Renovations and expansion
1960s Fundraising
During the 1960s, the College underwent expansion to increase the number of student places and to improve facilities.
Construction projects during this time included the Freda Bage Common Room, the second dormitory wing (which was named New Wing), enlargement of the kitchen, and the extension of the dining room, which provided space underneath for a library, reading room and tutorial room.
At least half of the revenue for these projects was raised by activities of the Standing Committee, Old Collegians and Building Appeal.
The provision of music rooms and an extra tutorial room became the next building project to be undertaken when funds were available.
"The new college wing was opened in July 1961. It contained quarters for domestic staff, flats for two tutors, 33 study bedrooms, a small utility room and a small common room."
"More revenue was raised by hiring out the college as a conference venue. Eighty delegates to conferences associated with the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science stayed in college during the first-term vacation in 1961. The housing of conferences during vacations became a regular practice and assisted not only the college finances, but also the situation of the domestic staff."
— The Women’s College: A Centenary History, pp 125 – 126
The Dining Hall before the expansion (1958). Note the Principal’s Chair against the back wall. This chair is still used at Formal Dinners today.
Freda Bage (Principal 1914 – 1946), 1963 Student Club President Vanda Mann, and Molly Budtz-Olsen (Principal 1963 – 1974) at the opening of the Freda Bage Common Room in 1965.
The main building at St Lucia (ca. 1960).
The Women’s College campus seen from Duchesne College (ca. 1960).