On his ninth day as a teacher, in a quiet rural classroom in South Gippsland, everything changed.
In this first part of our two-episode conversation, we head to Wooreen, Victoria, a place defined by community, routine, and trust, and to a morning that would leave a permanent imprint on everyone who lived through it.
In February 1977, Rob Hunter, just 20 years old and new to the profession, found himself responsible for the lives of nine children when a masked gunman entered his classroom.
The gunman was Edwin John Eastwood, an escaped criminal who had escaped from Geelong Prison just weeks earlier. This was not his first crime. It was the second kidnapping he had committed, and over the course of two days the situation escalated far beyond the school grounds.
What followed was a long and terrifying ordeal marked by fear, responsibility, instinct, and impossible decisions.
Content note: This episode discusses kidnapping and the presence of a firearm in a school setting.
Wooreen State School
Mr Hunter and his Students with the Deputy Premier after their rescue
Inside the Classroom
The Dodge Utility, Rob and his students were forced into at gunpoint
Photographs Courtesy of Rob Hunter
Kidnapped on his ninth day of teaching, Rob Hunter retells the story of how Edwin John Eastwood, the Faraday kidnapper, having escaped from prison, burst into his remote South Gippsland school and at gun point took Rob and his nine students hostage.
Day 9 at Wooreen paints a vivid picture of the Wooreen State School kidnapping of 1977. Written through the teacher’s eyes, this gripping tale gives insight into the trauma experienced by the victims, the timely heroism of logging truck driver Robin Smith, and the bravery and commitment of the Victorian Police Force. The state school kidnappings of the 1970s shocked Australia. They stand as two of Victoria’s most audacious and notorious crimes. The author celebrates the healing that is possible from such pain and torment, giving the reader renewed hope in a troubled world.
Someone may have already beat you to it...
In his seminar, Health After Hurt, kidnapped teacher and author Rob Hunter, retells the story of the Wooreen State School kidnapping of 1977 and the after effects. The presentation gives first hand insight into the trauma experienced by the victims, of heroism and bravery, along with the health and healing that is possible from such pain and torment. Rob explores the four practices that have ensured his ongoing health and wellbeing.
This seminar is suitable for:
School Students Years 6 to 12
Professional and Personal Development for Workplaces
Author Talks
Library Talks
Corperate, Community and Service Groups