Viewbank College

Gazing upon Viewbank College, one might hear the echoes of Rosanna East High School and Banyule High School. These two institutions, serving the City of Heidelberg, now Banyule, merged in 1994 to create Viewbank College. Viewbank College stands on the former site of Rosanna East High School. Banyule High, established in 1961, saw its student population boom to over 900 by 1970. To alleviate the pressure, Rosanna East High School was born in 1970, initially operating from Rosanna Golf Links Primary School. A year later, new buildings were completed on Warren Road in Viewbank, and the school relocated to its permanent home. Declining enrollments in the early 1990s led to merger discussions, culminating in the birth of Viewbank College in January 1994. The official opening ceremony, graced by the then Governor of Victoria, Richard McGarvie, took place on November 6, 1996. Viewbank College retains ownership of the Banyule Theatre, a legacy from Banyule High School. While the remaining land was sold for residential development, the theatre thrives as a space for teaching and performances. Interestingly, the school’s population was projected to exceed 2,000 students by 2022. Viewbank College also boasts a rich history in the performing arts. Until 2017, the college’s Banyule Theatre hosted annual musical productions, often featuring “Big Broadway Musicals”. These productions, involving over 120 students in various roles, from cast and crew to orchestra and makeup, attracted over 1,400 attendees. A significant development occurred with the 2015-16 State Budget allocation of $11.5 million for a dedicated 400-seat theatre and adjoining performing arts facilities. Completed in 2018, the Arts Centre, managed by the Victorian School Building Authority, now hosts the College Production and other events, also serving as a venue for external hires. Viewbank College’s diverse musical program offers instruction in various instruments and voice. Numerous ensembles, led by musical staff, participate in school, state, and regional performances. These include string orchestras, jazz bands named after renowned musicians, concert bands, guitar ensembles, choirs, and student-arranged bands. The school’s musical calendar features events like the Autumn Music Festival, Jazz Night, Victorian Schools Music Festival, String Soiree, and Gala & Showcase Concerts. Not all events at Viewbank College have been celebratory. In 2007, a fire destroyed a section of the junior school lockers. An investigation revealed the culprits to be two students from Macleod College and Greensborough Secondary College.