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.

1861

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.

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.

1862

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'.

Geelong College

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

1863

Australia

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

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.

1864

Australia

First commercial manufacture of sugar in Queensland.

Geelong College

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

1865

Australia

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

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.

1866

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

1867

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

1868

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.

Geelong College

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

1869

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.

Geelong College

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

1870

Australia

All British troops in withdrawn from Australia.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

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.

1871

Australia

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

Geelong College

Additional land was purchased adjacent to existing facilities.

1872

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

1873

Australia

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

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.

1874

Australia

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

Geelong College

Practical Chemistry Class established under G F Link Esq.

1875

Australia

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

Geelong College

W H Dalzell becomes dux of Geelong College.

1876

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

1877

Australia

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

Geelong College

First reunion of Old Collegians occurred.

1878

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

1879

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

1880

Australia

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

Geelong College

Double ashphalted tennis courts constructed.

1881

Australia

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

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'.

1882

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

1883

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.

Geelong College

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

1884

Australia

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

Geelong College

College Cadet Corps established.

1885

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.

Geelong College

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

1886

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

1887

Australia

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

Geelong College

College Boat Club inaugurated with significant assistance from Old Collegians.

1888

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.

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.

1889

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.

Geelong College

First Junior School established.

1890

Australia

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

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.

1891

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.

Geelong College

Epidemic of mumps affects the boarders at the School.

1892

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

1893

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

1894

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

Geelong College

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

1895

Australia

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

Geelong College

New kitchen, outhouses and hot water to College installed.

1896

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.

Geelong College

Science Laboratory 'fitted up'.

1897

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

1898

Australia

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

Geelong College

Original George Morrison Memorial Library built and opened during May.

1899

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.

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.

1900

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.

Geelong College

Old Geelong Collegians' Association formed.

1901

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.

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.

1902

Australia

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

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.

1903

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

1904

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

1905

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.

Geelong College

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

1906

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.

Geelong College

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

1907

Australia

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

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.

1908

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.

Geelong College

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

1909

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.

Geelong College

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

1910

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.

Geelong College

Jubilee history of The Geelong College published.

1911

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.

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.

1912

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.

Geelong College

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

1913

Australia

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

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.

1914

Australia

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

Geelong College

Mr. W. T. Price BA appointed Principal.

1915

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.

Geelong College

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

1916

Australia

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

Geelong College

Additional classrooms, with dormitory above, completed north wing.

1917

Australia

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

Geelong College

Enrolment of 152 students.

1918

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.

Geelong College

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

1919

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.

Geelong College

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

1920

Australia

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

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

1921

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.

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.

1922

Australia

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

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.

1923

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.

Geelong College

First Preparatory School Sports Held.

1924

Australia

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

Geelong College

College wins its first APS Football Premiership.

1925

Australia

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

Geelong College

Fashion for playing 'marbles' sweeps the School.

1926

Australia

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIRO) established.

Geelong College

College wins its second APS Football Premiership.

1927

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.

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.

1928

Australia

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

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.

1929

Australia

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

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.

1930

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.

Geelong College

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

1931

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.

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.

1932

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

1933

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.

Geelong College

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

1934

Australia

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

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'.

1935

Australia

Broken Hill Pty Ltd absorbed Australian Iron and Steel Ltd.

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.

1936

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

1937

Australia

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

Geelong College

Mackie House built.

1938

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.

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.

1939

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.

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.

1940

Australia

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

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'

1941

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.

Geelong College

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

1942

Australia

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

Geelong College

Additional classroom and library constructed at the Preparatory School.

1943

Australia

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

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.

1944

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.

Geelong College

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

1945

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.

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.

1946

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.

Geelong College

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

1947

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.

Geelong College

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

1948

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.

Geelong College

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

1949

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.

Geelong College

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

1950

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.

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.

1951

Australia

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

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.

1952

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.

Geelong College

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

1953

Australia

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

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.

1954

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.

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

1955

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.

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

1956

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.

Geelong College

College 1st VIII wins the Head of the River.

1957

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.

Geelong College

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

1958

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.

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.

1959

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.

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.

1960

Australia

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

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.

1961

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.

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.

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.

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.

1963

Australia

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

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.

1964

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.

Geelong College

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

1965

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.

Geelong College

Stage 1 of Morrison Hall refurbishment and extension completed.

1966

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.

Geelong College

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

1967

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.

Geelong College

Chairman of College Council, Sir Arthur Coles retires.

1968

Australia

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

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.

1969

Australia

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

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.

1970

Australia

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

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.

1971

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.

Geelong College

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

1972

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.

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.

1973

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.

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.

1974

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.

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.

1975

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.

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.

1976

Australia

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

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.

1977

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.

Geelong College

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

1978

Australia

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

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.

1979

Australia

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

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.

1980

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.

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.

1981

Australia

Wage Indexation abolished.
Macquarie Dictionary published.

Geelong College

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

1982

Australia

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

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.

1983

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.

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.

1984

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

1985

Australia

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

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.

1986

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.

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.

1987

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.

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.

1988

Australia

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

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.

1989

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.

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.

1990

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

1991

Australia

Seven people die Strathfield.

Geelong College

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

1992

Australia

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

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.

1993

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

1994

Australia

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

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.

1995

Australia

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

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.

1996

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.

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.

1997

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.

Geelong College

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

1998

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

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.

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.

2000

Australia

The 27th Summer Olympic Games areheld in Sydney.

Geelong College

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

2001

Australia

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

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.

2002

Australia

Bali bombing with 202 fatalities including 88 Australians.

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.

2003

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

2004

Australia

Bomb exploded outside Australian Embassy in Jarkarta.

Geelong College

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

2005

Australia

Cronulla riots occurred.

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.

2006

Australia

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

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.

2007

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

2008

Australia

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

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.

2009

Australia

Black Saturday bushfires sweep Victoria with 173 fatalities.

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.

2010

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.

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'.

2011

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

2012

Australia

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.

2013

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.

Geelong College

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

2014

Australia

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

Geelong College

Andrew Barr resigns as Principal.

2015

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

2016

Australia

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

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.

2017

Australia

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

Geelong College

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

2018

Australia

Scott Morrison succeeds Malcolm Turnbull as Prime Minister.

Geelong College

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

2019

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.

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.

2020

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.

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