‘Town’ meets ‘Gown’ to celebrate Deakin’s Faculty of Business and Law move to Geelong CBD

Representatives of the City of Greater Geelong, Geelong community leaders and Deakin University today (Tuesday 16 April) celebrated the move of Deakin's Faculty of Business and Law to the Geelong CBD.

The event was heralded by two colourful processions around Deakin's Geelong Waterfront Campus – one representing the 'town' led by the town crier and Geelong Mayor Cr Keith Fagg in full mayoral robes; the other representing 'gown' led by the Deakin mace bearer, with the Chancellor David Morgan and Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander.

The move of Deakin's Faculty of Business and Law to the Geelong Waterfront Campus has seen an influx of 1200 students and 120 staff to the Geelong CBD. The Campus now has a total of 3750 students and employs 924 staff.

Professor Jane den Hollander said the relocation of the faculty from the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus was part of the University's plans to reshape its place in Geelong and to make Geelong a cultural hub for the region – a University town.

"Deakin's Waterfront Campus facilities continue to play an important part in revitalising Geelong's waterfront and in contributing to a vibrant and diverse Geelong community," Professor den Hollander said.

"The impact of increasing our student and staff numbers is tangible; the Waterfront has come alive. There is value too for our staff to link closely with businesses in the town, and real opportunities for internship and mentoring with mutual benefit for town and gown.

"Town and gown represent the two communities of a university town. While the history of the term echoes an animosity between unruly students and the good burghers of the town, this could not be more different in Geelong where we know that what is good for Geelong is good for Deakin and what is good for Deakin, is good for Geelong.

"We expect student numbers at our CBD campus to more than double over the next five years, breathing new and interesting life into the city with benefits for local retailers, landlords and hospitality providers.

"Deakin's most important contribution, however, is to ensure a valuable supply of highly-educated job-ready graduates in our State and region," she said.

City of Greater Geelong Mayor Cr Keith Fagg said Council is proud to have a longstanding close relationship with Deakin University.
"Deakin plays a pivotal role in the growth and economic development for the Greater Geelong region," the Mayor said.

"Deakin helps take Greater Geelong to the world - regularly featuring in the national and international media for its research achievement.

"The relocation of the Faculty of Business and Law to Central Geelong further strengthens the partnership the City shares with Deakin University.

"To have an additional 1200 students occupying the Waterfront Campus and forming a part of the regular central Geelong population will have a major impact on the city's identity and profile.

"My fellow councillors share my excitement in welcoming this new population of students to Central Geelong. We sincerely believe this move will result in significant long term benefits for the university itself, the students and the wider community," he said.