communitas@hildas.unimelb.edu.au
Kenneth Jack, 1964, ‘St Hilda’s College 1964'
Welcome to St Hilda’s Front Entrance
The front entrance features a mosaic of St Hild, the namesake of St Hilda’s College and the first Abbess of Whitby Abbey, Yorkshire, in 614 A.D.
The mosaic features: St Hilda; the college motto “Communitas”; the year Hild founded the Abbey at Whitby, “AD614”; and, the year the College opened, “1964.”
The mosaic was made and gifted to St Hilda’s in 1964 by Lorna Marion Waller, to celebrate the founding of the College
The front entrance is the welcoming place of the College and houses the Main Office, the Principal’s Office, and an original stone from the Whitby Abbey, donated to the College when it was founded in 1964
Prime Minister Menzies is pictured alongside the Whitby Stone upon the official opening of St Hilda’s College on 11 April, 1964.
An early first year initiation tradition was for all new students to kiss the Whitby Stone!
We welcome you back to St Hilda’s College in our 60th Anniversary year to explore, reminisce, see what has changed and to find the rooms and community of your formative years.
We hope you learn a little more of the history of St Hilda’s College and your place within it. Enjoy!
Front Quad
For 60 years, the Front Quad has been a central meeting place for casual and formal events that comes alive with our students. The Front Quad has been central to many of the 60th Anniversary of St Hilda’s events in 2024 including the February Recreation of the First Dinner at St Hilda’s.
Our founding Alumnae processed from the JCR to the Front Quad with the entire current student body cheering them on through a guard of honour
The March 2024 Commencement Dinner was relocated to the Front Quad and in April, University of Melbourne ViceChancellor Duncan Maskell spoke prior to the Marjorie Smart Oration commemorating 60 years since the official opening of the College.
Commemorating the founding students and motto of St Hilda’s College, the front quadrangle was named the Communitas Garden in April 2018 and has had many incarnations. The first gardens featured crossed paths, lawns, daffodils, roses and some small trees whilst today there is a sunken lawn, patio and many larger trees shading the area in the warmer months
The site of most St Hilda’s College group photographs over 60 years, the Communitas garden connects Sugden Hall with the Junior Common Room and provides a wonderful space for student and alumni events From students gathering to lay out on the grass to study, chat and eat their meals, to welcoming new students and their families to the College, and hosting pre-dinner festivities, the Front Quad is the place to be!
Alice Paton Library
The Alice Paton Library in form and purpose has remained largely unchanged over the past 60 years. The academic heart of the college, especially during exam periods and SWOTVAC, the library was completed in time for third term 1965 and named after the founding force behind the establishment of St Hilda’s, Alice Paton
Officially opened on 9 May 1966 by Senator John Gorton, the library has seen students through their degrees, from their first weeks of University to their last and is a fitting location today for Valedictory photographs. It has been a location of learning, growth, development and likely a bit too much chatting since 1965. The library provides students with a wealth of resources, and a motivating environment where there is the sense that “everyone is in it together”
Featuring the Leonard French stained glass window gifted by Prue Myer in memory of her father grazier and wool industry magnate, Douglas Boyd, and the rounded dome in the centre of the library supporting the external spire, the library was furnished brightly with opposing windows to the north and south allowing the breeze to flow through.
Technology has brought about a change from physical to online books and resources, and desks are now fitted with power and connection to the internet, but the late night study sessions, camaraderie and giggles continue!
Tute Rooms
Expanded in 2020 alongside the Dining Hall extension, the tutorial rooms have a multitude of purposes. They are used for our weekly TOTES program, where students receive specific tutorials based on their university subjects and work with other St Hilda’s students who are enrolled in the same course Additionally, these are study spaces that students use and are great for group projects or study where discussion is required
Throughout the year, these spaces are used for external conferences, developmental workshops and other events hosted by the College. Multiple tutorial rooms are specifically designed for music study, creative arts and design, fitted with all the required equipment.
Residential Blocks
Residents and visitors alike have wondered about the apparent simplicity of the block names. The three original blocks were named for saints associated with St Hilda of Whitby: Bishop Aidan, who appointed her as Abbess; Saint Bede, known as the father of English history, who wrote about St Hilda in his famous 731AD account of the Christian Church in England; and Caedmon, the herdsman-turned-poet who was instructed in scripture by St Hilda, and whose work ‘The Hymn of Caedmon’ is the first text of English poetry by a named author In short, Aidan became A, Bede B, and Caedmon C. It was almost inevitable for an Australian college that A, B, and C blocks became the general usage
A Block
Named after Bishop Aiden, this fresher block is one of the original 1964 buildings. It now houses a Senior Residential Advisor flat and connects to the library and Dining Hall via a glass corridor Between the block and the carpark, is the A block courtyard. This area is a great place for eating lunch, and the glass doors of the corridor are opened up for canapes during academic dinners and other Dining Hall events, acting as an extension of the Dining Hall. A block features the original configuration with Jack and Jill washrooms between two ‘roomies’ now known as ‘sinkies!’
Sugden Hall
Named after the first Master of Queen’s College appointed in 1888, E H Sugden was a staunch supporter of residential colleges for women. The Dining Hall at St Hilda’s was designed as a place of gathering for the whole college community Used not only for meals but also for entertainment of various kinds, such as musical concerts, invited speakers, dances and ceremonial occasions, Sugden Hall was the showpiece of the College and a room that could be displayed to visitors to give them a sense of the College style
Notice the dining tables, specifically designed for the iconic “Hilda’s spoon bang” which occurs when a group of students are being celebrated, and all other students bang their spoons on the tables as the group enters the Dining Hall.
Sugden Hall was furnished and panelled in natural black bean, with one entire wall made of glass, giving a view over the College quadrangle The mid-century sensibility of garden views from inside, modern light fittings of Danish green glass and metal, and the raised placement of a High Table created an impressive venue at the heart of the College
In more recent years, Sugden Hall has been extended to accommodate the growing student population, sound proofed to improve the acoustics, and seen light fixtures, tables and chairs replaced to endure the next 60 years of St Hilda’s. Today’s Dining Hall also hosts Paddock to Plate for parents of current students, Pride Night, Hilda’s Fest performances, Valedictory and awards ceremonies, and Alumni events
The College Grace, written specifically for St Hilda’s, continues to be recited, and Academic Gowns continue to be worn in Sugden Hall at weekly high table dinners and on formal occasions.
We ask you, Lord, to bless this food and our community, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
C Block
Named after the English poet Caedmon and part of the original buildings in 1964, C block houses first and second year students and has been remodelled over the years. The most recent renovation in 2023 created ground floor accessibility rooms, with double beds and en suites in all ground floor rooms
Unlike the A and B Blocks which feature “sinkie” rooms, the C block rooms have a shared ensuite between two students.
D Block
Opened in 1966, D block brought St Hilda’s’ capacity up from 87 to 130 residents and included laundry facilities and a small garden to the rear, backing onto Morrison Close
There are an array of different room types in D block as a result of renovations over the years, including ‘executive’ and ‘hermit’ rooms with their own bathroom and ‘sinkie’ rooms with a shared ensuite
Mostly a second year building today, the back garden is more commonly referred to as the beer garden and the top floor is popular amongst senior students
Special thanks to St Hilda’s College Development Intern 2024, Olivia Malouf for creating our Tour Booklet.
Front Entrance 1.
Front Quad 2. Alice Paton Library 3. Western Tute Rooms 4. A Block 5. Sugden Hall 6. C Block 7. D Block 8. H Block 9. Green Room 10. Back Quad 11. E, F & G Block 12. Board Room 13. B Block 14.
Communitas Lounge 15. Student Kitchen 16. Pool Room 17.
Eastern Tute Rooms 18.
Auditorium/Chapel 19. Junior Common Room 20.
The Brian James Wing - H Block
Known as H block, The Brian James Wing is the newest block at St Hilda’s, dedicated to the Third Principal of St Hilda’s in February 2008
Originally built for visiting scholars and the expected influx of graduate students following the introduction of the University’s ‘Melbourne Model’, H Block is now the 3rd year student hub
Large spacious rooms with kitchenettes and ensuites are in high demand and typically house the Student Executive and General Committee members, as well as second year students who have gained a high number of room points through their academic, extra-curricular and leadership achievements
In 2024, the visiting scholar flats were renovated to increase the number of rooms available for senior students, bringing capacity to 237.
On the ground level of the building, there are communal spaces such as the Green Room (the Middle Common Room) , BBQ deck, the College’s gym and a student laundry Additional features of this building include the elevator which has become a location of many funny memories on the rare occasions that it has broken and students have been trapped inside.
The bridged walkways connecting H Block to D block are a location of many deep conversations as students part way into their respective blocks. It is also a gorgeous location for many pre-event photos due to the views over Ormond college and the setting sun.
The Green Room
The Green Room
MIDDLE COMMON ROOM
The Green Room, known as the Middle Common Room for a time, is on the ground floor of H Block and dedicated to Fifth Principal Barbara Green. This space leads into the back quadrangle via glass sliding doors, which open out to the barbeque and patio area. This is a great functional space, useful for many events both formal and casual. Students utilise it for watching movies, playing games, playing poker, and house-party like events It is additionally used for whole-college events such as movie nights, Earth Hour and Back Quad Concerts
The Marjorie Smart Wing -
E, F & G Block
The modern structure of E Block (Later to become E,F and G Block), was first built in 1970 and dedicated to the First Principal of St Hilda’s as the Marjorie Smart Wing in October 1981 With its arrangement of four rooms centred around a shared shower and toilet area, it was immediately popular with students. The layout suited more senior students and foreshadowed, in part, what a share-house arrangement may be like
Large rooms, jutting off the stairwells were originally small common rooms, but after renovations became sought after student rooms, now known as ‘fishbowl’ rooms There are also part underground ‘dungeon’ rooms sought after as they have their own detached bathroom!
Today E, F & G Block mostly houses freshers, and has a unique design, with many different room sizes and orientations
The Board Room
This space, as the name suggests, is used for St Hilda’s College Board meetings
Across its history, residential tutors and visiting scholars met here as members of the Senior Common Room.
We host St Hilda’s Fellows, alumni, donors and friends as they attend college for small group meetings, discussions with students and to share a meal
The Whitby Dinner and the Third Year Dinner were held here in 2024.
B Block
This building is named after Saint Bede and was part of the original build in 1964 B block houses freshers and features the original ‘sinkie’ rooms, with shared bathrooms on each corridor The building has a Senior Residential Advisor apartment on the ground floor, and connects to the Noel Miller wing via the Communitas Lounge, the student kitchen and the pool room.
On the ground floor is the old student shop, which is no longer operational or required thanks to modern day technology and services such as uber eats and door dash
B-Annex is out the back of this building. This highly sought after block houses three second or third year students in one apartment style building, mimicking sharehouse living
Jutting off B-Block is the B-block beer garden, which provides a sunny courtyard with a grassy section and seating areas This area is an extension of the Communitas Lounge and during the warmer months many students utilise this space for studying, relaxing or sharing meals.
Communitas Lounge
Fitted out with a faux-fireplace, comfy couches and a TV, this communal space is utilised as a chill hang out space, especially by our first years students due to its proximity to B Block. The walls are lined with a collection of indigenous art, and large windows look out into the B Block beer garden. An array of video games and board games are stored here for students to use at their own leisure
Perfect for movie nights and hot chocolate, especially during the cooler months, the Communitas Lounge is additionally used for board game nights, playing video games, block suppers and the crochet club!
Student Kitchen
The student kitchen is the location for many late night conversations over a studysnack break, which often ends up being much longer and deeper than expected! These small interactions are what contribute to the huge and long lasting friendships that are developed within the walls of St HIlda’s. Students can make a toastie, get a coffee or hot chocolate from the machine, or collect their late meals Some baking may occur, but be warned not to set off the fire alarms!
Pool Room
As the name suggests, this room houses the College’s pool table Many students utilise this space as a way to take a break from study, or to procrastinate - however you may view it - and this room is often used in conjunction with the student kitchen just across the corridor. Students run a pool competition every year, where anyone is invited to try out, and when the finals roll around more students pack into the small room than you would think possible.
There is currently an ongoing secret competition between all the colleges on the crescent, where students try to sneak into other colleges and steal their 8-ball always returning it after a suitable amount of time of course!
A collection of St Hilda’s Ball posters, hand drawn and featuring bands and venues from the 80s and 90s, are also displayed in the Pool Room
Auditorium, Chapel
Completed in 1968, the Common Room and Chapel block quickly became a hub of activity for students
The College chapel was named the Una Porter Chapel, in recognition of Dr Porter’s contributions Two other names linked to the completion of the Chapel were Miss Jean Roberts, who had served on the Interim Council, and Dr Lorna Lloyd-Green, who had both contributed generously and repeatedly.
The Chapel-Common Room block was officially opened by Lady Paton on 19 October 1968. The new games room was called the Marjorie Thorpe Room in memory of a much-loved member of the St Hilda’s Auxiliary who had died unexpectedly, and the Junior Common Room was named the Hilda Stevenson Room in recognition of the great generosity of Dame Hilda Stevenson who had been involved with the College’s formation
The Chapel was consecrated and in service as a place of prayer with many weddings and a baptism also held there. On display on the original altar table are the challis and patten, marriage register and candlesticks that were in service during this time.
Una Porter also gifted the carving of the last supper inset on the front of the altar table, which had come from Oberammergau in Bavaria, Germany, a small town known for its woodcarvings of Christian significance.
Lorna Lloyd-Green donated the magnificent Ronald Sharpe organ to the Chapel, and her bequest supports two significant music scholarships at the College.
Today the Chapel is known as the Auditorium since it ceased to provide service as a religious space in 1998 The Auditorium remains an important place utilised today for the installation of Principals and Fellows of St Hilda’s and for third year graduation ceremonies. Our baby-grand piano in the auditorium continues to be used for musical and play rehearsals and the auditorium is the location for music recitals, important student leadership and development training, and as a conference space
Junior Common Room
This space was established in 1968, with the purpose of being a communal space for students to spend their down time, and build connections with one another The Common Room was originally equipped with a fireplace, tea and coffee making facilities, newspapers and easy chairs. It also became the television room and was where most residents in 1969 watched the moon landing
Evolving over our history, and now known as the JCR or Junior Common Room, the television has been replaced with a projector and roll down screen for watching footy games, streaming the latest shows and projecting images of St Hilda’s during Open Days The fireplace is no more, but the stone base has become a dais for speakers at smaller intimate events held in the JCR, including our International Women's Day Lunch and the Gold Leaf/Leaders’ Dinner.
The JCR is the venue for the infamous St Hilda’s “Turns” (internal parties held by the student club for their members), featuring DJ turntables, mirror balls and beverages served from the old tea and coffee space Smaller block suppers are often held in the JCR led by Senior Residential Advisors (SRAs) and the JCR continues to be a place filled with the Communitas spirit, where students can come together and feel that they belong
A collection of posters from our St Hilda’s Balls, featuring bands and venues from the 1980s to today are displayed in the JCR.
Tara Tiffin, 2024, ‘A Spring Afternoon at Hilda’s’