Colin and Margaret Roderick bequest $34m for groundbreaking JCU programs and research

Two champions of literature are helping pave the way for a new research centre and training programs at JCU thanks to the millions of dollars they set aside in trusts. Here’s why the university was so important to the pair.

Colin Roderick (second from left) in 1966. Picture: Foundation for Australian Literary Studies

A generous bequest of $34m will pave the way for a new research centre and training programs at James Cook University (JCU) thanks to funds set aside in the trusts of two champions of Australian literature, the late Colin and Margaret Roderick.

Margaret was a science graduate when she married scholar-publisher Colin Roderick and the pair arrived in North Queensland in 1965 when Colin was recruited from Sydney to be the English Professor at the University of College of Townsville (now James Cook University) marking the beginning of a lifetime in service of literature.

The Rodericks’ passion for celebrating and promoting the best of Australia’s literary minds led to the establishment of the Foundation of Australian Literary Studies (FALS) in 1966, and the Colin Roderick Literary Award the following year.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Services and Resources, Tricia Brand, who knew the Roderick’s personally said Colin was renowned at the university for walking around campus in his pith helmet and safari suit.

“He was a force to be reckoned with,” Mrs Brand said.

Colin Roderick poses with a copy of his book, Henry Lawson: A Life. Picture: Foundation for Australian Literary Studies

However, his wife Margaret quietly stole the show with her legendary hospitality­ ­– a woman known to have a talent for friendship.

A visiting speaker to the university once declared, regarding Colin’s job that it was obvious “to make a success of this job, you only need a good knowledge of Australian literature, and a wonderful wife called Margaret.”

Margaret Roderick in her younger days. Picture: Foundation for Australian Literary Studies

Despite having a background in science, Margaret was knowledgeable about literature and quietly wrote Colin’s book reviews for the Townsville Bulletin.

The Roderick’s life was hardly that of conventional scholars.

Well-travelled and connected, they dined on the Royal Yacht Britannia, hosted international scholars and regularly entertained Governors-General and many other distinguished guests at their home on Cleveland Terrace, on Castle Hill.

“The parties that Colin and Margaret hosted at their house on the hill will be in the history books of Townsville,” Mrs Brand said.

Margaret Roderick with former JCU Vice Chancellor Emeritus Professor Sandra Harding. Picture: Foundation for Australian Literary Studies

“I’m led to believe good fun was had by all and some very significant people in Australia attended those functions too.”

According to Mrs Brand, the prudent pair didn’t live lavish lives and made some canny financial moves after Colin’s retirement and Mary Gallager from FALS called Margaret a “modest millionaire.”

“They invested wisely. Colin invested in good bank stocks and that paid dividends, significant dividends,” Mrs Brand said.

Colin passed away in 2000 and with the passing of Margaret in 2020 their estate “significantly added to the pool of funds” and will now fund the establishment of the Margaret Roderick Research Centre for Mental Health and Illness.

In addition, the funds will lead to a significant revitalisation of JCU’s literature studies, with the creation of the Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing to be based at JCU in Townsville.

The Rodericks’ support for Medicine at JCU will also be expanded, with an estimated $1m to be invested every year in medical training.

“It takes a little while when these trusts are established to get in place all of the processes, and then the university really considered very carefully the use of all of these funds,” Mrs Brand said.

Mrs Brand is a trustee for both Margaret and Colin’s trusts and said the pair would be “absolutely delighted,” of the proposed project that delivers on their vision for the university in spades.

JCU Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Biggs paid tribute to the generosity of the Rodericks, and their enduring support for the University.

“We are extremely grateful to the Rodericks’ altruism and philanthropy. Their generosity – and their legacy – will have a lasting impact at JCU,” Prof Biggs said.

“The Rodericks have been long-term supporters of JCU, and with the passing of Margaret Roderick, the full impact of their support can be realised.

Originally published as Colin and Margaret Roderick bequest $34m for groundbreaking JCU programs and research