The Past Still Echoes

In 1984, University of Melbourne Dean of Arts and renowned historian Professor Geoffrey Blainey delivered a speech in Warrnambool, Victoria, criticising the pace of Asian immigration. His comments made headlines in newspapers and sparked outrage among students, who accused him of racism. They prote…

The Kiss That Started a Protest

Step back into the 1970s to hear the forgotten story of Terry Stokes, a 26-year-old UniMelb postgrad who was arrested for kissing his boyfriend in public. As the title suggests, it wasn’t just any kiss; it was The Kiss That Started a Protest. Deep in the university’s archives is a confidential, res…

Free Mum, Free Dad... Free Daycare!

"Child Care Now." Three simple words that sparked one of the most dramatic student protests in the University of Melbourne's history. In 1974, activists occupied council chambers, faced arrest, and challenged powerful university leaders to recognise childcare as a right rather than a personal respo…

Activism is a Process

Reporter Xinnan Wang traces student activism from a 1961 protest against Australia’s White Australia Policy to a recent campus rally at the University of Melbourne. Along the way, she uncovers the forgotten history of anti-racism movements, immigration reform, and student protest in Australia, whil…

The Melody of Solidarity

From the stonemasons who fought for an eight-hour workday at the University of Melbourne in 1856 to today’s staff strike at our university, this episode will explore 170 years of labour rights activism in Australia. A famous American singer and civil rights activist, Paul Robeson, will take us back…

Egging Us On

At the very end of WWII, a group of UniMelb students threw eggs and other ingredients at the then Minister for War Organisation of Industry, John Dedman. The suit he wore, designed to cut corners and save fabric for the war effort, ironically became the target of an anti-rationing and conscription …

Embrace the Lake

In 1917, three years into World War One, student Guido Baracchi got into trouble with the University administration for publishing articles about Australia’s involvement in the war. This socialist, anti-war, anti-conscription student was seen as a traitor by the staff and other students, and his pu…

Introducing Uncurated Season 4

The porticoes, lawns and classrooms of the University of Melbourne have seen their fair share of unrest, spanning from eggings to dunkings through protest marches, barricades and occupations.  Some of the most consequential protests in Australian history took place on this campus.  In this new sea…

Atomic Testing

The University of Melbourne's involvement in the testing of atomic bombs in South Australia is not that well known.  Yet it had a massive impact on the Indigenous people living there, with health impacts that were felt for decades.  University academics were enlisted to ensure the safety nuclear b…

Community

For many international students, International House is more than just a place to stay—it’s a welcoming oasis in an unfamiliar city. But did you know that the community at International House holds a rich history dating back to 1957? Dive into the history of International House and one of its most…