A little piece of Werribee South history has gone by the wayside, with the former St Mary’s Catholic Primary School finally demolished last week.
Having closed in the early 2000’s, the school was taken over by Mackillop College and in recent years housed its year 9 students.
However, with Mackillop seeking to expand its campus, the aging St Mary’s school buildings have had to make way.
Werribee South farmers and former students Stephen and John Zausa were on hand to witness the last moments of the school which was closely connected to their family.
“My great grandfather (Tulio Zausa) gave away the land to the Catholic Church to build the school,” explained Stephen Zausa.
“And my grandfather (Dominic Zausa) was heavily involved after that. He was president of the P&F or whatever it was called back then.”
Despite witnessing the destruction of part of his family history, Mr Zausa refused to be sentimental.
“You can’t stop progress,” he said.
“It’s actually good to see it being used rather than sitting there empty and abandoned.”
With his daughter in year 7 at Mackillop College, Stephen Zausa said the family connection to the site could yet live on in the new buildings.
“If it’s finished in time she might end up in year 9 there.”
Cade Lucas
