VCE Geography Unit 1 students from both Maddingley and Woodlea recently travelled to Kinglake and Toolangi State Forest as part of their fieldwork excursion, investigating the long-term impacts of the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.

This was a particularly exciting excursion as it is the first year Bacchus Marsh Grammar has a Year 11 Geography class at the Woodlea Campus, taught by Mrs. Viljoen. It was a valuable opportunity to combine students from both campuses for a shared VCE Geography fieldwork experience.

During the excursion, students collected primary data to compare the two forest environments and examine how bushfire impacts can continue to shape landscapes many years after the event. Students completed field observations, vegetation assessments and fuel hazard investigations, looking closely at evidence of regrowth, vegetation structure, fuel loads and ongoing environmental change. Students also had the valuable opportunity to speak with local community members, gaining first-hand insight into the social, economic and environmental impacts of the Black Saturday bushfires and how the area has continued to recover over time.

This hands-on experience allowed students to apply key geographical skills outside the classroom, including data collection, field sketching, observation, interviews and evidence-based analysis. The information gathered will support their Unit 1 fieldwork report, where students will analyse the extent to which the 2009 bushfires have had lasting impacts on Kinglake and Toolangi State Forest.

The excursion also gave students a deeper understanding of the complexity of bushfire recovery, highlighting that landscapes do not simply return to normal after a major natural hazard. Instead, recovery is influenced by environmental conditions, land management strategies, community resilience and the lived experiences of those directly affected.