Heritage Talk: The History of South Melbourne College

In this illustrated talk, former Town Planner Max Nankervis will tell the story of the rise (and demise) of the secondary school you’ve probably never heard of: South Melbourne College, and of the two men responsible for its success, Thomas Palmer and John O’Hara.

For three decades this school was notable for its outstanding academic results and the professional roles its alumni held throughout Australia. For much of its life the elegant, architect-designed college building dominated the Kerferd Road streetscape. Later the building took on another famous role, as the production site of the spread which “puts a rose in every cheek”; Vegemite.

About the speaker

Max Nankervis is a long-time local resident and retired Town Planner who has taught at RMIT and Victoria Universities. He has a particular interest in the historical development of the built environment and is also the author of chapters in several publications by the Middle Park History Group of which he is a past President.