a sense that we've all had a shared experience, no matter which term or year we attended. Something that sticks in my mind is a Clunes unit called, 'People, Places, Soulful Spaces' which gave us the opportunity to spend extended solo time in nature, observe our surroundings, journal our experience and sit in mindful reflection. These are ideas that are only just creeping into school curriculums as valuable concepts now, over two decades later. It felt like Clunes gave us tools for our future, even if we didn't quite understand exactly how or why they might be handy at the time.’
