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Heritage Guide to The Geelong College






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TIMELINE OF THE GEELONG COLLEGE


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- - TIMELINE OF THE GEELONG COLLEGE 1861-2016 - -





1861
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Geelong College
The Geelong College founded. A meeting is called on 18 April 1861 by the Rev A J Campbell (1815-1909), to consider establishment of a united grammar school in Geelong.
Rev Campbell was minister of St George’s Presbyterian Church and, coincidentally, grandfather of the Rev F W Rolland (1878-1965), Principal of the College, 1921-1945.

A decision was made on 25 April 1861 to constitute the school and call it 'The Geelong College under the auspices of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria' .
Mr George Morrison MA (1830-1898), headmaster of the Flinders National School in Geelong is appointed the first Principal.
The school opened on 8 July 1861 at 11.00am and commenced at Knowle House in Skene St.


Australia
Death of Burke and Wills in central Australia while returning from the Gulf of Carpentaria.
First Melbourne Cup won by 'Archer' on November 7.


1862
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Geelong College
School year commences with an enrolment of 62, later to increase that year to 70.
End of Year Public Examination occurs at the Geelong Town Hall.


Australia
John McDouall Stuart completes the first north to south crossing of the continent.
Land Reform commences in Victoria ending the era of the 'Squatter'.

1863
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Geelong College
George Morrison (1830-1898) publishes the first known Annual Report, Prize List and Prospectus.


Australia
Earliest Australian environmental laws introduced in Tasmania to protect scenic areas.
Intercolonial Conference held in Melbourne.

1864
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Geelong College
Ownership of the School is transferred to George Morrison (1830-1898) in June due to financial issues.
First known football match between Geelong College and Geelong Grammar described by the Geelong Advertiser newspaper.


Australia
First commercial manufacture of sugar in Queensland.

1865
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Geelong College
Hugh Mackay (1841-1927) commences almost 50 years of service to the College and the Morrison Family.


Australia
Confederate States steam clipper, Shenandoah, arrives in Port Phillip Bay.


1866
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Geelong College
The Geelong College tops Victorian Schools with the highest number of successful matriculants at the Melbourne University Examinations in November. Five of the 25 statewide students who passed the exams were from the College.


Australia
First rules formulated for Australian Rules Football.
First protective tariffs introduced by Victoria on imports from other Australian colonies.

1867

Geelong College
Student and staff numbers expand and a new School Room 50ft long, 22ft wide and 20ft high is erected.


Australia
'Sea Spray and Smoke Drift' by Adam Lindsay Gordon published.

1868

Geelong College
Annual Report records for the first time an account of a football match played between Geelong College and Geelong Grammar School.


Australia
J B Higham patents the first shearing machine.
Last convicts transported to Western Australia.
Attempted assassination of Australia's first Royal visitor, the Duke of Edinburgh.

1869

Geelong College
George Morrison purchases land in Talbot St, Newtown for future development.


Australia
First Australian cycle race held in Melbourne organised by the 'Boneshaker Club'
The 'Welcome Stranger' the largest nugget in the world found at Dunolly, Victoria.

1870
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Geelong College
Construction of the new school building commenced at Newtown during May.
Last year of operation at Knowle House.


Australia
All British troops in withdrawn from Australia.
Bushranger, Frederick Ward known as 'Captain Thunderbolt' killed at Uralla, NSW.

1871
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Geelong College
The school vacated Knowle House in Skene St and relocated at Newtown.
Additional classrooms were built and a wooden gymnasium erected. The gymnasium, later relocated to the west boundary of the property was actively in use until 1969.


Australia
First Australian permanent military force raised in New South Wales.
Tin first discovered in Australia at Bischoff, Tasmania.
Sydney Stock Exchange opens.

1872

Geelong College
Additional land was purchased adjacent to existing facilities.


Australia
Overland Telegraph Line between Adelaide and Darwin completed.
Introduction of the first comprehensive system of State education in Victoria.

1873

Geelong College
North frontage of original building extended to create new Northern entrance.


Australia
First mail service to North America established.
First Factories Act passed in Victoria.

1874
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Geelong College
'Swimming bath', 'shower bath' and lavatories installed in the rear portion of the Northern Entry foyer.

Water supply provided to the buildings, grounds, gymnasium and the cricket pitch.


Australia
'His Natural Life' by Marcus Clarke first published in book form.
Adelaide University established.

1875

Geelong College
Practical Chemistry Class established under G F Link Esq.


Australia
Ernest Giles leads an expedition from the Overland Telegraph Line to Perth, WA.
Art Gallery of NSW first established.

1876

Geelong College
W H Dalzell becomes dux of Geelong College.


Australia
Death of Truganini, last of the pre-contact Tasmanian aborigines.
Legislative protection given to labour unions in New South Wales.

1877

Geelong College
The first College Rowing race takes place against Hawthorn Grammar School with Grammar victorious by two boat lengths.


Australia
First England-Australia cricket Test match played in Melbourne.
The population of the Australian colonies reaches 2,000,000.

1878

Geelong College
First reunion of Old Collegians occurred.


Australia
First Australian professional foot-race, the 'Stawell Gift' inaugurated.
First artesian bore in central Australia flows.

1879

Geelong College
First Vice-Principal J P E Francis resigns to take up position in New Zealand.


Australia
First Caulfield Cup run.
First intercolonial trade union congress held in Sydney.

1880

Geelong College
Additional land on the western side ('Cow Paddock') purchased.


Australia
The 'Bulletin' first published.
Ned Kelly hanged.
First cargo of Australian frozen meat delivered in London.

1881

Geelong College
Double ashphalted tennis courts constructed.


Australia
First simultaneous census held in all Australian colonies - population 2,250,194.
Salvation Army formed in Adelaide.

1882

Geelong College
Large Shelter Shed erected on the grounds and paths ashphalted.
George Morrison reports 'The general health of the School has been excellent.
'J Watson who bade fair to win the Bicycle Race at the Sports, for which eight have entered, was thrown from his machine and broke his arm'.


Australia
First Australian exhibition buildings in Sydney destroyed by fire.
Gold discovered at Mt Morgan, Queensland.

1883

Geelong College
Physics introduced as a a matriculation subject for the first time by John Marden.


Australia
Rail link between Sydney and Melbourne completed.
Charles Rasp, boundary rider discovers lead-zinc ore at Broken Hill.
Queensland annexes south-eastern New Guinea.

1884

Geelong College
All boarders' bedrooms renovated and repainted and a dedicated sitting Room for the boarders established. during the Christmas Holidays.


Australia
H V McKay develops the first stripper-harvester.
First agricultural college in Australia established at Roseworthy, SA.

1885

Geelong College
College Cadet Corps established.


Australia
Federal Council formed, the first formal move towards federation of the Australian colonies.
First Western Australian gold rush in the Kimberly.
Ten-storey building erected in Melbourne.

1886

Geelong College
Construction commenced of the first rifle butts for shooting on the banks of the Barwon River.


Australia
Chaffey brothers commence irrigation scheme at Mildura.
Rabbits reach the NSW-Queensland border.
Amalgamated Shearers Union formed

1887

Geelong College
First described College Cadet parade in Geelong with a march in the Governor's procession for the opening of the Juvenile Exhibition.


Australia
Nellie Melba makes her first appearance in grand opera - 'Rigoletto' in Brussels
Adelaide to Melbourne rail link opened.

1888

Geelong College
College Boat Club inaugurated with significant assistance from Old Collegians.


Australia
Tamworth, NSW becomes the first country town to be electrified.
Rail link between New South Wales and Queensland established.
'Robbery under Arms' by Rolf Boldrewood first published.

1889

Geelong College
Green Cadet Uniform replaced with a more serviceable khaki uniform considered more suitable for the Australian climate.
Land purchased on the Barwon River for a boat shed and the first boat shed constructed.


Australia
First exhibition of the 'Heidelberg School' of Australian impressionistic painters.
Henry Parkes calls for 'a great national government for all Australians'.
Lawrence Hargrave discovered the principle of the rotary engine.

1890

Geelong College
First Junior School established.


Australia
The great maritime strike occurs.
Responsible government established in Western Australia.
University of Tasmania founded.

1891

Geelong College
The University of Aberdeen confers Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws on Mr George Morrison.
George Morrison’s son, Norman appointed Vice-Principal at the age of 24.
Football paddock of 7 acres laid out.


Australia
First Labour Party formed in Queensland.
First draft of a bill to constitute the Commonwealth of Australia produced at the Federal Convention in Sydney.
Population of Australia 3, 177,823.

1892

Geelong College
Epidemic of mumps affects the boarders at the School.


Australia
Great financial crisis deepens with onset of economic depression.
Gold found at Coolgardie, Western Australia.
Sheffield Shield cricket competition began.

1893

Geelong College
College Boat Shed doubled in size.
Measles epidemic affects School.


Australia
New South Wales ends plural voting.
'New Australia' settlement established in Paraguay.

1894

Geelong College
George Morrison takes a year off to visit england and Scotland leaving his son, Norman as Acting Principal.


Australia
South Australia becomes the first Australian colony to allow women to vote.
Rabbits cross South Australian border into Western Australia.
Lawrence Hargrave tests his theories of flight with boxkites

1895

Geelong College
Norman Morrison leaves to visit Europe and visits British Schools including Eton, Rugby and Harrow.


Australia
'The Man from Snowy River' by 'Banjo' Paterson first published.
Warrnambool Melbourne cycling race first contested.

1896

Geelong College
New kitchen, outhouses and hot water to College installed.


Australia
Australians compete at the first Olympic Games, E H Flack winning the 800 and 1500 metre races.
Wages Board established in Victoria.
Film made of the 'Melbourne Cup'
'While the Billy Boils' by Henry Lawson first published.

1897

Geelong College
Science Laboratory 'fitted up'.


Australia
Second Federal Convention on federation meets.
Queensland passes an Aborigines Protection Act with new restrictions.

1898

Geelong College
Death of Dr George Morrison.
Norman Morrison, ‘the skipper’, became Principal.


Australia
Draft Constitution Bill accepted by voters in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, rejected in New South Wales.

1899

Geelong College
Original George Morrison Memorial Library built and opened during May.


Australia
Draft Constitution Bill accepted by all colonies except Western Australia.
First Australian Labour Party government formed in Queensland (lasts 6 days).
Troops from Australian sent to the Anglo-South African War in South Africa.

1900

Geelong College
Martini-Henry Rifles issued to the Cadet Corps to replace older Martini Rifles.
New classroom built for the Junior School and boys older than eight admitted to the Preparatory Form.


Australia
Western Australia voted in favour of Federation.
Australian Naval contingent sent to the 'Boxer Uprising' in China.
First Australian Victoria Cross won by Captain Neville Howse in South Africa.
First Australian swimming gold medal won at the Olympic Games by F C Lane in the 2000 metres freestyle.

1901

Geelong College
Old Geelong Collegians' Association formed.


Australia
Commonwealth of Australia established on 1 January with Edmund Barton as first Prime Minister, population 3,773,801.
Australian National Flag chosen.
Interstate free trade established.
Old age pensions introduced in Victoria and New South Wales.

1902

Geelong College
First College eight oared boat, Lorna Mary built by Jerram of Melbourne, launched.
The Governor, Sir George Sydenham Clarke visits the College on 17 December 1902 and reviews the Cadet Corps.


Australia
Women enfranchised for all federal elections.
William Farrer's new wheat strain 'Federation' introduced.
Pacific Telegraph Southport, Queensland to Vancouver, Canada completed.

1903

Geelong College
First Annual Report to include photographs published.
Another storey built above the 'old' Dining Room.
Purchase of land to form the new cricket and football ground.


Australia
'Such is Life' by Joseph Furphy published.
Federal High Court first established.

1904

Geelong College
Cricket Pavilion and Chemistry laboratory built. Pavilion and Main Oval opened on 14 December 1904.


Australia
Felton Bequest established National Art Gallery of Victoria.
First Henley-on-Yarra regatta held in Melbourne.

1905

Geelong College
New American single desks introduced.
Large Class Room for the Fourth Form erected.


Australia
The film, 'The Story of the Kelly Gang' , allegedly the first full-length feature film made in the World, made in Australia.
Australian Men's Singles Tennis Championship first played.
'The Little Black Princess' , by Mrs Aeneas Gunn first published.

1906

Geelong College
Warrinn, located on the corner of Claremont Avenue and Noble St, purchased.


Australia
Commencement of wireless telegraphy between Queenscliff and Devonport, Tasmania.
British New Guinea becomes an Australian territory renamed Papua.
Surf Bathing made legal in Sydney.


1907

Geelong College
Cadet Corps membership reaches 107.
Opening of a workshop for Manual Training using the Sloyd system.


Australia
Norman Brookes and Anthony Wilding became Australia's first Wimbledon and Davis Cup Champions.

1908

Geelong College
Ownership of the College transferred back to the Presbyterian Church of Victoria. College to be governed by a Council appointed by the Church. Norman Morrison continued as Principal.
Charles Shannon appointed first Chairman of Council.
Prefects appointed for first time.
‘The Gus Kearney Memorial Prize’ established by the Old Collegians Association.
The Geelong College becomes one of the six Associated Public Schools (APS) of Victoria.


Australia
Invalid and old-age pensions established in Australia.
Visit of the 16 white-painted ships of the United States Pacific Fleet.
Yass-Canberra district chosen as the site for the new Federal capital.

1909

Geelong College
The College magazine ‘Pegasus’ first published.
Norman Morrison killed in a gun accident.

Australia
David, Mawson and Mackay reach the South Magnetic Pole, Antarctica on 16 January.
First Australian High Commissioner appointed to London.
University of Queensland founded.
The Liberal Party founded with the union of the Free Trade and Protectionist Parties.

1910

Geelong College
Mr. W. R. Bayley, BA BSc appointed Principal.

Australia
First Commonwealth of Australia bank notes issued.
First Australian naval vessels, 'Parramatta' and 'Yarra' arrive.
First successful powered flight in Australia by F C Custance at Bolivar, South Australia.

1911

Geelong College
Jubilee history of The Geelong College published.

Australia
Site of National Capital chosen.
First Australian Antarctic Expedition led by Douglas Mawson departed.
University of Western Australia established.
Royal Military College at Duntroon opened.
First Australian air pilot's licence issued to W E Hart.

1912

Geelong College
An assembly Hall, projected by Norman Morrison to celebrate the jubilee of the College, opened as a memorial to Norman Morrison. Originally built at cost of 3,000 pounds the hall is now commonly known as ‘Morrison Hall’.
New Tennis Courts, donated by Mrs Hawkes, completed.

Australia
First automatic telephone exchange installed at Geelong.
Construction of the East-West transcontinental railway commences.
First Australian air race between Botany and Parramatta, New South Wales.
The Australian Inland Mission (AIM) founded.

1913

Geelong College
A three term system to replace the previous four term cycle is introduced.

Australia
Federal Capital named 'Canberra'
Royal Australian Naval College founded at Geelong.
Commonwealth postage stamps first issued.

1914

Geelong College
Establishment of ‘relationship’ between The Geelong College and Campbell College, Belfast.
Mr. W. R. Bayley resigns as Principal.
First Old Collegian killed in action during World War I - Frederick Steele on 29 October 1914 at the First Battle of Ypres.

Australia
Britain declared war on Germany, Australia follows.
First Australian aerial mail service.
First double dissolution of parliament.

1915

Geelong College
Mr. W. T. Price BA appointed Principal.

Australia
Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed at Gallipoli 25 April.
Compulsory voting adopted in Queensland.
Commonwealth Government first imposed an income tax.
'Song of the Sentimental Bloke' by C J Dennis published.

1916

Geelong College
Frank Macfarlane Burnet, later knighted KBE and winner of the Nobel Prize in Biochemistry, becomes Dux of Geelong College.

Australia
Australian troops in action in France and Palestine.
Conscription referendum defeated.
Labor Party split.

1917

Geelong College
Additional classrooms, with dormitory above, completed north wing.

Australia
Second conscription referendum defeated.
Australian cavalry charge at Beersheba, Egypt.
Transcontinental railway Port Augusts, SA to Kalgoorlie, WA opened.

1918

Geelong College
Enrolment of 152 students.

Australia
Lieut-General Sir John Monash appointed in charge of Australian troops in France.
World War I ended on 11 November.
First direct radio meesage from Britain to Australia
'The Magic Pudding' by Norman Lindsay published.

1919

Geelong College
Enrolment of 170 students.
Principal, W. T. Price retires.

Australia
Australia independently represented at Paris Peace Conference.
Australia joins 'League of Nations'
Preferential voting adopted for Federal Elections.
Pneumonic influenza epidemic sweeps Australia.
First direct flight from Britain to Australia.

1920

Geelong College
Reverend F. W. Rolland, MA, grandson of the Rev A J Campbell, appointed Principal.

Australia
Australian Country Party (later National Party) formed.
Australian Communist Party formed.

1921

Geelong College
A Preparatory School established on north-west area of College property fronting Aphrasia St.
College Hospital built near the site of the present library. This building was funded by contributions to a War Memorial fund following the First World War 1914-1918.
House System introduced mainly for sports competition.
Enrolment of 258 students.
Preparatory School teacher, A Trumble becomes one of the first full-time female staff members to teach in a non-sessional capacity

Australia
Australia begins administering German New Guinea.
Arbitration Court introduces automatic wage adjustments.
Edith Cowan becomes first woman elected to an Australian Parliament in Western Australia.
First commercial airline service inaugurated. (Western Australia).
Australia's population reaches 5.5 million.

1922

Geelong College
Mr. Stanley B Hamilton-Calvert appointed Chairman of the College Council.
Unveiling of the War Memorial Tablets in honour of Old Collegians' who served in World War I.

Australia
Queensland Legislative Council abolished.
Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service (QANTAS) began first service.
Capital punishment abolished in Queensland.

1923

Geelong College
Lord Henry William Forster (1866-1936), 1st Baron Forster and Governor General of Australia, awards Speech Day Prizes at the Geelong College Speech Day at the Geelong Mechanics Institute.

Australia
First radio broadcasting (2SB)inaugurated in Sydney.
Police strike in Victoria.
Mt Isa silver field discovered.
Sydney Harbour Bridge construction commenced.
Vegemite first produced.

1924

Geelong College
First Preparatory School Sports Held.

Australia
Compulsory voting introduced for Federal elections.
First air mail service between capital cities, Sydney-Adelaide.
Two million koalas killed for fur trade.

1925

Geelong College
College wins its first APS Football Premiership.

Australia
Act to limit working hours to 44 hours per week.
Empire Land Settlement Scheme established.
First coal briquettes made at Yallourn, Victoria.

1926

Geelong College
Fashion for playing 'marbles' sweeps the School.

Australia
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIRO) established.

1927

Geelong College
College wins its second APS Football Premiership.

Australia
Seat of Commonwealth Government transferred from Melbourne to Canberra.
Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) founded.
Child endowment first introduced in New South Wales.

1928

Geelong College
Bronze bust of Norman Morrison sculpted by Paul Montford donated to the College.
Construction of two classrooms behind the first George Morrison Memorial Library to form the foundation of the Senior School's South Wing.

Australia
Flying Doctor Service commenced.
First movies with sound screened in Australia.

1929

Geelong College
Kindergarten established.
Construction of the Refectory building, including a new Dining Hall, commences with the laying of the Foundation Stone on ‘Old Boys' Day’ 22 March 1929.
One of the icons of the School implemented with the installation of a clock in the tower of Norman Morrison Hall.

Australia
Dame Nellie Melba gives her final Australian performance in Geelong.
End of compulsory military training.
Sharemarkets collapse in October 1929.

1930

Geelong College
Dining Hall and Refectory Block opened by the Governor General, Lord Stonehaven on 'Old Boys’ Day' 21 March 1930.
Cadets Corps re-established.

Australia
Onset of worldwide 'Great Depression'.
Telephone link to Britain established.
Don Bradman scored 334 runs at Leeds, England in England v Australia cricket Test.
First milk bar opens in Australia.

1931

Geelong College
The School Magazine Pegasus changes its publication frequency from three to two times per year.
Enrolments decline due to economic conditions.

Australia
Arbitratioon Court reduces federal award wage rates by 10%.
Commonwealth Bank assumes control of exchange rate, currency devalued.
New South Wales government defaults on its loans.
First Australian born Governor-General, Sir Isaac Isaacs appointed.

1932

Geelong College
Junior House, later known as Rolland House in honour of the Rev. F. W. Rolland, constructed. This area was reutilised as the administration centre from 1962, following the transfer of Rolland House to Mossgiel at 133 Noble St.
Residences at 138 Noble St and on the corner of Mercer and Talbot Sts purchased. The Talbot and Mercer property became used for the House of Guilds. The site was later used for tennis courts and Property Storage.

Australia
Sydney Harbour Bridge opened.
Australian Broadcasting Commission established.
Walter Lindrum became world billards champion.

1933

Geelong College
Removal of the large wooden building (including the early gymnasium) formerly located in the current cloister.

Australia
Antarctic Region of about 6,000,000 square km became an Australian Territory.
Western Australia voted to secede from the Commonwealth.
'Bodyline' cricket series controversy occurred.

1934

Geelong College
South Wing of the cloister completed.
Formation of the dramatics group, the 'Geelong College Glee Club'

Australia
Qantas and Imperial Airways commence first air mail service to Britain via Singapore.

1935

Geelong College
House of Guilds (HoG) established in a house in Talbot St.
First 'Geelong College Glee Club' performance with the presentation of the 'The Monastery'.

Australia
Broken Hill Pty Ltd absorbed Australian Iron and Steel Ltd.

1936

Geelong College
Construction of the ‘House of Music’ (HoM).
College wins its first ‘Head of the River’.
Kindergarten moved into separate suite of buildings west of Preparatory School facing Aphrasia St.

Australia
Opening of Hume Reservoir.
New Australian domestic airlines formed, ANA and Ansett Airways.

1937

Geelong College
Original George Morrison Library demolished.
New Library established in former Dining Hall.

Australia
Epidemic of 'Infantile Paralysis' (Polio).
First air-conditioned train Spirit of Progress.


1938

Geelong College
Mackie House built.

Australia
Men allowed to wear topless swimming costumes on Melbourne beaches.
Waterside Workers refuse to load 'pig' iron bound for Japan.
Commonwealth Government bans export of iron ore.
Australia agrees to accept refugees from Nazi Germanay.
Empire Games first held in Australia.
Capricornia by Xavier Herbert published.

1939

Geelong College
Chairman of Council, S B Hamilton-Calvert, died.
Mr A W Coles, later Sir Arthur Coles, appointed Chairman of the College Council.
Occupation of Mackie House.

Australia
Disastrous bushfires in Victoria - 71 lives lost.
Commonwealth Arbitration Court adopts 44 hour working week.
Australia at war with Germany on 3 September.
Military Conscription for home defence introduced.

1940

Geelong College
V M Reeves, known as Miss Reeves retires as School bursar after 22 years of continuous service from 1918.
Land fronting Aphrasis St between the Kindergarten and the Preparatory School purchased.

Australia
Communist and Fascist parties banned.
Australians fighting in Lybia.
Magazines Manjin and Angry Penguins commence publication.

1941

Geelong College
Staff member, Harry Dunkley awarded the Military Cross during World War II service in Libya.
George J Martin commences as School Bursar.
New classroom at the Preparatory School built on the western end of the original structure on land acquired the previous year.
House of Music acquires a 'Carnegie Music Set' which included 640 musical recordings and playing equipment.
First production of the boarders' revue, 'Cottage Pie'

Australia
Australians fighting in North Africa, Greece, Crete and Syria.
HMAS Sydney sunk with all hands by German raider Kormoran.
Australia declared war on Japan.
Film 40,000 horseman produced by Charles Chauvel.

1942

Geelong College
Air-Raid trenches, blast barriers and many College students trained as Air-Raid Precaution (ARP) wardens.

Australia
Darwin bombed by Japanese on 19 February.
Australian forces fighting in North Africa and New Guinea.
Widows pensions introduced.

1943

Geelong College
Additional classroom and library constructed at the Preparatory School.

Australia
Conscription introduced for overseas military service.
Price fixing and PAYE taxation introduced.
Food rationed introduced.
Exmouth bombed by the Japanese.

1944

Geelong College
Initial purchase of land near Aberdeen St purchased from Old Collegian, Louis M. Whyte. The land became part of the future site of the Preparatory School. Boys win their 2nd APS Head of the River.

Australia
Australia-New Zealand Agreement first bi-lateral political treaty.
National unemployment and sickness benefit scheme introduced.
Liberal Party formed.
One Hundred Poems by Kenneth Slessor published.

1945

Geelong College
Principal, Rev F W Rolland retires.
MacRoberts classrooms constructed.

Australia
Germany surrenered 8 May 1945.
Australian forces land in south-east Borneo.
Atomic bombs dropped on Japan.
Japan surrendered 15 August.
Howard Florey first Australian to win a Nobel Prize.

1946

Geelong College
Dr. M A Buntine, MA, PhD appointed Principal.
Enrolment at 524 students.
Additional land purchased from Louis M. Whyte eventually for use as Preparatory School.
The Geelong College wins its first APS cricket premiership.

Australia
All overseas telecommunications nationalised.
Labor Party launched.
Social Service powers granted to the Commonwealth by referendum.
Co-operative settlements established in the Pilbara.
Film, The Overlanders released.

1947

Geelong College
College wins its second APS Cricket Premiership.
Geelong College Exploration Society established.
College group lands on Rodondo Island.

Australia
Immigration program commenced with first displaced persons arriving.
Qantas Empire Airways nationalised.
Commonwealth Arbitration Court introduced 40 hour week.
Population of Australia reaches 7,579,358.

1948

Geelong College
'Lester Square' and staff flats constructed at 138 Noble St.

Australia
Dr H V Evatt, Australia's Minister of External Affairs elected President of the United Nations General Assembly.
Holden car introduced.
The Aunt's Story by Patrick White published.

1949

Geelong College
Kindergarten enrolments reach 65.
College group led by John Bechervaise climbs Tasmania's Federation Peak

Australia
Territories of Papua and New Guinea united.
Snowy Mountains hydro-electic and irrigation project commenced.
Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) established.
Liberal-Country Party coalition wins office led by R G Menzies.

1950

Geelong College
Residence at 10 Claremont Ave purchased.
Enrolment at 593 students.

Australia
Columbo Plan adopted to assist people of South-East Asia.
Australian forces fighting in Korea and Malaya.
Military Service re-introduced.
Power Without Glory by Frank Hardy published.

1951

Geelong College
Preparatory School Assembly Hall, later known as Rooms U and V erected. These rooms known as the ‘Donald Webb Art Studio’ to honor former member of staff, Art Master and Warden of the House of Guilds, Mr Donald Webb.
Completion of quadrangle, cloister and west wing of main building including War Memorial.
Residence at 8 Claremont Avenue purchased.
Demolition of original Chemistry Laboratory.
Jubilee of OGCA.

Australia
Boom prices for Australian wool.
Myxomotosis introduced to control rabbits.
ANZUS Treaty signed.
Papua and New Guinea Legislative Council established.

1952

Geelong College
Expedition led by Capt Maitland Thompson and comprised of members from St Peter's College, Adelaide; Kalgoorlie School of Mines; and Geelong College; explore the Naullabor Caves.

Australia
Jimmy Carruthers became first Australian to win a world boxing title.
First Olympic Games victories by Australian Women at Helsinki.
Atomic bombs detonated in Monte Bello Islands off north-west Australian coast.

1953

Geelong College
Boats, 'Pegasus III' and 'A B Bell' acquired to modernise rowig fleet.

Australia
Commonwealth Medical Benefits scheme introduced.
Arbitration Commission abandons automatic wage adjustments.

1954

Geelong College
Rev E C McLean BA DipEd, an Old Collegian and member of staff since 1940, appointed the first Chaplain to the College. Rev McLean later became the second honorary College Archivist.
Former Principal, the Rev F W Rolland, installed as Moderator General of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria.

Australia
Australia joins South-East Asian Treaty Organisation.
Queen Elizabeth becomes first reigning British monarch to visit Australia
Soviet Union withdrew diplomatic representatives over Petrov affair.
Population of Australia 8,986,530.

1955

Geelong CollegeCollege 1st VIII wins the Head of the River.

Australia
New South Wales abolished compulsory closing of bars at 6 o'clock.
First power generated by Snowy Mountains Authority
The Wandering Islands by A D Hope published.
One millionth post-World War II immigrant arrived.

1956

Geelong CollegeFirst large fundraising Fair held at College.
College 1st VIII wins the Head of the River.

Australia
Television broadcasting begun.
Olympic Games held in Melbourne.
Poker machines legalised in New South Wales clubs.
Summer of the Seventeenth Doll, a play by Ray Lawler first performed.
Democratic Labor Party (DLP) formed.

1957

Geelong College
College 1st VIII wins the Head of the River.

Australia
Joern Utzon of Denmark wins world-wide competition for design of Sydney Opera House.
National Military Service trainees selected by ballot.
Australia-Japan Trade Agreement signed.
Dutch-Australian Agreement on New Guinea.

1958

Geelong College
Final 'Geelong College Glee Club' performance with presentation of 'Trial by Jury' by Old Collegians' and 'The Gondoliers' by College students.

Australia
Qantas inaugurated a round-the-word air service.
Nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights, NSW opened.
Entry permit replaced dictation test as means of controlling immigration.
Lake Eucumbene, then Australia's largest reservoir established.

1959

Geelong College
First stage of new Preparatory School constructed on Aberdeen St site.
Staff Superannuation Fund established by the College Council, and also adopted by Scotch College later that year. This fund was to become the Combined Schools Superannuation Fund (CSSF).
College 1st VIII wins Head of the River.

Australia
Uniform Divorce Law adopted for Australia.
Jack Brabham became first Australian to win a World Grand Prix.
Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines formed.

1960

Geelong College
New Preparatory School occupied.
Principal Dr M A Buntine retired, at end of Term 1.
Mr. P. N. Thwaites, MA Bed appointed Principal from beginning of Term 2.
College Council restructured to allow greater input from local sources.
McGlashan & Everist appointed architects to oversee much needed physical refurbishment of Senior School facilities.
College 1st VIII wins Head of the River.
Old Geelong Collegian, Professor Sir Macfarlane Burnet wins Nobel Prize.

Australia
First Festival of Arts held in Adelaide.
National Service Training scheme abolished.
Embargo on iron ore exports lifted.

1961

Geelong College
The Geelong College celebrates 100 years of operation.
Publication of ‘The Geelong College 1861–1961 by B R Keith, G C Notman, A A Gray and R R Ingpen.
'Mossgiel' at 133 Noble St purchased by College.

Australia
Record cricket crowd (90,800) attended second day of fifth Test in Melbourne.
Parkes Radio telescope completed.
Huge iron ore deposits discovered in Pilbara, WA.
Last Sydney trams removed from service.
Population of Australia 10,548,267 and the first to include aborigines.

1962

Geelong College
After an association with St George’s Presbyterian Church extending over 101 years, the College formally became part of the parish of St David’s Presbyterian Church, Newtown from beginning of Term 2.
Third stage of Preparatory School constructed. Assembly Hall named in honour of Sir Horace Robertson, a distinguished old collegian and former member of College Council.
Junior boarders relocated to Mossgiel from old Junior/Rolland House area of Senior School.
Junior/Rolland house area converted for administrative offices.
Kindergarten named ‘Campbell House’ in honour of Mr. L. J. Campbell, member of staff from 1922 and Headmaster of the Preparatory School from 1931 to 1962.

Australia
Sydney and Melbourne linked by standard gauge railway.
Right to vote in Commonwealth elections extended to aborigines.
Rod Laver becomes the first Australian tennis player to win a 'Grand Slam' of tennis titles.

1963

Geelong College
Stage 2 and 4 of the Preparatory School constructed – completing the initial plan.
College Football Team wins its third APS Premiership for the first time since 1927.
College Cricket Team wins APS Cricket Premiership jointly with Carey Baptist Grammar.

Australia
Margaret Court became first Australian to win Women's Singles Championship at Wimbledon.
Bauxite Mining commences at Weipa, Queensland.

1964

Geelong College
Junior Boarders transferred from Mossgiel to Aberdeen St.
Science building comprising 2 chemistry and 2 physics laboratories with associated facilities was constructed at Senior School. The building funded by contributions and a grant from the Industrial Fund for the Advancement of Scientific Education in Schools was opened by then Prime Minister Sir Robert G Menzies and named in honour of Chairman of College Council, Sir Arthur Coles.

Australia
Destroyer HMAS Voyager sunk after collision with HMAS Melbourne with the loss of 82.
State finacial assistance introduced for private schools.
Australia's first national newspaper, The Australian commences.

1965

Geelong College
First combined Council and staff dinner held at Kirrewur Court on 25 March.
Norman Morrison Memorial Hall renovation funraising campaign launched.

Australia
Commercial quantities of gas and oil discivered in Bass Strait.
Limited trade agreement between Australia and New Zealand signed.
Roma Mitchell QC became first female judge.

1966

Geelong College
Stage 1 of Morrison Hall refurbishment and extension completed.

Australia
Sir Robert Menzies retires after record period as Prime Minister (1949-1966).
Japan replaced Britainas Australia's biggest export partner.
Decimal currency adopted.
Discrimination against employment of married women by Australian Government abolished.
Trebling of Australian Military assistance to South Vietnam.

1967

Geelong College
Principal’s house, later used for administration purposes, constructed in Noble St.
Science Laboratory constructed at the Preparatory School.

Australia
Worst bushfires in Tasmania history with loss of 51 lives.
Referendum gives power to Commonwealth Government to legislate on aborigines.
First Australian satellite launched at Woomera, SA.
Appeals to Britain's Privy Council abolished on matters of Federal jurisdiction.
Prime Minister Harold Holt disappears while swimming at Portsea, Victoria.

1968

Geelong College
Chairman of College Council, Sir Arthur Coles retires.


Australia
First heart transplant performed in Australia.
Uniform Australian censorship laws enacted.

1969

Geelong College
Dr. H. Norman Wettenhall, an Old Collegian, appointed Chairman of Council.
Stage 1 of Rolland Physical Educational Centre, including change rooms, training gymnasium, and canteen on the site of the old Pavilion opened by former collegian Lindsay Hassett.
Campbell House buildings in Aphrasia St moved to Preparatory School site near Minerva Rd entry.

Australia
Abortion law reformed in South Australia.
Commonwealth Arbitration Court accepts principle of equal pay for women.

1970

Geelong College
Stage 2 of Morrison hall refurbishment completed.
Construction of swimming pool at Preparatory School as memorial to Stuart Laidlaw.
Residence at corner of Aphrasia St and Claremont Ave purchased. With this purchase the College became proprietor of all land bounded by Aphrasia, Noble and Talbot Sts and Claremont Ave, with the exception of All Saints Anglican Church on the corner of Noble and Talbot Sts.

Australia
Mass rallies against Australia's Vietnam involvement.
First Papal visit to Australia by Pope Paul VI.

1971

Geelong College
Erection of a storage/grounds shed on the western boundary at the rear of Mackie House. This site was previously occupied by the old wooden gymnasium originally built in 1871.
Sir Arthur Coles Science Building extended by two laboratories for general science and biology.
Dr. H. N. B. Wettenhall and his brother donate 152 acres of land known as ‘Hankelow’ in the Grampians.

Australia
Program for internal government of New Guinea established.
Neville Bonner became first Aboriginal member of Federal Parliament.
ALP delegation led by Gough Whitlam visited China.
Australia joined Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Operational role in Vietnam ended.

1972

Geelong College
George Morrison Memorial Library commenced at Senior School. This project necessitated the removal of the former hospital originally built in 1921.

Australia
Celsius scale adopted to measure temperature.
Australian Labor Party led by Gough Whitlam on Federal election.
Conscription for overseas military service ended.
Diplomatic relations established with China and East Germany.

1973

Geelong College
College Council decided that the school should become co-educational. In August the Council determined to accept enrolments from girls, as from February 1974, at Sub Primary, Grades 1, 2 and 3 levels.

Australia
Maternity Leave granted to female Commonwealth government employees.
Voting Age lowered to 18 for Federal elections.
Tariffs cut by 25 per cent.
Papua New Guinea achieves self-government.
Patrick White awarded Nobel Prize for Literature.
Sydney Opera House opened.

1974

Geelong College
College became co-educational – four girls enrolled at Campbell House followed by another three later that year.
In February the Council agreed to extend enrolment to girls at all levels from February 1975.

Australia
Ruth Dobson became Australia's first female ambassador (appointed to Denmark).
Legislative Assemblies established in Northern Territory and Australian Capitol Territory.
First joint sitting of House of Representatives and Senate held.
Australia qualified for soccer World Cup finals for first time.
Darwin devasted by Cyclone Tracy.

1975

Geelong College
New boarding units at rear of Mossgiel opened.
P. N. Thwaites seconded as part-time Chairman of Interim Council of newly founded Deakin University.
Enrolment of girls extended to cover all academic levels – 58 girls enrolled.
P N Thwaites retired as Principal.

Australia
Colour television, FM radio and ethnic radio introduced.
Medibank health insurance schem commenced.
Racial Discrimination and Family Law Act introduced.
Order of Australia first awarded.
Papua Guinea attains independence.
The Governor General dismisses the Whitlam Government.

1976

Geelong College
Mr S P Gebhardt, LLB appointed as Principal.
First group of girls entered as boarders at old Senior House Dormitory 1 and associated areas.
Warrinn House Dormitory 10 re-located during the summer vacation of 1976/77 to form part of Campbell House at Preparatory School.
Cadet Corps disbanded.
Boarding facilities at Preparatory School withdrawn at end of academic year.

Australia
Sir Douglas Nicholls becomes the first aboriginal Governor of South Australia.
First National Strike in Australia organised.

1977

Geelong College
Following the formation of the Uniting Church in Australia through a union of the Presbyterian Church, Methodist Church and the Congregational Union, Geelong College became a Uniting Church School.
Initial development of the Environment Centre at Preparatory School.
Boarding areas at Preparatory School modified for academic usage.
Female boarders transferred to Mossgiel. Senior House boarding areas modified for academic purposes.
Council resolved to limit boarding enrolments to Year 9 and above.
Classroom wing at Preparatory School designated ‘The Arnold Buntine Wing’ in honour of former Principal, Dr. M. A. Buntine.
Chairman of College Council Dr. H. N. B. Wettenhall resigned.

Australia
Granville rail disaster in Sydney with death of 80 people.
Australian Democrats political party formed.
Three of four referendum proposals to alter the constitution passed.

1978

Geelong College
Mr D G Neilson appointed Chairman of Council.
Library opened at Campbell House. (formerly Dormitory 10 from Warrinn).

Australia
Last passenger rail service in Tasmania closed.
Bomb explosion at Hilton Hotel, Sydney.
Northern Territory gains self-government.

1979

Geelong College
Establishment and construction of Creative Activities Centre ‘for the performing, visual and creative arts’. Development included refurbishment of old Preparatory School buildings, the residence at 79 Aphrasia St and new construction.

Australia
Appin Colliery explosion with 14 killed.
Truckies strike blocks major highways.

1980

Geelong College
The ‘Austin Gray Centre’ in honour of Mr. A. Austin Gray former old collegian and member of Council was opened by the Governor-General, Sir Zelman Cowan.

Australia
First Australian political assassination when Turkish Consul-General and his bodyguard shot.
First Australian 'Test-tube baby born.
Tarcoola to Alice Springs standard gauge railway opened.
Azaria Chamberlain disappeared from a Uluru campsite.

1981

Geelong College
First female School Captain, Sarah Henderson.
Chairman of College Council Mr. D. G. Nielson resigned from July 31.
Mr G. S. Fielding appointed Chairman of Council.
The ‘Ian Watson Gymnasium’ constructed at Preparatory School opened. The centre was named in honour of Mr Ian Watson, member of staff from 1940 and Headmaster of Preparatory School, 1963 to 1976.
College Girls 1st VIII wins APS rowing premiership.

Australia
Wage Indexation abolished.
Macquarie Dictionary published.

1982

Geelong College
Geelong College became an independent corporation in a redefined relationship with the Uniting Church.

Australia
Australia's population reaches 15 million.
Australian Troops join peace-keeping force in Sinai Desert.

1983

Geelong College
North wing of the main school block designated the ‘Thwaites Wing” in honour of former Principal, Dr. P. N. Thwaites.
‘Tait Forecourt’ between the 1871 Building entrance and Morrison Hall named in honour of old collegian, and Vice-Principal, Mr. Alan Tait.

Australia
Devastating bushfires in south-east Australia with 71 people killed in 'Ash Wednesday' fires.
High Court upholds legislation to protect south-west Tasmania.
ALP Government led by R J Hawke elected.
The Australian Dollar is 'floated' on international exchange markets.

1984

Geelong College
Stage 2 of ‘Rolland Centre’ including basketball and squash courts opened by Senator Susan Ryan, Federal Minister for Education. Stage 2 was constructed on the south side of Stage 1.

Australia
'Advance Australia Fair became Australia's National Anthem.
Medicare is established.
One dollar coin replaces one dollar note.


1985

Geelong College
Mr. S. P. Gebhardt’s term as Principal concluded.
Land at 9 Claremont Avenue pourchased for future development.

Australia
New South Wales abolished capital punishment becoming the last State to do so.


1986

Geelong College
Mr. A. P. Sheahan, BA, Dip Ed, an old collegian, appointed Principal.
Presentation by Old Collegians Association of Patent conferring Grant of Arms to College.

Australia
Australia Act removes the right of appeal from States to the Privy Council and removes all remaining rights of the UK parliament to pass law for Australia.
Bombing of Russell Street Police Headquarters.

1987

Geelong College
The Geelong College Foundation established and incorporated.
Additional laboratory and classrooms constructed at Preparatory School.
Music room and associated facilities constructed at Campbell House.

Australia

Australia celebrated its bicentenary.
Hoddle Street, Melbourne shootings with 7 fatalities and 19 injured on 9 August.
Queen St, Melbourne shootings with 8 fatalities and 5 injured.
Federal referendums on 4-year parliamentary terms, recognition of local government and other issues are defeated.

1988

Geelong College
Construction of an additional Science laboratory and two classrooms at Middle School.
New building construction at Junior School to enable Dance, Physical Education, Drama and Movement.
First 'international' tour organised to China.

Australia
Brisbane hosted World Expo 88.
New Parliament House opened in Canberra.

1989

Geelong College
College Chapel opened by Sir Ronald Wilson, President of the Uniting Church in Australia. The refurbishment and extension of the Chapel, formerly the House of Music, began in 1988.
The ‘Joan Sweetman Room’ a multipurpose room erected at Campbell House and named in honour of Mrs Joan Sweetman, member of staff from 1947 and Director of Kindergarten/Campbell House from 1947 to 1978.
Performing Arts/Music Centre erected at Preparatory School. The main auditorium named ‘Robertson Hall’ in honour of Old Collegian and former Council member, Sir Horace Robertson. Original Assembly Hall used for other academic purposes.

Australia
Newcastle Earthquake in NSW with 13 fatalities.
Rosemary Follett first Chief Minister of the ACT became first female head of government of an Australian State or Territory.

1990

Geelong College
Classrooms constructed on former Noble St tennis courts, south of existing Library and Science building.
Drama Classroom and former Physics Lecture Room named the ‘Elliott Theatre’ after Mr F W Elliott, Old Collegian, staff member from 1963 to 1990, Director of the ‘Austin Gray Centre’ and Head of the Fine and Applied Arts Department on his retirement.

Australia
Carmen Lawrence became, in Western Australia, the first female Premier of an Australian State.

1991

Geelong College
College Tapestry of the School Coat of Arms woven by Mrs Joan Korn and donated by the Parents’ and Friends’ Association.

Australia
Seven people die Strathfield.

1992

Geelong College
Sundials gifted to the Senior School and Preparatory School by Year 12 students.

Australia
High Court delivers Mabo decision which rules that indigenous native title exists.
Universal Australian superannuation introduced.

1993

Geelong College
Pipe Organ built by Roger H Pogson of Orange commissioned after installation in the Chapel.
Stained glass window in the Chapel dedicated in honour of the Very Rev. Sir Francis Rolland, CMG, OBE, MC, MA, Principal from 1921 to 1945.
Rogers garden at Warinn developed and opened.
Girls' Netball Team wins APS Premiership in Netball for the first time.

Australia
Paul Keatings wins Federal election.
Native Tile Act introduced to provide a proces for granting indigenous land rights.

1994

Geelong College
Adoption of Pegasus symbol as school symbol.
Resignation of Principal, Mr A P Sheahan BA., Dip Ed.

Australia
Wollemi Pine discovered in New South Wales.
First access to Internet for general public.

1995

Geelong College
Opening of Early Learning Centre for 3 and 4 year olds in February.
Preparatory School Arts Centre opened by former student, Robert Ingpen on 28 April 1995.
Davey House opened after extensive renovation (named after former deputy Principal Des Davey.)
Pegasus, a bronze sculpture by Peter Corlett erected at the School in the newly named Helicon Place.
Girls' Teams win APS premierships for the first time in Athletics, Hockey and Tennis.

Australia
Northern Territory legalises voluntary euthanasis but is overruled by the Federal Government.

1996

Geelong College
Commencement of 10th Principal and first female Principal, Dr Pauline Turner.
Alterations and renovations to Mackie House funded by a bequest from the Morrison family completed and opened.
Opening of the boatshed at the Barwon River on 3 February 1996 by Robert Purnell.
Sic Itur sculpture by Noel Essex to celebrate 21 years of co-education donated by the OGCA and erected on the Science Building facing Noble St.

Australia
High Court determines that indigenous native title can survive the granting of pastoral leases.
Port Arthur shootings with 35 fatalities and 23 injured.
Howard Governement sponsors uniform gun legislation in all states.
Nova Peris became the first indigenous Australian to win an Olympic Gold Medal.

1997

Geelong College
Conversion of Rankin Field using synthetic surface for multiuse as a Hockey Field and Tennis Courts.
Extensions at Early Learning Centre and Mossgiel.
Alan Williamson becomes Chairman of The Geelong College Council.

Australia
Expelled Liberal MP Pauline Hanson formed 'One Nation' political party.
Tamania legalises homosexuality.
Landslide at Thredbo, NSW when Bimbadene and Carinya Lodges collapsed with 18 fatalities.

1998

Geelong College
Death of Rev Ewan McLean, former student, staff member, chaplain and voluntary archivist (1979 to 1997).

Australia
Australian Stock Exchange demutualized and floated as a public company and the fiorst in the world ro be listed on a stock exchange.

1999

Geelong College
Opening of The Geelong College Recreation Centre (Final Stage of the Rolland Centre deveolpment) on 24 November 1999.

Australia
Both houses of the Federal Parliament pass reconcilation motion exprssing both recognition and regret of past mistreatment of indigenous Australians.
Referendum on changing to a republic defeated.
Australian military forces sent to East Timor.


2000

Geelong College
Planting of the escarpment between the Preparatory School and the Barwon River to create a wildlife corridor to the School.
Opening of a Uniform Shop in the former garage adjacent to Davey House operated commercially by Dobsons.

Australia
The 27th Summer Olympic Games areheld in Sydney.

2001

Geelong College
Federation Festival presented over 4 days in May 2001.
Introduction of the Year 4 'Enviro' Program.

Australia
Australia celebrated centenary of federation.
Australian military forces sent to Afghanistan.

2002

Geelong College
New electronic scoreboard to replace the A H Roberts Scoring Box opened 15 June 2002.
Girls 1st VIII win Head of the Schoolgirls' Regatta; APS Head of the River; Victorian Champions.
Campbell House Multipurpose Centre opened on 25 August.
College Girls 1st Tennis Team wins AGSV Title.

Australia
Bali bombing with 202 fatalities including 88 Australians.

2003

Geelong College
Both Girls and Boys 1st crews win the Heads of the River.
Development of new carpark and billabong at Preparatory School.
Construction of a Year 6 Multimedia Centre and additional 'plexipave' tennis courts at Preparatory School.
Construction of a new maintenance centre at the Preparatory School and transfer from the old facility.

Australia
Australian military forces sent to Iraq and Solomon Islands.
Northern Territory and New South Wales introduce uniform 'age of consent' legislation.

2004

Geelong College
Girls 1st Rowing VIII win Head of the Schoolgirls' Regatta.
Enrolments reach 1150 students.

Australia
Bomb exploded outside Australian Embassy in Jarkarta.

2005

Geelong College
New Campbell House multi-purpose centre completed.
Glee Club Reunion Concert held.

Australia
Cronulla riots occurred.

2006

Geelong College
Opening of the Keith Humble Centre for Music and the Performing Arts on 22 July.
Naming of the George Logie-Smith Auditorium on 19 August.
College Football Team for the first time since 1963 wins its fourth APS Football Premiership jointly with Scotch College and Haileybury College.
Acquisition of Mokborree Campus in the Otways.
Conversion of the Elliott Theatre into the Elliott Lecture Theatre.
Alan Williamson retires as Head of The Geelong College Council.

Australia
Australian military forces again deployed to East Timor to assist stability.

2007

Geelong College
House known as Lester Square and last used by the School as a boarding facility on the corner of Noble St and Talbot St re-developed for use by the School’s Department of Community Relations and Development.
Elliott Theatre redeveloped as the Elliott Lecture Theatre.
Dr Hugh Seward becomes Chairman of The Geelong College Council.

Australia
Kevin Rudd defeated John Howard to become Australian Prime Minister.
Australia ratifies Kyoto Protocol.

2008

Geelong College
Centenary of the Geelong College’s participation in the 'Associated Public Schools' (APS) Sporting Competition.

Australia
Quentin Bryce became the first female Governor-General of Australia.
Longest heatwave recorded for an Australian capital city occurred in Adelaide.

2009

Geelong College
Centenary of the School Magazine 'The Pegasus'. The first issue was published in April 1909.
Fifty Year Celebration of 'Ad Astra' the newsletter of the Old Collegians Association and the College Community.
The Geelong College Foundation purchased 160 hectare property on the Barwon River at Fyansford.

Australia
Black Saturday bushfires sweep Victoria with 173 fatalities.

2010
Image

Geelong College
Completion of the Campbell House Library redevelopment and Middle School Gymnasium extension.
Presentation of the Wurlitzer Organ in the George Logie-Smith Auditorium in the Keith Humble Centre for Music and the Performing Arts.

Australia
Julia Gillard replaces Kevin Rudd as head of the Labor Party becoming the first female Australian Prime Minister.
Mary McKillop canonised as Australian's first Saint of the Roman Catholic Church.
Ken Wyatt becomes first Aboriginal elected to the Australian House of Representatives.

2011

Geelong College
Sesquicentenary of the Foundation of the School on 8 July.
Redevelopment of the Austin Gray Centre.
Publication of 'The Way to the Stars, 150 Years of the Geelong College'.

Australia
Queensland affected by major flooding.
Cadell Evans became the first Australian to win the Tour de France.

2012

Geelong College
Introduction of new School Song, 'Sic Itur Ad Astra'
Commencement of Middle School redevelopment.
Dr Pauline Turner retires as Principal.

Australia

2013

Geelong College
Andrew Barr commences as 11th Principal of The Geelong College.
Acquisition of Cape Otway Property.
Opening of Stage 1 and Stage 2 of Middle School redevelopment with new Year 7 and 8 learning studios.

Australia
Australian Military Forces commence turning refugee boats back to Indonesia.
Manus Island, New Guinea established as refugee centre.
Adam Scott became first Australian to win Masters Golf Tournament.

2014

Geelong College
Completion of Stage 3 of the Middle School redevelopment with new spaces for Year 5s, refurbished Library, Science and Café areas.

Australia
Australia leads search in Indian Ocean for missing Malaysian Airlines aircraft.
Eighteen hostages taken in Sydney cafe siege.

2015

Geelong College
Andrew Barr resigns as Principal.

Australia
Malcolm Turnbull defeated Tony Abbott to become Australian Prime Minister on 15 September.

2016

Geelong College
Dr Peter Miller commences as 12th Principal of The Geelong College.

Australia
Linda Burney becomes the first indigenous woman to be elected to the House of Representatives.

2017

Geelong College
The Geelong College Gala Ball was held Saturday 14 October at The Pier. The College also hosted the inaugural lunch for Morongo Old Collegians.

Australia
Same sex marriage is legalised by the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms Act 2017).

2018

Geelong College
Junior School Redevelopment commences, with Old Collegian, John Wardle as architect.

Australia
Scott Morrison succeeds Malcolm Turnbull as Prime Minister.

2019

Geelong College
The new Junior School gathering space Wayaperree is opened in February.

Australia
A severe bush fire season begins from June 2019 continuing into early 2020. As of 9 March 2020, the fires burnt an estimated 18.6 million hectares.

2020

Geelong College
Opening of Stage 1 of the Junior School redevelopment - the Early Learning spaces.

The College begins Remote Learning in the final days of Term 1, with students learning from home in an effort to restrict the transmission of COVID-19 through the school community. After Easter, Term 2 commences with Remote Learning for at least the first four weeks.

Australia
COVID-19 global pandemic arrives in Australia in January. In Australia, as of 15 April there are 6440 COVID-19 cases and 63 deaths as a result of the disease.

Sources: The Australian Encyclopaedia, 4th Edt, Appendix pp27-35. Sydney: Grolier Society of Australia, 1983 .
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