St. John Fisher College, known simply as John Fisher College and familiarly referred to as 'Fisher', is a residential college of the University of Tasmania. It was established in 1963 by then-Archbishop of Hobart Sir Guilford Young and built by the Catholic Church and its community. The building was designed by notable Tasmanian architect Rod Cooper. The college was named after 16th century scholar St John Fisher and provides accommodation for around 110 students. It is located in Upper Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia, on campus at the University of Tasmania. It is the smallest of the three residential colleges at the University of Tasmania in Hobart. The college was originally all-male, but became co-residential in 1980 when it amalgamated with Ena Waite College. Ena Waite was an all-female residential college staffed by the Dominican and Loreto sisters, and operated from 1968 to 1980. It was located at Currievale House at 63 Goulburn Street, West Hobart. The building was subsequently sold, and residents moved to John Fisher College. In 1999, ownership of John Fisher College was transferred from the Catholic Church to the University of Tasmania.
Today
In 2011, the college completed an extensive renovation period, providing students with modern, state of the art facilities. In March 2009 the Vice Chancellor officially opened 'Pepperz' restaurant and cafe bar, located next to the entrance of Fisher, marking the transition of John Fisher College from catered to self-catered accommodation. Meals and drinks are available to residents here at discounted prices. The St. John Fisher College Student Club provides representation for the members of the college. The Student Club holds events throughout the year for college residents, such as the Vatican Ball, pub crawls, an annual boat cruise, tours of the university, BBQs, and a significant O-Week orientation program. The college offers free tutoring services on a number of subjects through Accommodation Services.
College Spirit and Sport
Every year, John Fisher College competes with Jane Franklin Hall and Christ College in inter-college sports. John Fisher College colours are royal blue and white, and the playing uniforms for sports feature the 'Vatican V' crest. The college mascot is the Hellfish. Sports played include Rugby, Australian Rules Football, Soccer, Netball, Softball, Cricket, Basketball, Badminton, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Debating.
Rooms and Facilities
There are 110 rooms at John Fisher College, all of which are equipped with a refrigerator, desk and desk lamp, ergonomic desk chair, pin board, white board, built in wardrobe, king single bed and heater. Most of these rooms have views of Hobart, the Derwent River or Mt Wellington. They are spread over four floors, A-D Floor, as well as the all male E-Wing. Each floor has a kitchenette, whilst A Floor is home to the main kitchen and the college Buttery. The Buttery is equipped with a bar and pool table. The main common room is on B Floor, as well as the 'O'Sulley', a study space equipped with computers and a printer. John Fisher College is the only residential college in Hobart where all residents are housed in one building, leading to a strong sense of community among its residents.
Notable alumni
Damian Bugg AM QC, former Commonwealth and Tasmanian DPP and UTAS Chancellor
