Monash University Archives

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Monash University Archives

Monash University Archives holds records of permanent value from across Monash University

19/06/2026

On this day 55 years ago in 1971, Robert Blackwood Hall was officially opened.

The need for a Great Hall at Monash University was clear from the early 1960s and a public appeal for funds was launched in 1965, raising more than £235,000 ($8 million today) by the end of that year. Construction began in 1968 and in June 1971 Monash’s new Great Hall, named after our first Chancellor Sir Robert Blackwood, was ready for use. The first graduation ceremony held at Robert Blackwood Hall took place on the 21st of April 1972, and it has been home to hundreds of graduation ceremonies as well as concerts and other events in the 55 years since its opening.

The building was designed by architect Sir Roy Grounds, who also designed the National Gallery of Victoria and Arts Centre Melbourne, and its two most prominant features are the stained glass window by Leonard French and the Louis Matheson Pipe Organ.

16/06/2026

Recognise anyone in these photos? Monash has had many famous faces on its campuses over the decades, both as students and visitors. Here are a few of the well-known Australians we’ve spotted in our collection recently.

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1. Nick Cave with Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel and Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins after being awarded honorary Doctor of Laws, 2008
2. Miranda Otto as Susy in ‘Brilliant Lies’, 1993
3. Collette Mann in ‘One Small Step’, 1994
4. Andrew Daddo delivering first Orientation Lecture, 1988
5. Nunsense II The Second Coming - Seated (L to R) Donna Lee, Jan Adele, Patricia Pitney. Standing (L to R) Lisa McCune, Sheila Bradley

09/06/2026

Today is International Archives Day and we’re taking a break from our usual programming of nostalgic photos to talk about , specifically Archives for Accountability.

Because is a public university established by Victorian legislation, we are covered by the Public Records Act (1973) and we are required to follow the standards and retention and disposal authorities set out by the Public Record Office Victoria (PROV). The PROV tells us how long public records are to be kept, and what type of public records need to be kept forever, to ensure accountability of governments and public entities such as Monash.

One of the key types of records that contribute to accountability are governance records, and here at the Monash University Archives we have agendas, minutes and papers from over 170 committees and boards. These include the Council, Academic Board, faculty boards, and a long list of subcommittees. Having these papers permanently held in the Archives means we will always have a record of every major decision made at the University since it was established 68 years ago. This is just one example of how archives support accountability, through being a repository of evidence that document decisions, actions, and responsibilities.

03/06/2026

With ski season set to kick off this weekend, we’re throwing back to that time in 1975 a ski jump with man-made snow was set up near the halls of residence.

27/05/2026

This week we are highlighting the Campus Centre which has been a staple of University life for 62 years. Construction began on the Campus Centre, originally known as the Union building, in June 1963 and it was completed by the end of 1964, with many alterations taking place over the subsequent decades. Please enjoy this small selection of photos of the Campus Centre spanning the 1960s to the 1990s, and if you’d like to see more, head to the link in our bio.

19/05/2026

On this day 40 years ago in 1986, Monash University opened celebrations for its Silver Jubilee. Events began with a ceremony at Robert Blackwood Hall, attended by His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edingburgh, who presented medals to staff who had served at the University for 25 years. The ceremony also involved the conferring of honorary degrees on six individuals, including the Duke of Edinburgh who received an Honorary Doctor of Science. For more information about the Silver Jubilee celebrations, see the link in our bio.

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1. Dr Ernie Nunn receiving 25 year medallion from HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Silver Jubilee Graduation ceremony
2. Silver Jubilee graduation ceremony, Robert Blackwood Hall
3. HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, signing visitors' book
4. HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (centre) with Vice-Chancellor Professor Ray Martin (left) and Chancellor Sir George Lush after Silver Jubilee graduation ceremony
5. Silver Jubilee Graduation ceremony visitors. Bishop Peter Hollingworth (left); Mr H. M. McKenzie; Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; Sir John Young; Emeritus Professor Sir Edward Hughes; and Sir James McNeill after the ceremony
6. Vice-Chancellor planting Jubilee tree. Professor Ray Martin, onlookers include John Trembath (left), Doug Ellis (fourth left), Keith Bennetts (centre rear), Jim Leicester (fourth right) and Chancellor Sir George Lush (third right).
7. Silver Jubilee Thanksgiving Service in the Religious Centre, Clayton Campus. Officiating, from left: Father Laurie Foote, Pastor Peter Pfitzner, Rev. Philip Huggins and Rev. Peter Knowles

06/05/2026

40 years ago in May 1986, Monash ordered a new $1 million telephone exchange system to replace the electromechanical switch which had been in use for over 20 years. Here you can see the new system being delivered and installed, and you can read more through the link in our bio.

29/04/2026

Happy International Dance Day from the tap section of the Modern Dance Group in 1977!

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26 Sports Walk
Clayton, VIC

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https://linktr.ee/monash.archives

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