Our history and heritage
The college was founded in February 1992 after 40 years operating as a Faculty of Anaesthetists within the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
Explore the history of our college and the history of anaesthesia and pain medicine in Australia and New Zealand, including the museum and oral histories.
Our museum
The Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic History was founded in 1935. It showcases over 170 years of advances in anaesthesia and pain medicine, and is the largest and most diverse collection of its kind in the world.
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Oral histories
Our oral history project captures the memories of people, places and events as told by important individuals within the specialties of anaesthesia and pain medicine. These interviews provide unique insights into people’s involvement in key events in the history of the two professions in Australia...
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College coat of arms
We were awarded letters patent for a coat of arms and crest in 1992. Letters patents are a published written order issued by a monarch granting an office, right, title or status to a person or corporation.
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College archives
Our archives document the history and administration of the college, and its predecessor, as well as records of the Faculty of Pain Medicine. The archives are a rich source of primary material about the history of the organisation, and many individuals within it.
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Ulimaroa
Ulimaroa is a heritage listed, 19th Century Italianate mansion, now incorporated into our Melbourne headquarters on St Kilda Road in Melbourne. It was purchased in September 1993, when the college was established.
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History and Heritage Advisory Panel
The History and Heritage Advisory Panel reports to the CEO and sits within the ANZCA committee framework and structure. It works on matters relating to the history and heritage of the college, and the specialties of anaesthesia and pain medicine.
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History of anaesthesia
Anaesthesia is one of the greatest discoveries of modern medicine. In fact, many of today’s operations, especially for the very young, very old, or very ill would not be possible without it.
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