About the Centre
The Geoffrey Blainey Research Centre (GBRC) is located on the top floor of the Mt Helen Library (E.J. Barker Library) and includes a supervised reading room where collections can be accessed and read. The supervised reading room houses the special and cultural collections held by Federation University Australia and boasts a wonderful view towards the Grampians. GBRC materials cannot be borrowed but can be accessed under supervision.
The GBRC is named after the foundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat (now known as Federation University Australia) in recognition of Geoffrey Blainey's long and distinguished career in academic circles, and his generous donation of books. In 2002 the degree of Doctor of Letters was conferred on Professor Blainey in recognition of his contribution to the University of Ballarat and the community in general.
Collections in the GBRC
The Geoffrey Blainey Mining Collection
In 2002 Professor Blainey donated a collection of his own academic research material to the University of Ballarat (now known as Federation University Australia). Included in this collection are historical books, papers and other material related to the early history of mining and the central Victorian Goldfields. A second generous donation of material was received in 2005, and a third donation is currently under discussion. Some rare, older items in the collection are considered fragile and require special handling.
Titles from the Geoffrey Blainey Mining Collection can be searched online via the Library catalogue.
The Federation University Australia Special Collection
Rare and specialised material, including theses undertaken at the Federation University Australia (formerly University of Ballarat), are housed in the Special Collection. Some rare, older items in the collection are considered fragile and need special handling.
Titles from the Special Collections can be searched online via the Library catalogue.
The Federation University Australia Historical Collection
The Federation University Australia (formerly University of Ballarat) Historical Collection is also located at the GBRC. This extensive collection of historical material dates from the opening of the Ballarat School of Mines in 1870. The collection covers material from Federation University Australia's predecessors including the University of Ballarat, Ballarat School of Mines, Ballarat Teachers' College, State College of Victoria, Ballarat; the Ballarat Institute of Advanced Education, Ballarat College of Advanced Education, Ballarat University College and Wimmera Institute of TAFE.
Further details can be obtained from Clare Gervasoni, the Federation University Australia curator.