Central Business District in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania

The Working Men's College

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 16, 2026

1. The Working Men's College Marker

Inscription. Francis Ormond's vision and generosity
resulted in the establishment of
The Working Men's College
now the
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.
Classes commenced in this building
7th June 1887.
This commemorates the centenary of
Ormond's original suggestion
on 16th December 1881.

Erected 1981 by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is December 16, 1881.

Location. 37° 48.542′ S, 144° 57.897′ E. Marker is in Melbourne, Victoria. It is in the Central Business District. It is at the intersection of Bowen Street and La Trobe Street, on the left when traveling south on Bowen Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Bowen 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker: Former Working Men's College (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); Charles Joseph La Trobe CB (about 90 meters away); Ironstone Walls and Footings (about 90 meters away); City Court (about 90 meters away); Western Gaol Wall Archway (about 90 meters away); Gaol Bluestone (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.

Also see . . . Working Men's College (1887 - 1934). RMIT University History

The Working Men's College was established in Melbourne on 7 June 1887 with the financial support of Francis Ormond and other donors.

On the cover of the Working Men's College Prospectus from 1916 to 1933 the college was referred to as 'The Working Men's College Incorporated. The Melbourne Technical School'. The Melbourne Technical School Magazine was established in 1921.

(Submitted on June 24, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)

The Working Men's College Marker to the right of the Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 16, 2026

2. The Working Men's College Marker to the right of the Entrance

Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 24, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.