Article courtesy of The Weekly Times
18.02.2026
Every student at Marcus Oldham College can now live on campus for the first time thanks to the opening of Nicholas Hancock House an $11.3m, 45-bed accommodation facility that completes the agricultural college experience.
The new student residence, officially opened in October, means Australia’s only independent tertiary institution offering agriculture and agribusiness degrees can now house all 195 students on campus in Geelong.
The facility was made possible through philanthropic support led by major donor Gina Rinehart AO, executive chairman of Hancock Prospecting, whose family has deep roots in Australian agriculture.
Named in honour of both sides of Mrs Rinehart’s family Nicholas from her mother’s pioneering agricultural family and Hancock from her father’s the residence represents a transformational investment in the next generation of agriculture leaders.
Marcus Oldham council chairman Rob McGavin, an alumnus and co-founder of Cobram Estate Olives, said the new facility was a game changer for the college.
“Although the college is based in Victoria, students attend proportionally from every state and territory.
“Importantly, they are returning to every corner of Australia with their newfound business skills to contribute to this great country that relies so heavily on regional Australia.
“Thanks to the incredible support ,,, it’s the first time in more than a decade all 195 Marcus students can now live on campus, which has always been a key ingredient of our success.”
The facility was officially opened by Hancock Agriculture’s chief executive Adam Giles on Mrs Rinehart’s behalf.
Mrs Rinehart said she was proud to continue to support the agricultural industry.
“Agriculture has been at the heart of our country and of my family for generations,” she said.
“Supporting young Australians with facts, common sense and truth to build their futures in this essential industry is an investment in the future of our nation, and its continued food and fibre self sufficiency.
“As the world faces rising demand for food and fibre, it is critical that our governments do not bring in bad policies and excess regulations to stifle our agriculture industry.
“I hope Marcus Oldham is a place where truth and facts, common sense and reasoning flourish and leaders can be grown.
“Nicholas Hancock House will give students from across the country the opportunity to live and learn together, towards supporting our agriculture industry, an important industry for our country that they will need to learn that they must stand up strongly for.”
James Bufton, chairman of the college foundation, which drove the ambitious capital campaign to raise the funds, reminded guests that Marcus Oldham did not receive government funding, which is central to its independence and sole focus on student outcomes.
“Every building at Marcus Oldham has been funded through the generosity of others, and we thank all our donors,” Mr Bufton said.
“Nicholas Hancock House reflects that tradition and stands as a legacy of our alumni, industry partners and supporters who are shaping the future of Australian agriculture.”
Western Australian student Sam Hector said having Nicholas Hancock House would make such a difference to his time at Marcus.
“We won’t just be classmates we’ll live, eat and learn together, which will bring us really close as a group,” Sam said.
Marcus Oldham College principal Andrew Baker said living on campus was central to the Marcus experience, “where learning extends to the common rooms, dining rooms and corridors”.
