For the article about the 60th anniversary season CLICK HERE.
For the link to the SMH article on Victoriana CLICK HERE.
The St Paul’s College Union was founded in 1891, on the joint initiative of resident members of the College and of former students
All resident students and staff of St Paul’s College are members of St Paul’s College Union. Incoming residents pay a life membership fee are admitted as Life Members of St Paul’s College Union.
The Life Membership fees are held in perpetuity in the Life Membership Fund.
The Union supports the educational objectives of the College and gives strength to many aspects of ‘collegiality’ so critical to the success of any university residential college.
The comradeship of undergraduates will never breed the spirit of learning. It must include the older men. Woodrow Wilson, ‘The Spirit of Learning’ (Princeton University, 1909).
The Union conducts a number of activities for the enjoyment of its members and current residents.
The Union is governed by an elected committee who manage the Union’s functions and finances under the 2020 Constitution. The management committee is elected annually and in 2025/6 is:
The non-voting Public Officer is Richard Morgan (70s).
Victoriana! returns in 2026, proudly continuing a much‑loved tradition that has delighted generations of Paulines and their friends. Following its 61st annual season last year, the production remains a cherished rite of passage for students and a lasting source of pride for alumni.
Equal parts anachronism, affectionate send‑up, and joyous knees‑up, Victoriana! began in 1959 when Pamela Trethowan brought the show from London to the University. It found its long‑term home at St Paul’s in 1964 under the legendary leadership of Lloyd Waddy, who served as director, master of ceremonies and gracious host until 1999. Since then, the show has evolved with thoughtful reinvention and light modernisation, while staying true to its distinctive spirit, today under the direction of Dr Jack Stephens, the College’s Director of Music and Dean of Postgraduates.
Victoriana! is driven by the energy, talent and creativity of current students, who delight in proving that while the songs may be old‑fashioned, the themes are timeless. Over the decades, the Victoriana! stage has launched and nurtured countless performers, many of whom have gone on to make their mark in the arts, media and cultural life far beyond the College.
For performers, musicians and crew alike, taking part in Victoriana! remains one of the most vivid and fondly remembered experiences of College life—a shared adventure that forges friendships and lifelong memories.
Now recognised as Australia’s longest‑running musical production, Victoriana! stands as a living piece of College history—renewed with every generation that steps into the spotlight and keeps the tradition alive.
Very importantly the Union encourages and helps with the organisation and hosting of Fresher Year Group 50, 40, 30, 20 and 10 year reunions. The Union Reunion celebrated the College 170th Year in March 2026 with a black tie Dinner-Dance at the College which brought together over 200 Paulines and friends with large groups of freshers of 1976, 1986, 1996 and 2006 and 2016.
When appropriate, Life Members join the Resident Members of the College community for major events such as the Rawson Cup games, musical and theatre productions, the Anzac Service and the Carol Service.
Also during semester every Tuesday at 5.15 pm alumni and guests are welcome to join the College’s service of Evensong in the Chapel. The wonderful music in the English Choral tradition is provided by the internationally renown St Paul’s College Chapel Choir and our organists.
For other events for Paulines old and new see this page: EVENTS PAGE
All Paulines and their partners are welcome!
Mentoring of senior undergraduate students is greatly enhanced with the support of alumni. Several post graduate students each year have been rewarded with valuable work experiences through internships offerred by old Paulines.
If you can help there are seniors and postgrads interested in career development within the law, government, environmental sciences, finance, accounting and consulting, IT and marketing, and health sciences.
The point of contact for those interested in being a mentor is Richard Morgan, Director of Community Engagement at the College.
For more on mentoring CLICK HERE
The College has a complete record of all those who entered the College during its history and became Paulines. It is a priority for the College to stay in touch with its living alumni and information is held about each one for that purpose. Paulines are encouraged to contact the Director of Community Engagement, Richard Morgan, to up-date their records upon change of address or to give the College current and recent news for publication.
As notifications are received Richard also compiles obituaries of those Paulines who have died. For obituaries since 2018 CLICK HERE.
College merchandise and Union crested goods are available for purchase from the College Office (t. 02 9550 7444). Stock includes:
The Union supports the College in all its endeavours by providing a formal body of ex-residents, many of whom are also eligible to vote at the election of Lay Fellows, who form the governing council of the College alongside Clerical Fellows.
The Union has been a binding force as well bringing together alumni and students for mutually beneficial pursuits that support the education provided at Paul’s through such activities as tutorial support, inspiring speakers for formal dinner, and supporting student needs through direct requests from the Student Club Committee.
All Resident Members and Life Members are welcome to attend the Annual General Meetings held at College. During the AGM reports are presented and the executive and committee is elected for the ensuing year.
A Special General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 28 April 2026 at 7.30 pm in the Travers Room at the College to consider amendments to the Union’s constitution. A marked-up version of the constitution can be found here.
In 2026 the AGM will be held at College on Tuesday 26 May in the JCR.