A revival of Melbourne’s Industrial Sport: Trugo
Earlier in the year we saw the VCAL Intermediate students join forces with the Victorian Trugo Association and introduce this ‘true blue Aussie game’ at the Pakenham Show.
Trugo is a game played on a grass court by hitting rubber rings with a wooden mallet from one end of the green to goal posts at the other.
The game of Trugo was invented by Thomas Grieves of Yarraville in 1926, “Inspired by the skylarking behaviour of fellow workmen at the Newport railway yards hitting train components around the workshop.”
With the aim to revive this Melbournian Industrial game, VCAL teacher Laura Henderson teamed up with Wood Technology teacher Linga Naidoo with a hands-on project for the VCAL Intermediate students.
The project involved meeting with members of the Trugo association and learning about the equipment required to play the game. Amongst these, the Mallet, presented the perfect project piece for the students. After many months of hard work, students produced 20 mallets to play the game.
The crafted mallets were presented in a ceremony to John McMahon and Ray Schwarze, both from the Yarraville Trugo Club. Teacher Mr Naidoo created a beautiful wooden trophy in recognition of the developed community partnership between Pakenham Secondary College and the Victorian Trugo Association. Mr McMahon was thrilled to have such a dedicated group of young people show enthusiasm for the sport he loves so dearly. In appreciation to the College, an original work of art by Peter McMahon depicting the origins of the sport was donated to the school.
Main photo above: Trophy made by Pakenaham Secondary Teacher Linga Naidoo presented by VCAL Intermediate Student Donovan Junior (far left) to Ray Schwarze (centre left) from the Victorian Trugo Association. Teacher Linga Naidoo (centre right) and student Jarrod Magnus (far right).
Assisting with the celebration of the day, Donovan Junior and Ethan Mataakama
Jarrod Magnus presenting his speech with a focus on the personal development aspect of the project, to the Victorian Trugo Association
John McMahon, from the Victorian Trugo Assocation inspecting the handcrafted Mallets by Pakenham Secondary College students.
Donovan Junior presenting his speech on the construction of the Mallet, to the Victorian Trugo Association.
Courtney Major one of the winners of the Trugo game played on the day.
Painting by Peter McMahon, son of John McMahon, donated to the College in appreciation of the developed community partnership.