Historical information

Victorian Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (VIOSH) Australia is the Asia-Pacific centre for teaching and research in occupational health and safety (OHS) and is known as one of Australia's leaders on the field.
VIOSH has a global reputation for its innovative approach within the field of OHS management.

VIOSH had its first intake of students in 1979. At that time the Institution was known as the Ballarat College of Advanced Education. In 1990 it became known as Ballarat University College, then in 1994 as University of Ballarat. It was 2014 that it became Federation University.

VIOSH Australia students are safety managers, senior advisors and experienced OHS professionals. They come from all over Australia and industry.
Students are taught active research and enquiry; rather than textbook learning and a one-size fits all approach. VIOSH accepts people into the Graduate Diploma of Occupational Hazard Management who have no undergraduate degree - on the basis of extensive work experience and knowledge.

In 1964 the Victorian Government announced that a committee be established to plan for the establishment of a Victorian Institute of Colleges. Eight Technical colleges would be raised to the level of university colleges. Ballarat School of Mines was on the list.
Plans were also underway for the development of a new campus at Mount Helen. The Mount Helen Campus was officially opened on 30 October 1970 by the Hon Sir Nigel Bowen, Minister for Education and Science.
It was at this Campus, in 1977, that VIOSH was conceived and from 1979, when the first intake of VIOSH students started, it became a significant course at Ballarat College of Advanced Education and continued to recent times.

Physical description

Colour photograph showing the Mount Helen Campus buildings.