Farrer Hall is the second oldest of the residential colleges of Monash University, located in the city of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Founded in 1965, Farrer Hall is today a fully co-educational institution and home to 200 residents, a third of which are usually first year students. The Hall has two separate wings traditionally known as 'Commons' and 'Lords'.
Farrer Hall opened in 1965 following the establishment of Deakin Hall in 1962 ('Old Deakin' pictured)
Farrer Hall was named after William Farrer. Its founding warden was Mr M.G.A. Wilson. The original building was known as the 'Men's Wing' and opened in May 1965. The 'Women's Wing"' was completed shortly after.[2][3] University archives record that it was "hoped that by the end of this year (1965) Farrer Hall should reach its capacity of one hundred and eighty-seven students".[4]
Farrer Hall’s separate men's and women's wings were similar to the original accommodation arrangements at neighbouring Deakin Hall, the oldest of Monash's halls of residence. Although Deakin Hall was the first Australian hall of residence to have men and women students living together in the same building, some segregation was evident in Deakin's early years with "the first floor housing women and the two upper floors men, with all other areas being common". Both Deakin and Farrer Hall were designed with a "faintly Wrightian theme" by Chancellor and Patrick. Deakin Hall's original wing, 'Old Deakin',[5] was officially opened in 1962 by Mrs Herbert Brookes accompanied by her sisters, Lady White and Lady Rivett. The three sisters were daughters of former Prime Minister of AustraliaAlfred Deakin.[6][7][8][9]
Adjoining the two separate three-storey buildings, soon known as 'Commons' and 'Lords', was Farrer's own dining hall. Deakin Hall, Howitt Hall, Roberts Hall and Richardson Hall also had their own dining halls and the accompanying High Table culture for many years.[10][11][4][12][13]
In 1966, Farrer Hall had a Matron and Deakin Hall had a Steward who were responsible for the domestic arrangements within their respective Halls.[14]
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".[15]
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.[16] Farrer Hall residents can dine daily – lunch and dinner – in the adjoining Halls Cafe.[17]
↑"Annual Report 1965"(PDF). Monash University, Annual Report. 1965. Retrieved 16 February 2026. In the halls of residence complex the final stage of Deakin Hall was completed and the central block housing dining and administrative facilities for the halls was also completed. The men's wing of Farrer Hall was completed and the women's wing almost finished. The latter will be ready for occupation before the beginning of the 1966 academic year. Construction of Howitt Hall, which is a tower block, was started and by the end of the year the concrete framework had reached the ninth storey level. The whole of the complex of halls (known as the North-East Halls) consisting of three halls grouped around a central catering and administrative building, is scheduled for completion in 1966.
↑"Calling all Farrer Hall alumni". Monash University. 2015. Retrieved 16 February 2026. Named in honour and recognition of William Farrer who was a leading Australian agronomist and plant breeder, Farrer's initial intake was in May 1965. Since then there have been more than 10,000 members of the Farrer Hall community.
12"Warden of Farrer Hall"(PDF). Monash University Gazette. Vol.II, no.1. August 1965. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
↑REPORT OF THE COUNCIL OF MONASH UNIVERSITY 1962(PDF). Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. 1962. p.4. Retrieved 20 January 2026. DISTINGUISHED VISITORS - Mrs. Herbert Brookes accompanied by her sisters, Lady White and Lady Rivett, visited the University to open and name Deakin Hall.
↑Rickard, J. (2015). A Family Romance: The Deakins at Home. Melbourne University Publishing. Retrieved 20 January 2026. I also spoke with descendants of the three daughters of Alfred [Deakin] and [his wife] Pattie,
↑"Monash Reporter - April 1966"(PDF). Monash University. Retrieved 20 February 2026. Deakin Hall has a Steward and Farrer Hall has a Matron. They are responsible for the domestic arrangements within each Hall
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