Local partnerships

Deakin forms strategic partnerships with local government, sporting organisations, not-for-profit organisations and community venues across Melbourne. These mutually beneficial relationships improve opportunities for Deakin students, local businesses and the broader community.

Deakin Edge

Deakin Edge is one of Melbourne's most iconic theatre spaces. Located in Federation Square, the auditorium hosts over 300 events annually, including the Melbourne Writers Festival, Melbourne Conversations and Melbourne Architecture Week. The high-profile venue has welcomed some of Australia's finest thinkers, prominent orators and eminent performers.

The Deakin Edge partnership provides new opportunities for the University to extend its presence in the community. Its public lectures and events promote ideas, public debate and dialogue in the heart of Melbourne. As the University's namesake Alfred Deakin is widely regarded as the father of Australian federation, it's a fitting tribute to him that this democratising, prominent, public space carries the Deakin name.

Visit the Deakin Edge website

Deakin Edge at Federation Square

Deakin Edge at Federation Square

Discover the jewel in Federation Square’s crown. Purposely built for flexibility, this award-winning architecturally designed building on the banks of the Yarra hosts a range of events.

National Gallery of Victoria

We're proud to be the university partner of NGV Australia. NGV Australia is home to the Australian Art Collection, including works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and presents a diverse range of exhibitions and programs throughout the year.

As part of this valued partnership Deakin University is a major partner of three NGV Australia exhibitions each year, a key exhibition of which is Top Arts, featuring work by VCE art students. Deakin has also collaborated with the gallery to develop a folio guide to accompany the exhibition. The partnership also provides multiple engagement opportunities including work-integrated learning opportunities for Deakin students. Additionally, membership and store discounts are available for Deakin alumni, students and staff.

For more information, daily inspiration and to stay connected:

Visit the NGV website
Go to the NGV Channel (includes free self-guided and interactive virtual tours)
Follow the NGV on Instagram (#NGVEveryDay)
Sign up to the NGV's enews

Deakin Melbourne Boomers

Deakin is the naming partner of the Deakin Melbourne Boomers. The Deakin community proudly supports this powerful Women’s National Basketball League team. We recognise the role that these extraordinary athletes, some of whom are Deakin students and alumni, play in inspiring the next generation of young basketballers.

Deakin supports elite athletes through its participation in the Elite Athletes Friendly University (EAFU) network. Plus, as an added bonus, Deakin staff, students and alumni are eligible to receive 50% off tickets to all Boomers home games.

Visit the Deakin Melbourne Boomers website

Whitehorse Business Group

In collaboration with Deakin Business School, the University is proud to support the Whitehorse Business Group. The group is Melbourne’s leading independent business networking group and offers its members professional networking events and development workshops that are designed to add value to their businesses.

This partnership offers an excellent opportunity for Whitehorse-based businesses to collaborate with the University, including internships (work-integrated learning), presentations from Deakin academics, and opportunities for not-for-profits to work with the Deakin FreelancingHUB.

Learn more about the Whitehorse Business Group

Whitehorse Festival Season

Deakin has proudly supported Whitehorse City Council's annual Festival Season since 2012. As principal sponsor, Deakin actively contributes to the council's inclusive festival program in a variety of meaningful and creative ways. The Festival Season is enjoyed by over 50,000 local residents and more than 200 local community groups. Seven free events are held throughout each year in spring, summer and autumn.

Find out more about the Festival Season

Whitehorse Business Week

Deakin partners with Whitehorse City Council to support its annual Whitehorse Business Week, an initiative to inform, grow and develop local businesses. Attended by upwards of 1000 business professionals, the week is made up of a series of events addressing key topics relevant to the Whitehorse and Melbourne East business community.