Sam Dimmick (1922–1984)

Student activism

While studying, Dimmick held various leadership positions on the Student Representative Council, advocating for better welfare and commercial services. As the officer responsible for student housing, he saw firsthand the growing needs of Asian students, who were coming to study in increasing numbers.

At this time, the country was practising the White Australia Policy, which limited non-British migration, but the government also supported the Colombo Plan, which brought students from South and South-East Asia to study in Australia.

Dimmick was outspoken about the discrimination shown towards overseas students seeking accommodation.

In 1951, he told The Argus newspaper that “it is the policy of the Government to bring these students here… but they have nowhere to live.”

During this time, Dimmick campaigned with overseas students Abinash Jerath and Rajaratnam Sundaresan for the formation of an International House at the University.

International students and International House

Dimmick continued to advocate for international students after graduation. His first role was in the Commonwealth Office of Education and the Department of External Affairs. Later, he was made cultural attaché (1956–59) to Jakarta, where he liaised with universities and advised on the continued implementation of the Colombo Plan. In the 1950s and 60s, he also held executive positions in the Australian Asian Association of Victoria.

Inspired by Dimmick’s vision of a university college that would foster international understanding, racial tolerance and build global networks, progress in building International House continued.  With the support of numerous students, community leaders, politicians, parents, fundraisers, academics and donors, the idea came to fruition.

In 1957, International House welcomed its first residents. In 1960, Sam Dimmick was appointed the college’s second warden. This era was influential for IH: Dimmick and Sam Wadham, the Council Chair, formed a "formidable team".

Their leadership raised the college’s academic standing, attracted distinguished Australian and overseas visitors, and ensured funds for new buildings. The Samuel Wadham Wing was opened in 1963 and residents’ numbers doubled.

In 1970, Sam Dimmick resigned from International House, before being appointed as the foundation chair of the Land Conservation Council (LCC). The newly formed LCC  was charged with devising a system for the planning and use of all public land in Victoria.

The LCC remained active until 1997, and Victoria’s system of conservation reserves owes much to the commitment, skills and leadership of Sam Dimmock.

Legacy

Sam’s contributions to the establishment of International House are honoured today. Residents still eat in the Dimmick Dining Hall, which was officially named by Prime Minister Bob Hawke in 1985. A commanding portrait of Dimmick, painted by June Mendoza, hangs in place.

The Dimmick Apartments opened in 1998, and there is also a tutorship in his name.

Frank Larkins, a former resident, board member and emeritus professor, recognised twenty International House Founders in 2018.

"[Sam Dimmick’s] vision and passion for the ideal of an international house at Melbourne, generated during his student days, exceeded that of all the other founders," Larkins said.