Farrer Hall is the second oldest of the residential colleges of Monash University, located in the city of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Founded in 1965 as a co-educational institution, Farrer Hall is home to 200 residents, a third of which are usually first year students. The Hall has two separate wings: 'Commons' and 'Lords'.
The Hall was named after William Farrer. Its founding warden was Mr M.G.A. Wilson. The original wing was known as 'Commons' and opened in May 1965, while 'Lords' was completed the following year. It was hoped that "by the end of this year (1965) Farrer Hall should reach its capacity of one hundred and eighty-seven students".[1]
Adjacent to Farrer is Deakin Hall whose original wing - 'Old Deakin' - had been built in 1962. Deakin is the oldest of Monash's halls of residence and was the first Australian hall of residence to have men and women students living together in the same building with "the first floor housing women and the two upper floors men, with all other areas being common". This arrangement was also intended for Farrer Hall's first intake of students. Both Deakin Hall and Farrer were designed with a "faintly Wrightian theme" by Chancellor and Patrick.[2][3] Apart from the two separate three-storey buildings, 'Commons' and 'Lords', Farrer had its own dining hall for many years as did Deakin Hall.[4][1]
The planned celebrations for Farrer Hall's 50th anniversary included an afternoon tea event for Farrer alumni and the recreation of one of the iconic images of Farrer Hall: the 1965 photograph which included the Hall's first warden Murray Wilson mounted on his horse. This homage included the 2015 College Head (Steve Mitchell) sitting atop his ‘horse’, while other members of the community attempted to recreate the look of others in the 1965 photo. After a little manipulation of the background (removing 50 years of development), the outcome was "both humorous and a fitting tribute to the pioneers of Farrer Hall".[5]
Operating structure
The hall contains a main common room, several kitchens open to use by individuals or small groups, study centre, social room, poolroom, music and TV rooms and a secure bicycle enclosure. Each floor of each building, along with bathroom and laundry, has a small lounge with facilities for self-catering. In 'Commons', one room and a bathroom have been modified for the use of residents with a physical disability. Most of Farrer's facilities and activities are coordinated by the Resident Advisors and students. In the general life of the Hall, especially the social life, a leading role is played by the elected executive committee of the Farrer Hall Society, of which all residents are members. There is also a Floor Representatives' group comprising one student from each floor, and this group meets approximately twice a semester with the College Head and Deputy College Head to discuss the needs of students in the Hall.[6] Farrer Hall residents can dine daily - lunch and dinner - in the adjoining Halls Cafe.[7]
References
1 2 "Warden of Farrer Hall"(PDF). Monash University Gazette. Vol.II, no.1. August 1965. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
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