Hobart residential college Jane Franklin Hall has rebranded as simply ‘Jane’ for its 75th anniversary, distancing itself from its colonial namesake while preserving the college’s heritage.
Principal Joanna Rosewell said Lady Franklin’s legacy was “intertwined with the colonial era and its deep and lasting impacts on the island’s First Nations peoples.”
Historical records show Franklin personally supported policies that contributed to the displacement of Aboriginal Tasmanians.
“Adopting the name ‘Jane’ represents both continuity and change,” Rosewell said.
“It preserves the spirit and traditions of the college while signalling a renewed commitment to welcoming all students into a future-facing, values-led residential community.”
The Tasmania residential college was founded in 1950 when no accommodation options existed for women studying at university.
It was established by students from rival Christ College, including Bruce Mainsbridge, who convinced Archdeacon Barrett to help create the women’s college.
The government purchased a gracious South Hobart house for the project, with a women’s auxiliary sewing curtains and sourcing affordable furniture. The first principal, Toe Slatcher, was just 24 years old.
Enid Campbell, Australia’s first female Professor of Law, was Jane’s inaugural resident.
Campbell, who had a “mischievous streak” and “rebel streak,” received a scholarship to study economics and law when little value was placed on women’s tertiary education.
Anniversary celebrations this week have included the unveiling of a portrait of Campbell by local artist Hamish Hall.
Current student Danieka Lovell, a second-year ICT student from Launceston, praised Jane’s comprehensive support system.
“It allows me to be in a supportive environment… helping me get my own independence, still staying supported and still being able to contact home easily from up north,” she said.
Jane remains Tasmania’s only independent student residential college, now welcoming students of all backgrounds.
