A small but passionate crowd has celebrated Austin College’s 50th year during a night of memories, mateship and music.
Guests from across Australia, including former staff and students, gathered recently over a formal dinner to reflect on their time at the college, which opened in 1972.
Back then it was a women’s-only residence, but construction was behind schedule when the first students arrived that February. There was no carpet, cement dust filled the air and only two of 13 bathrooms were operational. Without curtains, some students used cleaning powder to make a translucent paste to smear on their windows to afford some privacy.
Of the early days, founding college head Dr Brian (Doc) Seppelt wrote, they "were adventurous and, in retrospect, quite exciting … The inhabitants … felt a strong affinity for the College, which was literally built around them".
The first Austin rugby team in 1973.
Former resident Phil Hogan, who arrived in 1973 to study Economics and Accounting, recalls college fees being $23 a week and hot meals just 28 cents each. “Not bad considering beers were less than 30 cents and a Margherita pizza in town was $1.50 at the time,” he said.
Phil also told the reunion of the kindness and discretion of the cleaners, who tidied up more than they ever needed to, were always happy to chat and were “genuinely part of college life”. “How many hundreds of stories have not been spread by them?” he asked.
Although applauding the “tolerance and perseverance” of kitchen staff over his five years in residence, Phil did share the story of the 200-strong student protest of 1976 that followed a large gastroenteritis outbreak.
“There were divisive issues in college that were sorted; there were uniting issues where we stood up and were counted; there was fun, there were good vibes and there are memories,” Phil said.
“Austin can also be proud of the great academic and professional success of its students over the college’s existence.”
Times change, pride remains
For four years Kate Rowcliff has lived in Austin and now the combined Austin Page College, this year serving as the Junior Common Room President. She says while times have certainly changed, the college’s calendar of events and traditions have been preserved.
“There is something about the atmosphere of Austin,” Kate says.
“It’s homely and inviting, and complete strangers that you meet become instant family. Moving to Armidale and to this college remains one of the best decisions of my life and I am forever grateful that I have gotten to call this place home for the past four years.”
Built on community
Current Austin Page Head of College Luke Fowler says the college has survived for 50 years because of its sense of community.
“Austin has always been a community with members that look out for each other; a community with very strong peer leadership; and a community that is inclusive and welcoming,” he says.
“Students today are maintaining many of the Austin traditions and that sense of belonging.”
