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History through young eyes

  • 9 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Young people are helping shape how history is used to explore the issues that matter to them today.


At Sovereign Hill Museums Association, students aged 13 to 18 have taken part in Teen Time Travellers, a student-led program designed to connect Ballarat’s 1850s history with contemporary conversations about discrimination, gender, culture and the environment.


The program was pitched by students in 2024 and developed as a way to better understand how Sovereign Hill can support young people through meaningful, curriculum-aligned learning experiences.


Through the trial, students explored societal structures of class, power and opportunity in Ballarat during the 1850s. They identified inequalities relating to gender, race and education, examined historical stereotypes, challenged assumptions and reflected on advocacy and fairness through historical personas while researching a current community need.



Community Bank Buninyong contributed $2,000 to help Sovereign Hill Museums Association deliver the project.


Sovereign Hill Museums Association said the results were extremely encouraging, particularly in demonstrating how student-led ideas could be scaled across both the Education and Museum Operations teams.


Sofia Fiusco, Head of Learning at Sovereign Hill, said listening to students had helped create a richer and more relevant learning experience.

“History teaches us not just to look back, but to move forward with purpose. When we listen to student voices, we can explore social issues with new perspectives and support them as they build a more inclusive and welcoming community. It reminds us that reflection sparks learning, learning drives change, and change shapes a better future,” Ms Fiusco said.


The project gave students the opportunity to see their ideas valued, tested and developed into a real program. It also allowed Sovereign Hill’s teams to draw on their historical expertise in new and innovative ways.


For Community Bank Buninyong, supporting Teen Time Travellers reflects a commitment to community investment that strengthens learning, inclusion and youth voice.


The project shows what can happen when young people are invited into the conversation: ideas become action, history becomes relevant, and learning becomes a tool for shaping a fairer future.


We’re doing good things together. To find out how visit www.communitygrowshere.com.au 🌏, call our branch locally in Buninyong on (03) 5341 8066 or email 📧 buninyongmailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au




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