Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this site may contain images or names of people who have since passed away.
Composed and shared by Ceduna Old Photos, Sue Trewartha and Erica Bodger.
14 September 1949. Koonibba. It was the pleasant task of Miss R Baxter, matron, and Miss V Mibus, assistant teacher… to take all the girls in the children s home camping at Denial Bay for three days. Their quarters were made comfortable in a part of the large shed near the jetty. Such tasty dishes as grilled chops, chipped potatoes, fried eggs and toasted fritz were made possible by the ingenuity of those in charge. The girls spent their days in fishing, crabbing, swimming and rambling along the seashore in search of shells. Evening devotion, singing and early to bed brought the days to a close…
12 October 1949. Koonibba. There was great excitement at Koonibba when Ernie Queama captured a live deathadder and brought it home. The reptile, measuring nothing less than 2ft 6 inches was put into a preserving jar. It now stands on the museum shelf in the school.
19 April 1950. Koonibba. …was the scene of activity over the Easter holidays. Church services were well attended, especially on Easter Sunday for the confirmation service. Easter Monday afternoon, young and old participated in a sports programme. … a very fine performance by Frank Carbine… winning high jump of nearly 6 feet. Results: 100 yds men R Coleman, Shot put G Ware, hop step and jump A Gray, broad jump B Coleman, step the distance J Peel, nail driving womens Mrs A Gray, Miss D Dunnett, tied, throwing the broom Miss I Peel, sen boys high jump L Benbolt, jun boys high jump C Benbolt.
20 September 1940: Koonibba. Despite unfavourable weather conditions, a large and representative gathering was present when the new school was opened and dedicated at Koonibba Mission… by the president of the SA District of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev Pastor C Hoopman… A plaque bearing the names of three Lutherans who had made bequests for the purpose of providing the necessary equipment, was unveiled by the Rev Pastor T W Lutze. A feature of the service was the singing of the choir, which was conducted by Robert Betts… The new school, which is of stone, is a decided asset to the mission. It contains two classrooms each 27ft 6in x 30ft. Ventilation, lighting and comfort have been carefully considered. At present 80 children are attending the school. The head teacher is Mr O B Lange, who is assisted by Mr L Altus… The contractor was Mr G J Schultz of Balaklava.
28 October 1953. Koonibba. Rozella Tschuna, the 16 yr old aboriginal girl painter of Koonibba Mission will attend Concordia Girls Hostel, Malvern, next year so she can attend evening painting classes at the School of Mines. The Chairman of the board said last weekend that the girl s ability to paint imaginative pictures from postcards and magazine pictures showed how her talents were frustrated. He said Koonibba surroundings lacked even the colour and vivid contrast that inspired painters in Central Australia. Art Critic Elizabeth Young states that Rozella s watercolour paintings show a competent grasp of form and perspective. œHer colour is raw and strident. She sees beauty in the vivid green pastorals and picturesque snow scenes so far removed from the monotony of the landscape that surrounds her. 7 September 1949. Koonibba. In December last year, the boys club at Koonibba was affiliated with the SA Associations of Boys Clubs Incorporated. Mr A Bruggermann, head teacher was appointed leader. Equipment, including two tumbling mats, parallel bars, a spring board and vaulting horse was loaned by the association. Eighteen members of the club and their leader have spent four days of the school holidays camping on Mr V Brooks property at Point Bell. Swimming, fishing, hunting, exploring and evening devotions and music around the camp fire was the order of the day.
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