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"Shenton", was built for coal merchant John Shenton Gordon circa 1890 after the subdivision of the Kinkora Estate, and acquired a couple of years later by George Swinburne, whose family owned it for nearly 70 years. Swinburne was a member of Hawthorn Council 1898-1904 and Mayor 1902/1903 and a Member of Parliament. Although perhaps best known for his part in the establishment of the College named after him, he was always involved in moves towards the betterment of his constituents and his family was brought up in an atmosphere of service in the community. Prior to its sale in 1990, "Shenton" was used for many years as an Immigration Reception Centre for migrants from Britain.

George Swinburne (Image: Swinburne University of Technology)