Austin & Earle Page Heritage
Austin was named to honour Dr Robert Blackie Austin, who was the Government Medical Officer in Armidale at the time of the College's establishment. The University Council wished to commemorate his notable contribution in the establishment of the New England University College and the University. In 1972, its first year, Austin was for women only.
In 2012 Austin College celebrated its 40th Anniversary, providing a home for more than 8000 students since our doors opened in 1972. Our reputation for being the 'friendly and more informal' UNE College began with our first Master, Dr Brian Seppelt. "Doc" Seppelt (on left of image) was Master until 1977 when Dr Alan McKenzie (centre) took over the position. Dr McKenzie continued to build on these strong foundations for the College and after 31 years as Master of Austin College, he retired. In 2009, Mr David Ward (not pictured) took over the helm.
Austin College co-located with Earle Page College in 2020 and we gained our current Head Mr Luke Fowler in 2022. Luke is dedicated to making our college welcoming and inclusive college and also to increasing the diversity of the student cohort.
Earle Page College is named in honour of Dr Earle Christmas Grafton Page. Sir Earle Page was Chairman of the Advisory Council of the New England University College from 1938 to 1954 and in 1954 was appointed the first Chancellor of the University of New England.
Dr Earle Page was a brilliant student, entering the University of Sydney at the age of 15 and graduating from Medicine with 1st Class Honours. He was one of Australia's foremost political leaders of the twentieth century, being a member of the Federal Parliament from 1919 to 1961. He was at different times Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Treasurer and Leader of the Australian Country Party.
In 2013, Earle Page College celebrated 50 years of providing a home for UNE students, a milestone of which we are extremely proud.
It was Earle Page who wrote "Each Prove Himself”, from which our college motto “Each Prove Yourself” is derived.
In 2023, Earle Page College will celebrate 60 years of providing a home for UNE students, a milestone of which we are extremely proud.
Head of College |
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Luke Fowler 2022 - Present |