Ross House
Description
Ross House plays an important role in the architectural and social justice history of Melbourne. As Victoria's only self-managed community-owned social justice and environmental sustainability hub, it provides a vital home for small organisations working towards positive change.
The 5-storey heritage building opened as a community hub 38 years ago when the Victorian Community Foundation purchased it with assistance from the R.E Ross Trust in 1987. This addressed the need for affordable space for grassroots organisations in the inner city. The Ross House Association was later formed to manage the building with a governance model where members and tenants guide its future. Since then, Ross House has housed over 300 non-profit organisations and hosts approximately 5,000 meeting room bookings annually.
The building itself has historical significance as the remaining half of Frederick Sargood's warehouse, rebuilt after the Great Fire of Melbourne in 1897. Royston House (as Ross House was known prior to 1987) was designed by eminent Sydney architect Sir John Sulman. His only Melbourne building was once celebrated as the colony's finest warehouse.
What's On
See behind the scenes of Melbourne's social justice and environmental hub. Take yourself on a self-guided tour throughout the building or join one of our scheduled events. Meet some of our non-profit community, learn about the history of Ross House as a community action hub and an architectural landmark, and network with other changemakers. Gain insight into what it's like to experience being deaf/blind with Deafblind Victoria. Learn to knit, enjoy some live play readings and powerful art, or relax with some meditation.
There will also be art exhibits, video screenings, and open offices from Ross House Association and members including the Self Advocacy Resource Unit, Blind Citizens Australia, and the Housing for the Aged Action Group.
Images: (1) Welcoming Everyone to Ross House. Artist: Aunty Jane Rosengrave. (2-4) Poster making circa 1990's, Ross House facade, celebrating LGBTQIA+. Images: Ross House Association.
Important Details
Time & Date
Saturday 26 July
Open access for self-guided tours 10am—4pm
Welcome to Ross House 10.30am
No bookings required
Accessible Seated Meditation 11am + 2:30pm
Running for 45 minutes for groups of 16
No bookings required
Deafblind World – Interactive experience 11am
Running for 2 hours for a group of 25
Bookings required
'Ever wondered what it’s like to have a brain injury?' Lived experience talk at 1pm
Running for 60 minutes for a group of 25
No bookings required
Changemakers Mixer networking event at 2:30pm
Running for 60 minutes for a group of 50
No bookings required
Enter via Flinders Lane lobby and head up the lift or stairs to foyer on level three.
ACCESSIBILITY
Fully wheelchair accessible, Accessible bathroom, Auslan interpreter available on request, Quiet rooms, Elevator access, Accessible parking nearby
Location
247-251 Flinders La, Melbourne VIC 3000