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Victorian Railways Institute

Established in 1910 under the patronage of the Railway Commissioners, the Victorian Railways Institute (VRI) was designed to encourage a corporate culture to counteract trade union influence by providing educational, social and recreational facilities for railway employees. From its original headquarters at Flinders Street Railway Station, which included a lecture hall, classrooms, gymnasium, ballroom and billiard room, the VRI expanded into regional centres where its spacious brick buildings became a focal point of community activity for railway workers and their families. From its current offices at 600 Collins Street the institute sponsors numerous recreational clubs and offers discounted travel, insurance, legal and other services to members.

Peter Love