The ANU Union Inc. is a non-profit, student run body that operates a number of services and food outlets within the Union building and around the ANU campus. It also provides students with a place to socialize and relax, is Canberra�s leading live music venue, and provides venues and catering for functions.

It is their vision that the ANU Union should be the social heart of the ANU. A place where students, staff and visitors can come to relax, eat and socialize. They Endeavour to provide their members with services that are appropriate to their needs. As the ANU Union is owned by its members (students), all profits go back into the business by improving services and reducing prices. It is hoped that by making the ANU Union the best it can be, they can assist students to fully engage in uni life.

The Union was set up in 1965 to provide a meeting place for students, graduates and staff. The original charter indicated that the Union would be an incorporated body based on �sound business principles�.

The Union evolved from the Students� Association, located in premises that were little more than a room with a coffee shop in temporary buildings in Childers Street (opposite Toad Hall). It concentrated on small-scale activities such as debates, films, music, food and even art exhibitions. In 1965 the Union was established in what is now the Pauline Griffin Building, and in 1973 it moved to its present building.

The introduction of the Higher Education Amendment (Compulsory Up-front Union Fees) Act 2005 lead to the loss of around $230,000 p/a that he ANU Union received in membership fees. In response to this loss of revenue, the ANU Union undertook a number of initiatives to prevent the business from going bust. Thanks to responsible management, the Union is currently well placed financially.

The significance of this achievement is highlighted when taking into account that the ANU is the only Union in the country to survive without University assistance post VSU.