After 75 years of nurturing Tasmania’s young adults through their formative years at university, Jane has revitalised its brand, campus, and vibe. Engaging a local artist, stylist, brand agency, and the students themselves, Janes’ vibrant, welcoming and inclusive character is now evident in its new brand and interiors.
Under the guidance of Principal and former Jane resident Joanna Rosewell, the 75th Anniversary of this Hobart institution prompted a revitalisation that will ensure Jane remains the place to be for young adults developing their careers, friendships and futures for another 75 years and beyond.
The new brand identity reflects more clearly the College’s contemporary identity and values. From this year, the College formerly known as Jane Franklin Hall will be known simply as “Jane”—a name that has long been used affectionately by students, staff, and alumni.
Joanna explains that while the community at Jane was as vibrant as it had ever been, the campus and brand were ready for an update.
“We engaged local brand agency, The Claire Bennett Agency, to work with us to bring Janes’ brand in line with its values and spirit – and they just got us. The new brand is Jane.”
The agency engaged interior stylist Meg Clarke from Home+Style to revitalise the interiors.
"Jane is unique in Tasmania. More than just a place to stay, not just another college accommodation block — it’s a home away from home. Cosy corners with natural timber, soft textures, and rich colours that celebrate the beautiful gardens and stunning views outside your window. Comfy seating where you hang out with friends, open fires to toast marshmallows, a brand-new pool table for fun nights in, and warm lighting to make the halls feel inviting and alive. Because Jane isn’t just where you live — it’s where you belong," says Meg.
Meg invited local artist Hamish Hall to bring the walls to life. Enter Enid Campbell. Professor Enid Campbell OBE was the first woman professor in Law and the first woman Dean of a Law Faculty in Australia – she also had a keen sense of humour and a mischievous quality about her!
“Born in Launceston, she is reported to have been threatened from time to time with expulsion from Methodist Ladies College (now Scotch Oakburn), for rule-breaking,” smiles Joanna.
Enid’s portrait, created by Hall, now hangs large on the wall of Jane’s dining hall (Jane is the only residential college in Tasmania that provides catering).
“We were originally named after Lady Jane Franklin, and at the time, that was fitting,” says Joanna.
“While Lady Franklin made notable contributions to Tasmanian society, her legacy is intertwined with the colonial era and its deep and lasting impacts on the island’s First Nations peoples. It is now more fitting for our college to simply be known as Jane – a persona that is welcoming, embraces diversity and inclusivity.”
“Jane is a very special place. Founded in 1950, we were the first women’s university residential college, offering access to university accommodation and academic support at a time when such opportunities for women were rare. In 1975, Jane became co-educational, marking Jane’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity,” says Joanna.
“We embrace everyone from everywhere, whatever their interests, and whatever their futures. It is the most beautiful community where people make great friendships, where they learn about themselves, where they find their tribe and where they start on the next journey of their lives,” says Joanna.
“We have the sort of support that people need at this stage in their lives. Helping them be individuals but part of a community and thrive academically at university.
“Our new brand position is ‘You Belong with Jane’. Nothing could be more fitting,” concludes Joanna.