Central Business District in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania
Former Working Men's College
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 16, 2026
1. Former Working Men's College Marker
The Working Men's College, which later became the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology was founded by Francis Ormond. It was built in two stages: the Bowen Street frontage was constructed in 1883/87 to a design by Nahum Barnett and Terry & Oakden, the LaTrobe Street frontage and tower were constructed in 1891 to a design by Oakden, Addison and Kemp.
Erected by City of Melbourne and State Bank Victoria.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.
Location. 37° 48.543′ S, 144° 57.916′ E. Marker is in Melbourne, Victoria. It is in the Central Business District. It is on La Trobe Street 0.1 kilometers west of Russell Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 126 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Oceania, Australasia, 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.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Working Men's College (within shouting distance of this marker); City Court (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Working Men's College (within shouting distance of this marker); The Kelly Gate (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Ironstone Walls and Footings (about 90 meters away); Western Gaol Wall Archway (about 90 meters away); Gaol Bluestone (about 90 meters away); The Melbourne Gaol Men's Hospital (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.
Also see . . . Working Men's College, Melbourne. Wikipedia
The Working Men's College was an Australian college of further education located in Melbourne, Victoria. It was founded in 1887 by a prominent Victorian parliamentarian and philanthropist, Francis Ormond.(Submitted on June 22, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)
The college was the predecessor to the current-day Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University). Today, the original building of the college is known as RMIT Building 1 (Francis Ormond Building).
The Working Mens College wasfounded in 1881 by a prominent grazier and philanthropist, Francis Ormond, who donated £5,000 towards the establishment of the college. The Council of the Melbourne Trades Hall then matched Ormond's initial donation by rallying its members. On 4 June 1887, the college opened in its purpose-built building on the corners of Bowen Street and La Trobe Street in Melbourne, with a gala ceremony. It became the third official provider of higher education in the new Colony of Victoria (the Melbourne Athenaeum was founded in 1839 and the University of Melbourne in 1853).Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 16, 20262. Former Working Men's College and Marker to the left of the door
circa 1905
3. Former Working Men's College
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. 3. submitted on June 22, 2026. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
