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Kelly Gang Educational in the Press

Recent Kelly Gang Educational Services articles in Various Press

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Schools get the "real" Ned story from Kelly devotee   Irish Echo Feb 10-23 2005 

An educational show, which claims to reveal the true story of the Kelly Gang, has been produced for New South Wales schools by one of the Kelly Gang's direct descendants. Show creator Paul O'Keefe's great-great grandmother was Ettie Hart, Ned Kelly's girlfriend.

Her brother was Kelly Gang member Steve Hart, who died in the siege of Glenrowan where Ned Kelly was captured. Mr O'Keefe said he came up with the idea of producing the show to "set the record straight" about Ned Kelly. "The catalyst for Kelly Gang Educational Services was when my young son borrowed reference books from school which were full of misinformation about the events of the time" he said.

"Recent movies such as one starring Heath Ledger and the fictional novel by Peter Carey which has the misleading title, True History of the Kelly Gang, have all added their own poetic licence to the Kelly Legend.

"Some have portrayed him as an evil murderer and outlaw, others as a social victim. "While I think that much of the police persecution of the Kelly Family isn't widely known and that many of their actions were in protest over their treatment. I try not to say whether Ned Kelly was a good guy or a bad guy". "I leave it to the audience to make up their own minds".

The 60 minute show aimed at Years 5 and 8 uses role play, props and a sophisticated multi-media presentation. The performance has been authorised by the NSW Department of Education. Mr O'Keefe said that the show has had a great reaction from his young audiences. "The kids really enjoy the interactive part of the presentation where they get to dress up and see how life was really like during those days," he said "I also give schools as in-depth Teachers Resource Kit which has hours of related classroom activities."

The Hart family moved from Victoria to Balmain in NSW shortly after the siege of Glenrowan and Mr O'Keefe said a lot of Kelly Gang knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation of family.

"The show has got a lot of backing and encouragement from other Kelly Gang descendants," he said "Like me they believe it is vitally important to keep our family's oral tradition going and to tell this fascinating chapter in Australian history to the next generation."

For more information about Kelly Gang Educational Services, phone (02) 9991438 or direct your browser to the website www.kellygangeducational.com

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Kelly's tale put straight  THE GLEBE Thursday, May 5 2005

Ned Kelly may have died nearly 125 years ago, but his legend lives on in Balmain. Balmain resident Paul O'Keefe whose great-great grandmother was Esther "Ettie" Hart was Ned Kelly's girlfriend, believes there are many "historically incorrect" versions of the Kelly Gang story.

Mr O'Keefe recently started Kelly Gang Educational Services, and visits schools to tell the story of the famous bushranger.

His extensive knowledge is helped by the fact his great-great uncle, and Ettie's brother, Steve Hart, was also a member of the Kelly Gang. Mr O'Keefe say his connection means he "owes it to his family" to make sure the story is rightly told.

Mr O'Keefe visited Balmain Public School recently to give a presentation to students he showed video clips and dressed willing volunteers as characters. He said he was inspired to start the organisation after his son bought home books about the Kelly Gang which were "full of mistakes".

Then Peter Carey published his book The True History of the Kelly Gang which was a fictional novel," Mr O'Keefe said. "Then to make matters worse came the latest Ned Kelly movie...which was based on the screenplay from another fictional book. "I was angry and determined to do something to tell this fascinating story correctly and accurately.

"I make the point to the kids that I'm not here to say Ned Kelly was a hero or a villain "I just give them the facts...and let them make up their own minds.

For more information, visit  www.kellygangeducational.com

 

                                 

 

 

 

 
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