Central Business District in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania

Working Men's College

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 16, 2026

1. Working Men's College Marker

Inscription. Working Men's College
Erected in 1891 as an extension to the Working Men's College, this Gothic revival building was designed by architects Oakden, Addison and Kemp.
Essentially a workshop, it is very much in the tradition of 19th century industrial architecture.

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 1891.

Location. 37° 48.522′ S, 144° 57.87′ E. Marker is in Melbourne, Victoria. It is in the Central Business District. It is on Bowen Stret 0.1 kilometers north of La Trobe Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 124 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

named The Working Men's College (within shouting distance of this marker); The Kelly Gate (within shouting distance of this marker); Western Gaol Wall Archway (within shouting distance of this marker); Former Working Men's College (within shouting distance of this marker); Ironstone Walls and Footings (within shouting distance of this marker); The Melbourne Gaol Men's Hospital (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Gaol Bluestone (about 90 meters away); 2nd Cell Block (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.

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).

History

Further information: History of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

The Working
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 16, 2026

2. Working Men's College Marker at right of Entrance
Men’s College was founded 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).

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

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.