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Geoffrey Blainey Research Centre

The Geoffrey Blainey Research Centre houses our mining, historical and art collections, and is open to Federation University staff, researchers and students.

Temporary visiting arrangements

We’re currently making some important updates to the collection, which means we’re not able to welcome drop-in visitors or members of the wider community. 
 
If you'd like to visit, please email gbrc@federation.edu.au or call (03) 5327 9168 to arrange a time and request any items from the collection you'd like to view.

About the Centre

The Geoffrey Blainey Research Centre is on the top floor of the Mt Helen Library. It’s home to a supervised reading room where you can explore and enjoy our special and cultural collections – all with a stunning view of the Grampians.

The Centre is named in honour of Geoffrey Blainey, the foundation Chancellor of the University of Ballarat (now Federation University). This recognises his long and distinguished academic career and his generous donation of books. In 2002, Professor Blainey was awarded a Doctor of Letters for his outstanding contribution to the University and the wider community.

The collections

Items from these collections can be used on site but can’t be borrowed.
The Geoffrey Blainey Mining Collection
Explore historical books, papers and other material related to the early history of mining and the central Victorian Goldfields.
Historical Collection
This extensive collection of historical material relates to Federation University and its predecessors, from 1870 to today.
Art Collection
Find works by Federation staff and alumni, dating from 1909. The collection includes prints, ceramics, graphics, paintings and sculptures.

Where to find us