Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Commercial Girls Reunite After 60 Years

Ten former Mackay State High School classmates reunited at the Austral Hotel on Thursday, June 9, some seeing each other for the first time in 60 years.

The women formed part of the Mackay State High School Commercial Studies Class of 1962, completing most of their studies at the Alfred Street campus.

With plenty to catch up on, many lengthy conversations ensued, stories were exchanged and photographs were explored.

The commercial studies subject incorporated bookkeeping, typing and shorthand, putting students in good stead for later life.

It was a subject offered to students alongside English, geography, history, mathematics and a language other than English.

A particular highlight came one year when Commercial Studies students took centre stage during a school concert at the Theatre Royal to perform on typewriters to the music of the William Tell Overture.

The first reunion was held in 1987 and the group has big plans for future reunions.

In 2023, the organisers are planning a major reunion and are seeking suggestions from former students.

To get in touch and make a suggestion, please contact Marion Brown on mshs1962reunion@hotmail.com.

L-R Lynn Whitmore (Wallace), Raye Atkinson (Walsh), Christine Taylor (Lancaster), Carol Boxall (Goldston), Merle Edmonds (Zillfleish), Marion Brown (Matheison), Kaaren Sephton (Lester), Beth Gordon (Ferris), Marlene Lanigan (White) and Barbara Blackford (Tennant)

The first Commercial Girls Reunion took place in 1987. Photos supplied: Marion Brown

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