From the Vice-Chancellor August 2022

Dear Deakin community,

Over the last few weeks, we have enjoyed a return to some of the activities across our campuses which, while not “taken for granted” pre-pandemic, have certainly been missed. As I have said many times before, in many different ways, our campuses and the members of our community that organise and contribute to the activities that happen on them, are a big part of what defines us as a university.

Our 2022 Open Days were held at Warrnambool, Waterfront and Waurn Ponds, with our Burwood event about to take place on 28 August. And in the Spring, we are so excited to be returning to Costa Hall for our graduation ceremonies. Thank you to all our staff, students, alumni and volunteers who make these experiences so special.

Tomorrow is Wear It Purple Day, an initiative that aims to foster a supportive and inclusive environment across our community. Deakin is running a series of engaging events including live panel discussions and the innovative ‘Human Library’ – a group of people who each have a story to share and who are available for ‘loan’ for a 15-minute conversation. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear their individual stories by engaging in personal dialogue, which will promote social inclusion and empathy. I encourage you to get involved in what will be a colourful, enjoyable day, and all in support of our LGBTQI+ community.

Deakin research and innovation continues to strive for and achieve remarkable things. We ‘turned the first sod’ for construction of the Hycel Technology Hub on our Warrnambool campus – a cornerstone facility within Deakin’s $23m hydrogen program, and part of the Victorian Higher Education State Fund (VHESIF) program. I was delighted to mark the occasion with Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education, Gayle Tierney. Work also progressed on our Recycling and Renewable Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH), which is part of the Federal Government’s Trailblazer Universities Program. Alongside the CSIRO, five universities and six TAFE institutes, Deakin’s research and manufacturing capabilities will help 21 industry partners shift to a low emissions future and create jobs and new market opportunities.

Finally, I would like to congratulate our Commonwealth Games athletes, who have inspired us with some incredible performances in Birmingham. In the closing days, three of our current students led the Australian Diamonds to victory in the netball competition, and one of our Bachelor of Commerce graduates helped the Kookaburra’s register a 7-0 win over India in the Men’s Hockey final. Earlier, we were privileged to witness gold and silver medal wins in the gymnastics, a silver medal win in the women’s long jump, and bronze in the women’s 1500m race and 3x3 basketball. Well done to all our current and former Deakin elite-athlete students who made us and their respective countries proud!

Best wishes,
Iain

Vice-Chancellor
Deakin University