Our history
From its heritage buildings to its pioneering programs, Ormond’s story is one of renewal and inclusion – shaped by tradition, resilience and a commitment to making a difference.
History and traditions
Ormond College was founded in 1881 and is one of the oldest residential student colleges at the University of Melbourne. When Ormond College first opened its doors, its founders were inspired by progressive ideas of the Scottish Enlightenment.
Ormond College was conceived as a home to students ‘of all faiths and none’ and ‘all means and none’. Today, it continues to educate young people to make a difference in their communities.
Dr Areti (Ari) Metuamate, Master and Head of College
First peoples
The history of this place is, of course, much older than the University. For many thousands of years, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation have been the Traditional Owners of the land on which Ormond College stands. The Wurundjeri are the people of the wurun, the river white gum. We acknowledge the past and continued connection of the Wurundjeri People to Country, Land and Water.A generous vision
The building of the College was enabled by donations from several benefactors. The largest donation came from Francis Ormond, a Western District farmer and landowner. Born in Scotland and a devout Presbyterian, Francis Ormond originally conceived of the College as both a theological hall, to train Presbyterian ministers, and as a home for university students.Francis Ormond believed in the transformative power of education and wanted the College founded in his name to be more than simply a place for students to live: he believed strongly in the power of education to transform society and equip graduates with both the potential and the sense of responsibility to make the world a better place. Later Ormond was instrumental in the establishment of the Working Men’s College, now RMIT, and the Gordon Memorial Technical College, now the Gordon Institute in Geelong.A remarkable ethos
The College’s founders were inspired by ideals of the Scottish Enlightenment. They believed that education made for better people: individuals who could make good moral decisions and citizens who would contribute productively to their community. At the time of opening, Ormond College declared itself a home for all university students, not just students from the founders’ Presbyterian community. This was a progressive idea at the time, as most educational institutions were established by, and reserved for, specific Christian denominations. The Ormond College community also included women students from as early as 1885. Women attended tutorials and were involved in Ormond’s scholastic life as non-resident students. Ormond became fully co-educational when women joined the College as residents in 1973.
Expansion and change
As the University of Melbourne expanded in the post-war years, demand for residential College accommodation increased dramatically. In response, Ormond added a series of new buildings beside its magnificent, heritage-listed Main Building. The new accommodation was designed by the Melbourne architectural firm Grounds Romberg and Boyd and was noted for its distinctive and ground-breaking design. When the fourth new building, McCaughey Court, was opened in 1968, Ormond’s resident student population grew to over 250 students for the first time. The College also added a new Master’s Lodge and Library during this period.Growth and development
In recent years the Ormond community has expanded to include a thriving graduate community of over 40 students, housed in two custom-built buildings. In 2015 Ormond founded the Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship, following a gift from entrepreneur and alumnus Peter Wade. Wade Institute creates and empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs and delivers The University of Melbourne’s Master of Entrepreneurship, among other programs.Ormond graduates have gone on to make significant contributions to Australia. Our alumni are well represented in state and federal parliaments, and are leaders in academia, business, agriculture, military, law, sport, education, and many other areas of public life. Ormond College is committed to providing an outstanding residential and learning experience for members of the University of Melbourne through its core values of community, learning, integrity, diversity, heritage and respect.Commitment to reconciliation
Ormond values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as fundamental to Australia’s identity, and we are deeply committed to reconciliation. In 2008, we laid the foundation for this vision through the inception of the Ormond College Indigenous Program (OCIP). In 2024, we launched our fourth Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), with a focus on truth-telling, amplifying Indigenous voices and promoting First Nations leadership.Ormond College acknowledges the difficult history surrounding its benefactors, including Francis Ormond and John Wyselaskie, and the broader context of colonisation in which the College was established. In acknowledging the achievements, generosity, and legacy of our benefactors, we also acknowledge at whose expense this benevolence was derived – specifically, the Wadawurrung and Djab wurrung Traditional Owners.145 years of Ormond College
From its 19th‑century origins to the vibrant, inclusive community it is today, Ormond’s story is shaped by bold ideas, enduring resilience and a spirit of continual renewal.
Foundations and Vision (1853–1879)
The idea of Ormond College began decades before its doors opened. Sparked by the establishment of the University of Melbourne and driven by the generosity of Francis Ormond, this era laid the groundwork for a residential college shaped by both Scottish Enlightenment ideals and a commitment to community, learning, and service.
An Act of Parliament creates The University of Melbourne and allocates ten acres to the Presbyterian Church to found one of four planned residential colleges on its northern border. This parcel of land will become Ormond College.
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church fundraises for its proposed college; Francis Ormond contributes £22,571 and the College is named in his honour.
Ormond College’s foundation stone is laid by the Governor of Victoria. Construction begins on the front wing of the Main Building.
Early Growth and Tradition (1881–1914)
From its formal opening in 1881, Ormond quickly became known for its distinctive architecture and vibrant student life. The construction of the Dining Hall and Allen House set the tone for traditions that continue today, including Formal Hall and student-led cultural life.
Ormond College is formally opened and Francis Ormond offers to bear the entire cost of building the remainder of the planned buildings.
The first Master of Ormond College is John MacFarland (1851-1935), an Irish-Australian mathematician who later becomes a university chancellor.
The Dining Hall, Allen House, new kitchens and a swimming pool are opened. Our magnificent neo-gothic Dining Hall echoes similar buildings in Oxford and Cambridge.
War and Recovery (1914–1946)
Two world wars and the Great Depression tested the resilience of the Ormond community. Students and alumni served with distinction, and life at College adapted to wartime realities. In the post-war years, renewed energy and optimism saw the College rebuild and reimagine its future.
World War I breaks out. Many current and former students enlist over the next four years. Sixty give their lives.
David Picken becomes second Master of Ormond. Guided by his deep Christian faith and mathematical brilliance, he leads the college steadily through the challenges of one world war, the Depression and into another global conflict.
The Students' Club under the guiding hand of HW Allen publishes its first Chronicle, the annual
record of life at College, which continues to be produced annually. Previously, student life was
reported in the Melbourne University Review and Magazine.
record of life at College, which continues to be produced annually. Previously, student life was
reported in the Melbourne University Review and Magazine.
World War II breaks out. Many Ormond students and alumni enlist, fight and are wounded; 30 never return. War brings financial, logistic and other challenges to College. This includes everything from rationing and shortages of fuel and labour to the RAAF takeover of part of the Main Building as a training facility.
After the many challenges of the wars, Stanley Prescott helps rejuvenate the College and its finances as third Master of Ormond, all accomplished with his trademark diplomacy and wit.
Expansion and Co‑Education (1946–1974)
The post-war decades brought rapid growth. New buildings such as Picken Court and McCaughey Court reflected a modern architectural vision, while the opening of the MacFarland Library enriched academic life. This era culminated in a historic milestone: Ormond becoming fully co‑educational in 1973.
Brinley Newton-John becomes fourth Master of Ormond, moving into Allen House with his family, including his five-year-old daughter, Olivia Newton-John. A multi-talented wartime codebreaker who was also a television presenter, singer and professor of German literature, Brinley oversaw the rejuvenation of many Ormond interiors.
The Lodge is opened to house the Master and family, beginning a 20-year collaboration between the College and Melbourne architects Grounds, Romberg and Boyd.
Davis McCaughey begins a 20-year tenure as Master of Ormond. A much-loved mentor, church leader and later statesman, McCaughey oversees a period of expansion at Ormond. He strengthens the academic program, increases the number of scholarships for students and oversees the College’s transition to co-education.
The College begins to expand as demand for places grows. Ormond opens Picken Court, innovative new student accommodation designed by Frederick Romberg.
The MacFarland Library (now the Academic Centre) opens. Its striking octagonal design is by Frederick Romberg, who also designed McCaughey Court.
McCaughey Court is opened by alumnus and former Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies. The building provides new accommodation for Ormond undergraduates and, for the first time, dedicated spaces for graduates with families.
Women students join the College as residents and Ormond becomes fully co-educational.
Ormond’s Theological Hall officially becomes a separate entity from the College when the Presbyterian Church becomes part of the Uniting Church of Australia. Today, Ormond no longer teaches theology or trains ministers.
Modernisation and technology (1975 - 1992)
Fully co-educational, Ormond welcomes telephones, the internet and its 100th birthday.
David Parker becomes the sixth Master of Ormond. Highly respected by students, Parker oversaw substantial development of the Ormond grounds, including the eponymous terrace still enjoyed by students today.
- Ormond celebrates its 100th birthday with a series of festivities including a dinner and theatrical tableau, a commissioned history, a fundraising campaign and an anniversary print.
- The Choir of Ormond College is formed, directed by Douglas Lawrence. Composed mostly of Ormond students, it goes on to perform, record and tour internationally.
The sale of a painting by John Brack creates the Brack Fund, which funds the Ormond College Students’ Club Brack Collection of contemporary art.
Alan Gregory becomes the seventh Master of Ormond, as part of a long career in education, during which he published widely in the fields of economics and history.
Distinguished political scientist Hugh Collins begins 15 years as Master of Ormond College. A kind and personable leader, he works to build a confident, fun and scholarly culture at Ormond. He also helps make the College more diverse by expanding its scholarship program.
Renewal and Global Outlook (1994–2014)
With a focus on diversity and opportunity, Ormond expanded its scholarship programs and embraced global perspectives. Major refurbishments, new graduate facilities, and the first Reconciliation Action Plan reflected the College’s evolving priorities in a rapidly changing higher education landscape.
Ormond celebrates 100 years of drama, marking a century since College students performed the first of a series of Ancient Greek plays by Aristophanes, in the original language complete with costumes and new music.
Rhodes Scholar, minister, ethicist and management consultant Assoc Prof Rufus Black becomes Master of Ormond. He creates a culture where students strive to make a disproportionate difference and presides over a period of expansion and renewal, including overseeing five construction projects.
Ormond’s Indigenous Program commences, bringing more First Nations students to the College and supporting them to both achieve their full academic potential.
The rejuvenated MacFarland Library is reopened as the Academic Centre, including new study areas, offices and tutorial spaces as well as books and other resources. This follows the departure of the Theological Hall library into new external premises.
Ormond launches its first Reconciliation Action Plan. It outlines a comprehensive plan for engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and community members in concert with members of the non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community under the headings of respect, education and relationships.
Innovation and excellence (2014–Present)
The opening of the Wade Institute signalled a bold new chapter in innovation and entrepreneurial education. In recent years, Ormond has navigated challenges from a global pandemic to shifts in student life, all while celebrating milestones such as 50 years of co‑education and welcoming new leadership under Dr Areti Metuamate.
The College opens the first of two dedicated buildings for graduate students, who have grown in number. The University of Melbourne made degrees such as Medicine, Law, Education and Architecture into postgraduate qualifications.
Ormond’s Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship opens following a donation from successful businessman and alumnus Peter Wade. Wade becomes a leading centre for entrepreneurial training.
Lara McKay becomes Ormond’s tenth Master. With a communications and leadership background, Lara guides the College steadily through a changing student accommodation landscape and a challenging global situation.
COVID-19 and extended lockdowns in Melbourne challenge the College to find new ways to operate and connect, but the commitment of students and staff see it survive and thrive.
Ormond College celebrates its 140th anniversary.
Ormond celebrates 50 years as a fully co-educational college.
Dr Areti (Ari) Metuamate becomes Ormond’s eleventh Master and Head of College. A passionate advocate for inclusive education and the transformative power of residential colleges, Ari brings a strong focus on equity, safety, and student development.
