Central Business District in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania

Charles Joseph La Trobe CB

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 16, 2026

1. Charles Joseph La Trobe CB Marker

Inscription.
Charles Joseph La Trobe CB
1801 - 1875

Superintendent, Port Phillip District of N.S.W. 1939-1851
Lieutenant Governor of the Colony of Victoria 1851-1854

Unveiled by Professor David De Kretser AC Governor of Victoria, 21 November 2006
Fund Patron: W. Bruce Nixon
Donors: A.G.L. Shaw AO, Maria Myers, Rodney Davidson AO, OBE, University of Melbourne, State Library of Victoria Foundation, Dianne and John Drury, Members and Friends of the S.J. La Trobe Society Inc.

Commissioned by the G. J. La Trobe Society Inc. Sculptor: Peter Corlett
Cast: Meridian Foundry

Erected 2006.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.

Location. 37° 48.579′ S, 144° 57.859′ E. Marker is in Melbourne, Victoria. It is in the Central Business District. It is on Swanston Street 0.1 kilometers south of La Trobe Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 326 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Oceania,

Australasia,

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the Pacific Ocean,

South Pacific,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sir Redmond Barry (within shouting distance of this marker); The Working Men's College (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Former Working Men's College (about 90 meters away); a different marker also named Working Men's College (about 120 meters away); The Kelly Gate (about 180 meters away); City Court (about 180 meters away); Ironstone Walls and Footings (about 180 meters away); Western Gaol Wall Archway (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.

Also see . . . Charles Joseph La Trobe (1801–1875). Australian Dictionary of Biography

In his first speech in Melbourne La Trobe declared, 'It is not by individual aggrandisement, by the possession of numerous flocks or herds, or by costly acres, that the people shall secure for the country enduring prosperity and happiness, but by the acquisition and maintenance of sound religious
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 16, 2026

2. Charles Joseph La Trobe CB Sculpture and Marker
and moral institutions without which no country can become truly great'. His active dedication to these values, in a society motivated almost entirely by materialistic acquisition, left a heritage and an influence which benefited future generations. La Trobe was an active supporter of the religious, cultural and educational institutions, often initiating their existence and straining his limited income for their benefit. It is he whom Melbourne must thank for its magnificent Botanic Gardens, and he gave leadership, prestige and support to the formation of the Mechanics' Institute, Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Benevolent Asylum, the Royal Philharmonic, the University of Melbourne.

(Submitted on June 22, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.