Melbourne Club facts for kids
The Melbourne Club is a special private club in Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia. It was started a long time ago in 1838. It's a place where people, mostly men, can meet, relax, and socialize.
The club began with 23 gentlemen meeting in a hotel. They wanted a place where they could gather and share ideas. In 1859, the club moved to its own building, which was specially designed for it. This building has a classic, old-fashioned style. Later, more parts were added, like a dining room.
Inside the club, there are many different rooms. You can find a library, dining rooms, billiard rooms for games, and even bedrooms. The building is very old and important, so it is protected as a heritage site.
Behind the club building, there is a beautiful private garden. This garden is also very old and special. It has the biggest plane tree in Victoria! People use the garden for parties and events.
The Melbourne Club is known for not allowing women to be members. However, there is another club for women called the Lyceum Club right behind it. This club can see the lovely trees of the Melbourne Club's garden. In 1982, some people held a protest at the club to raise awareness about unemployment.
Contents
Famous People Who Were Members
Many important people in Australian history have been members of the Melbourne Club. They include leaders, judges, and artists.
Governors-General and Governors
- Governors-General: These are like the King or Queen's representatives in Australia. Members included Sir Isaac Isaacs, Baron Casey, Sir Ninian Stephen, and Peter Hollingworth.
- Governors of Victoria: These people lead the state of Victoria. Members included Sir Henry Winneke, Sir James Gobbo, and Alex Chernov.
Judges and Lawyers
- Chief Justices of Australia: These are the most important judges in the country. Members included Sir John Latham and Sir Owen Dixon.
- High Court Justices: These judges work in Australia's highest court. Members included Sir Daryl Dawson and Kenneth Hayne.
- Chief Justices of Victoria: These are the top judges in Victoria. Members included Sir William Stawell and Sir John Young.
Prime Ministers and Politicians
- Prime Ministers: Two former Prime Ministers of Australia were members: Viscount Bruce of Melbourne and Malcolm Fraser.
- Politicians: Other important politicians like Sir John Bloomfield and Andrew Peacock were also members.
Soldiers and Police Leaders
- Soldiers: High-ranking military leaders like General Sir Brudenell White and Major General Sir William Bridges were members.
- Chief Commissioners of Victoria Police: The top leaders of the police force, such as Sir William Mitchell and Sir Charles MacMahon, were members.
Explorers and Artists
- Explorer: The famous explorer Robert O'Hara Burke was a member.
- Artists: Well-known Australian artists like Sir Arthur Streeton, Sir Daryl Lindsay, and Sir William Dargie were also part of the club.
Business Leaders
- Many important business people have been members, including Sir James Balderstone, Hugh Morgan, and Don Argus.
See also
- Architecture of Melbourne
