GE-225 the First Computer in Queensland 1962

A General Electric GE-225 computer was installed at The University of Queensland, in June 1962, at a cost of ~£100,000 (AU$3M in 2023 money). Professor SA Prentice began the initiative to acquire a computer in 1958 and was largely responsible for UQs entry into the digital information age. 

Dr Don Overheu was the first director (1962 – 1964) of the University of Queensland, Computer Centre and Mr RE Kelly the first Computing Officer. Both the system hardware and software were maintained by university staff after training by General Electric.

The system was in regular use, including by external paying clients, until it was decommissioned in 1977, when it was presented to the Queensland Museum.

How It Started

Professor S.A. Prentice, UQ 1987

"The first proposal to have a University Computer Centre was made in April 1957 after my return from study leave overseas in 1956. I had seen many universities and industrial organisations with digital computers and I was impressed, in particular, by their application to engineering research. 

I was convinced that a digital computer was an essential requirement to assist with developments in science and technology, but it was clear that even a small facility was beyond the resources of this University unless a co-operative scheme providing for a group of departments was devised. In October 1958 there began a series of meetings which explored the ways and means of meeting University needs in this field. At this stage a very comprehensive survey of University needs in data processing and computing was carried out and this provided ample evidence that there was a case for more adequate facilities. 

It was finally decided to seek outside finance for a computer from government departments, electricity authorities and private industry. In brief this meant raising capital to set up a computer facility by the advance sale of computer time. When enough money was found, tenders were called and the GE-225 was purchased. Accommodation  was provided by extending the basement of the Hawken Building. 

The Centre came into regular operation in June 1962 and on August 1 was officially opened by Sir Douglas Fraser, then State Public Service Commissioner who had given invaluable help during the negotiations with State Government departments. Thus were taken the first steps in a venture which has developed far beyond the predictions of 30 years ago."

To support the acquisition of a computer at UQ, Professor John M Bennett from the University of Sydney was invited to give a series of  lectures at UQ on the 8/9/10 July 1959.

The University of Sydney was home to Australia's first digital computer, Trevor Pearcey's famous Mark 1, in 1949. This machine is better known as CSIRAC when is was relocated to Melbourne in 1956. John Bennet was part of the team that built Australia's second computer,  the SILLIAC, which was based on the USA designed ILLIAC. John was also the founding president of the Australian Computer Society. It is interesting to note that in 1960 there were only 10 universities in Australia teaching 54,000 students.