Work began on the Library construction in 1968. This was when it was known as Ballarat College of Advanced Education - Mount Helen. The Library started on the ground floor in 1970. In 1971 a contract for a four-storey library was drawn up and construction began the same year. The building opened in 1973, occupying two stories of the current building. The library grew and with Commonwealth Grants was able to develop its collection. In 1987 the library achieved an annual budget of over $1 million. The Teachers Resource Collection was added and by 1989 the library expected to occupy the top three floors plus the lower ground floor. A flexible study area on the top floor was introduced 1990-1991. 2010 saw the completion of a new stage in the history of the library. It now includes new study and research areas including the Geoffrey Blainey Research Centre with access to the University's Art and Historical Collection. The E. J. Barker Library is named after a former Principal of the School of Mines Ballarat who then became the first Director of the Ballarat College of Advanced Education, now Federation University. Jack Barker played an active part in education and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. After retirement in 1987, the College Council decided to name the Library after him in recognition of his achievements.Colour photograph of the ground floor of the E.J. Barker Library showing the front desk and automatic book check out. e.j. barker library

In 1967 the site for the Mt Helen Campus was selected and purchased to permit the tertiary division of the Ballarat School of Mines - the Ballarat Institute of Advanced Education (BIAE) to move from the crowded Lydiard Street site, to occupy new accommodation designed for the purpose. The brief given to the campus master planners called for the creation of a modern, attractive, efficient and stimulating concept. It called for careful landscaping and enhancement of the environment, but above all it demanded flexibility for an unpredictable future. During 1974 major new directions were made at Government level quite beyond the scale of change that had been foreseen in 1967. This change was to be that of merging BIAE and the State College of Victoria at Ballarat (formerly Ballarat Teachers' College) into one large new college of broadened scope. By the end of 1974 joint committees representing the still separate, autonomous Councils of the two institutions had agreed on the means of achieving the merger to the extent that a new brief as prepared and given to G.J. Harrison, one of the original master planners who had been chosen to revise the plan to meet the new needs. Yellow soft covered book of 63 pages reviewing the Development Plan for Mount Helen Campusuniversity of ballarat, ballarat institute of advanced education, mount helen, master plan, ballarat college of advanced education, mb john, ian gordon, pdf, development plan, mount helen campus, g.j. harrison, state college of victoria ballarat, m.b. john, canadian valley, aquinas college, site survey, land use zones, landscaping, campus plan, mt helen campus

The Davey Paxman Experimental Steam Engine was purchased by the Ballarat School of Mines as the result of a bequest from Thomas Bath.The Davey Paxman Experimental Steam Engine was purchased as the result of a bequest from Thomas Bath. The 'substantial sum' was used to build an Engineering Laboratory. The Ballarat School of Mines Council minutes of 08 November 1901 record: - Plans for [the] proposed building were submitted ... and ... it was resolved that a temporary building for an Engineering Laboratory be put up.' This laboratory, as an existing building, is first mentioned in the Ballarat School of Mines President's Annual Report of 1901, presented on 28 February 1902, reporting 'the erection of a building 67ft long by 33 ft wide' This report also lists all the equipment that would be accommodated in the Engineering Laboratory, including the experimental steam engine and boiler. The experimental Davey-Paxman steam engine arrived in Ballarat towards the end of 1902. The Engineering Laboratory was opened on 14 August 1903 by His Excellency Sir Sydenham Clarke. This engineering laboratory remained in use till about 1945. By 1944 preparations were under way at the Ballarat School of Mines to expand existing facilities, to be ready for the influx of returned soldiers. A new Heat Engines laboratory was built, this time of brick construction, replacing the previous corrugated-iron shed. In the early stages the steam engine was used to drive an overhead transmission shaft for machinery in the adjacent workshop. Later the steam engine was moved to a space that became the Heat Thermodynamics Laboratory. At the end of 1969 the engine was relocated to the Thermodynamics Laboratory at the then Ballarat Institute of Advanced Education (BIAE) Mt Helen Campus. It was donated to Sovereign Hill in 2006. According to the research of Rohan Lamb in 2001 around five experimental steam engines were made by Davey Paxman, and three of these had similar configuration to the Ballarat School of Mines Steam Engine, however, each of these was also unique with different valve arrangements. The list, which was on a scrap of paper in a folio held in the Essex Archives, confirmed that one was sent to India. The Ballarat steam engine can be dated to late 1901 to early 1902. Zig Plavina was responsible for moving the steam engine to Mount Helen, and worked on it as a technician for many years. He observed the following: * The condenser is driven by the low pressure engine. * The following arrangements are possible: i) the high pressure engine alone, exhausting to atmosphere. Condenser not used, crankshaft flanges not coupled. ii) crankshafts coupled, mains pressure (120 psi) steam supplied to high pressure engine, partially expanded steam delivered to low pressure engine (Tandem operation). Choice available re exhaust steam: either to the condenser or to atmosphere. iii) crankshafts not coupled, reduced pressure steam supplied to low pressure engine. Exhaust steam - either to the condenser or to atmosphere. * Valve arrangement - a choice of Pickering cut-off or throttle governor. On low pressure engine - throttle governor only.davey paxman experimental steam engine, model steam engine, steam, thermodynamics laboratory, thomas bath, bequest

These photographs were taken during the Covid19 lockdown. The photographer was one of two people working in the library to ensure books were supplied to staff and students. Photograph of snow at Mount Helenmount helen campus, snow, tree of knowledge, e.j. barker library, covid19, pandemic

Federation University Australia showcased its students and research at a luncheon for His Royal Highness The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex KG GCVO, at the Mt Helen Campus on Sunday, 8 April. The University’s student leaders and academics joined other dignitaries and business representatives for the special event. “The University is deeply honoured to host HRH The Earl of Wessex and share his passion for volunteerism and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award,” Professor Helen Bartlett, Vice-Chancellor, said. Prior to the luncheon HRH The Earl of Wessex experienced a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at the University. The program included showing HRH The Earl of Wessex concept plans for a refurbished Sports Science facility at the Mt Helen Campus.  Guests were treated to a performance by the Arts Academy’s renowned vocal ensemble Word of Mouth. At the conclusion of the luncheon, HRH The Earl of Wessex planted a tree at the Student Commons Courtyard. The visit to the University by HRH The Earl of Wessex was the first by a member of the Royal Family since Prince Charles visited in 1974. HRH The Earl of Wessex was in Australia to attend the Commonwealth Games and undertake additional engagements to recognise and promote The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Australia. HRH The Earl of Wessex, who is the Chair of The Board of Trustees of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, attended 32 engagements across Melbourne, Ballarat, Hobart, Brisbane, and Adelaide, from formal receptions, Award presentations, meetings with government officials and the community sector, to meeting Award Participants and their families at community centres.  The events enabled HRH The Earl of Wessex to engage with over 1,000 young people undertaking the Award, and over 3,400 Award volunteers and supporters who will have the opportunity to discuss their activities and showcase the work being done to help young Australians dream big, challenge themselves and find their purpose, passion and place in the world. HRH The Earl of Wessex’s visit celebrates significant milestones and growth in the diversity of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program in Australia.  “The Award’s relevance to all young Australians is as important today as it was when it started over 60 years ago,” Mr Peter Kaye AM, Chief Executive Officer of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Australia, said. “Employers in particular are recognising the ‘soft skills’ that are so necessary for a well prepared future employee.”Invitation and dress code in a gold envelope. Addressed "Ms Clare Gervasoni Curator, Art & Historical Colelctions Federation University Australia Mt Helen Campus"prince edward, earl of wessex, helen bartlett, visitors, royal visit

Aerial views of Mount Helen Campusmount helen campus, aerial

Nursing Building on Mount Helen Campusnursing, buildings, mt helen campus

Portrait of a woman with blonde hair and hands clasped wearing a red dress against a red background.Inscribed (Ll) 'Helen, with a fugitive smile'.clifton pugh, painting, helen, dunmoochin

Four aerial views of Mount Helen Campusmount helen campus, buildings, aerial

Sketches of the Mount Helen campus, including topography.mount helen campus, architectural drawings

This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Ink Drawing of Mount Helen Campus on paper.art, artwork, mt helen campus, watercolour, watercolor, watercolourist, watercolorist, requires framing, e.j. barker library, mt helen library, graham hawley, ballarat, mount helen campus

The Federation University campus at Mount Helen was first used by students in 1970.Seven photographs of the Mt Helen Campus Stage one development. .1) Aerial view of foundation work, from west, towards Green Hill .2) Aerial View from South. Earthworks and foundations .3) Aerial View from south west. Earthworks, general view .4) Aerial View from above the South West corner of E building. .5) Aerial View from North East. Gear Avenue in background .6) Aerial View from North West. Earthworks extend from Gear Avenue .7) Ground level view. First columns of E building. .13) Mt Helen development Stage One, Engineering Diploma Buildings. This image shows the wall beam and pier construction to the East Wall of the Fluid Mechanics Laboratory adjacent to the pump chamber, 17 June 1968. .18) Flume Pit and Pump Chamber, 15 July 1968. .28) East Wing Pit Looking North, 26 August 1968 .40) Construction as of 04 November 1968federation university, federation university australia, feduni, university of ballarat, ballarat college of advanced education, ballarat institute of advanced education, building, earthworks, foundation, early development, soil testing laboratory

Colour photograph of Federation University Mount Helen Campusbuildings, mount helen campus, aerial photograph

Colour photograph redambrellas at 'The Hub', Mt Helen Campusbuildings, mount helen campus, the hub, cafe, albert coates centre

Colour photograph the walkway and dam at Mpount Helen Campus.buildings, mount helen campus, bridge, walkway, dam

Colour photograph the walkway and dam at Mpount Helen Campus.buildings, mount helen campus, dam, swimming pool

Colour photograph the walkway and dam at Mpount Helen Campus.buildings, mount helen campus, the flags, autumn colouring

Colour photograph the walkway and dam at Mpount Helen Campus.buildings, mount helen campus, the flags, autumn colouring

Colour photograph the walkway and dam at Mpount Helen Campus.buildings, mount helen campus, the flags, autumn colouring