Mildura: 60 Years of Memories

Memories shared over a photograph of long ago.	A crowded room listens intently as Professor Loane Skene shares her knowledge of stem cell research.

This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the official opening of the Mildura Branch of the University of Melbourne which occurred on 17 May, 1947. For the more than 1300 students and staff in the faculties of Architecture, Engineering, Dental Science, Medicine and Science who were part of the ‘Mildura Experiment’ it was a formative experience.

The idea of transferring first year students from 5 disciplines of the University of Melbourne to an RAAF Base at Mildura was born as a result of the huge demand for entry into the University at the end of the war in 1945.

The Mildura Branch was Australia’s first completely residential university and an outstanding success. In 1987, on the occasion of the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the Mildura Branch, the then Chancellor, Professor Emeritus Sir Douglas Wright remarked “….. There was apparently a spirit at Mildura that wasn’t in any other academic institution…..”. This spirit became most evident on Saturday 28 April when 170 guests celebrated the Anniversary at a luncheon hosted by Professor Peter McPhee, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic.

1947 alumni share stories.	A passionate Dr Hale tells of the hardships endured by rural students.

Professor Loane Skene fascinated the audience with her explanation of the findings of the Lockart Committee, which recently reviewed Australian stem cell legislation.

Following the 2005 reunion it was decided that the time was right to establish an enduring memorial to Mildura and to give back to the community which had provided them with such an enriching experience.

The Mildura Alumni Scholarship Committee was formed, chaired by Dr George Hale, to develop a proposal for a student award and an appeal was launched in 2006. An impassioned Dr Hale spoke to the celebratory group to further boost the funds raised towards to scholarship so far.

If you would like to receive further information on the Mildura Group or the Mildura Alumni Scholarship, Suzanne McGraw would be more than happy to assist.

Find out more about the Mildura Scholarships.