The Edgar Thompson Library, Durham Hall
On 10 April 1956, the College of Pathologists of Australia was incorporated under the Companies Act of 1936. In 1970 Royal Assent was given to allow the inclusion of “Royal” in the title, making it the Royal College of Pathologists of Australia. In January 1980 the College became the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia in recognition of the increasing number of Fellows in New Zealand. Since then the title also reflects the other regional areas represented, namely Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia. In 2006 the Jubilee year of the College was celebrated.
Two history books have been written since the inception of the College. ‘The Nature of Things’ covers the first 25 years and ‘Pathology, Professional Practice and Politics’ covers the next 25 years. At present the College secretariat is housed in a heritage house, Durham Hall, in Surry Hills NSW. The house itself is much admired by all who visit. It was built in 1835 by a trader, George Hill, who became the first Lord Mayor of Sydney. The original coach-house remains today at the back of the next door property (which is also owned and used by the College).
The following timeline highlights some of the major events in the life of the College:
1948 Informal meeting of pathologists in Queensland formed the Australian Association of Clinical Pathologists emerged. First formal meeting October 1948 in Melbourne. By 1954 the members of this group proposed the establishment of a College.
1956 College of Pathologists of Australia incorporated 10 April 1956 with inaugural meeting held in Melbourne on 30 August at the College of Surgeons. 170 people attended of whom 70 were Foundation Fellows. Dr Edgar Thompson became the first President.
1958 Coat of Arms designed by Dr Davies became the College crest. The College gowns reflect the red and green colours of the crest.
1958 Board of Censors established to deal with examinations for College membership.
1959 First College examinations held in June 1959 with 5 candidates.
1965 College subscriptions were raised from 8 to 10 guineas in June 1965.
1966 A Councillor appointed from College Fellows in NZ was included for the first time
1967 Decided to produce a Quarterly scientific journal called ‘Pathology’ and it continues today under the same title.
1969 First ‘broadsheets’ were published.
1970 Council agreed to set up a Regional Committee for NZ. Queen granted College the privilege of using the title “Royal” in December
1971 Under Presidency of Dr Hackett the title ‘Member’ changed to ‘Fellow’ of the College.
1971 A 20 year lease was granted by the City of Sydney for the use of premises at 82 Windmill Street in Sydney’s historic Rocks area.
1973 JSAC (RCPA and RACP combined training) began.
1974 Premises leased next door at 84 Windmill St – extensions planned for the new premises.
1975 Commonwealth Government introduced Medibank – because of problems the College became involved in medico political affairs.
1976 College established its Pathology Services Advisory Committee to replace the Committee for Fees and Medical Benefits.
1978 Fully renovated/extended premises of 82-84 Windmill Street (including the Edgar Thompson Memorial Library), were opened by the Federal Minister for Health.
1979 College changed from Royal College of Pathologists of Australia to AUSTRALASIA. Fellows expressed overwhelming approval for the change of name.
1979 The College’s long involvement in Accreditation of Pathology Laboratories in Australia culminated in the Order-in-Council constituting the National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council in Canberra in February 1979
1980 Silver Jubilee celebrated in October – NSW Minster for Health, the Hon Kevin Stewart opened the Meeting on behalf of the State Premier. Tapestry of the College crest presented for the Silver Jubilee still hangs in the Peter Herdson Boardroom at the College.
1981 Negotiations began on establishing NATA/RCPA scheme, by 1984 the first assessment was completed.
1984 College purchased Durham Hall and the move took place.
1986 The College efforts in running surveys, quality control exercises, important in relation to laboratory accreditation in chemical Pathology, Haematology, Microbiology, Blood Transfusion Serology, Anatomical pathology and Immunology evolves into establishment of RCPA QAP.
1986 Distinguished Fellows Award created for significant contributions to the practice of pathology.
203-205 Albion Street, were acquired due to College growth.
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