Inward Bound - History

History

Inward Bound was first held in 1962. Mike Gore, the founder of Questacon, is credited with coming up with the idea. Bill Packard and John Foster also helped to start the event.

At the time, the Australian National University had only recently been formed and had only 200 students. The first event consisted of a race from South of Canberra to Bruce Hall. At the time Bruce Hall was the only residence on campus and the student population numbered approximately 200. The initial race was won by a team which hitch-hiked back to Bruce Hall.

It became obvious that the teams could not use outside assistance to reach the endpoint. Within a few years the rules were settled to their current format.

RMC Duntroon participated in one Inward Bound event in the 1965. The participation followed animosity between the ANU and RMC and was an attempt to create closer ties between the two institutions.

In 2008, Inward Bound was cancelled because the Organisers were unable to get Stakeholders to 'sign off' before the event was scheduled. In 2009, a comprehensive risk management plan was created for the event. This plan, along with a new dialogue of consultation with ANU administration, state and federal authorities, local councils and landholders meant the event returned in 2009 and has since successfully continued.

Currently the following residences participate in Inward Bound:

• Bruce Hall
• Burgmann College
• Burton & Garran Hall
• Fenner Hall
• Griffin Hall
• John XXIII College
• Ursula Hall.
• UniLodge