Changing the world
for 50 years

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Discover our 1974 exhibition series

To honour this milestone, a series of exhibitions was produced by Deakin Library, to reflect the University’s journey and achievements, exploring themes that have shaped the institution and its communities.
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Explore Deakin memories

Whether you’re a member of staff, student, alumni, researcher or partner, we've shared how your Deakin connection have made a difference!
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Deakin was born on 10 December 1974 in a Geelong paddock to serve a regional community. Now, we're celebrating five decades of making a difference locally and globally.

Our anniversary stories

A series to mark Deakin's 50th anniversary, where our education and research started, the communities that made us and how we'll shape the future.

NIKERI attends World Indigenous Peoples Conference

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NIKERI's presence at the conference marked a defining moment in its chapter of shaping a future where Indigenous knowledges, culturally appropriate education and community lead the way.

Deakin’s bold book launch in the 1980s

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The bare facts behind the Deakin University Press's inaugural publication: Nudism in Australia launched in 1982.

Meet the alumna who chased her dreams at Deakin

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Irene always dreamt of being a teacher. From fleeing the Democratic Republic of Congo, to moving to Australia, education has always shaped her story.

Marking a decade for one Deakin Institute

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We’re highlighting some of the projects and achievements that from Deakin's world-renowned Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition.

A legacy of dedication to rural education

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Michelle Goy's family have established a scholarship in her memory to support a rural student completing the Doctor of Medicine program.

You don't just grow for now

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Val Johnstone's bequest supports Deakin’s postgraduate programs in arts and cultural management.

Behind the scenes of a Deakin50 exhibition

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Get a peak behind the curtain at an exhibition celebrates the University’s engagement with local and global communities alike.

Liz is the cheerleader to storyteller Houson

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Dr Liz Clancy and Houson Hu are a duo with different strengths, working together to tackle challenges in both the real and virtual worlds.

Typewriters to AI: tech over time

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From bulky computers to motion-capture, for over 50 years technology has been shaping life at Deakin.

Rebuilding communities, rebuilding hope

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Philanthropic support has enabled the development of innovative humanitarian leadership development programs.

Solving of a decades-old mystery

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A former arts student from Deakin’s early days has revealed the story hidden in intriguing photos from the University’s Opening Ceremony.

The power and promise of the sea

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Discover the substantial impact philanthropy has had on encouraging new ideas and approaches to marine research in Victoria.

Gerard came for uni degree and stayed for love

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In the 2000s, living at Deakin University’s student res brought them together. Now they’re married and around the corner from campus.

A long look at healthy living

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Living longer is one thing, living well is another. Some of Deakin’s longest research studies are uncovering how to stay healthy and happy at every age.

Old friends, small sculptures

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Barbara purchased one of Dan’s works more than 30 years ago and they’ve stayed in touch ever since. Now, they’re on a mission to find this year’s best new contemporary small sculpture.

Retired uni professional reflects on Deakin’s tech evolution

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Amanda Stokes recalls the sweeping changes in how students’ access and learn course material over her four-decade career at Deakin.

Thirty years apart, two women scientists share the same research spark

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What was it like to be a young female researcher in the early days of Deakin in comparison to a woman entering the field today?

Peter Lane reflects on 50-year Deakin career

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Peter Lane has been behind a camera at Deakin University since day one.

Why Deakin stays with you, wherever life takes you

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From flour-filled OWeek pranks to standing ovations on campus stages, the stories our international alumni carry are uniquely Deakin.

Honouring Deakin's first Chief Librarian

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Historian and international education expert Dr Anna Kent is the inaugural recipient of the Deakin University Library Margaret Cameron Residency.

Study centres history in distance education

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Explore the legacy of Deakin’s study centres and their vital role in supporting off-campus students before the digital age.

Skilbeck legacy lives on in Deakin Archive

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Dr Helen Connell, the wife of Deakin’s late second Vice-Chancellor, has donated sixty boxes of his life’s work to our archives.

Reducing barriers for regional students

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The Dawn Wade Foundation Scholarship offers a life-changing opportunity to students from regional high schools facing barriers to further study.

Wonderful Deakin landscapes, thanks to Spiro

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For 40 years, Spiro Fatouros has been more than Deakin’s landscaper, he’s helped shape the campus experience for thousands of students.

50 life-changing scholarships for our anniversary

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The Deakin 50th Anniversary Excellence Scholarship has been developed to empower students and provide greater access to Deakin courses and higher education.

Taking the lead in inclusive education 

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Deakin’s Disability Resource Centre has supported thousands of students to thrive – like Telisia, who says the DRC made it possible to complete her honours.

Voice of Deakin's distance education tapes

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In the 1980s, actor Robyn Birrell became one of the first voices of Deakin University’s distance education, reaching learners from regional Australia to South Africa.

Catherine Bennett’s national role in COVID-19

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Behind the science and the soundbites stood a Deakin professor guiding the nation through a pandemic, one interview at a time.

Half a century in Warrnambool

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A special look at our vibrant Warrnambool Campus. A place where community, culture, and connection come together.

Law students break down barriers

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Our innovative, student-staffed legal clinic champions social justice whilst providing students with a unique, practical learning experience.

More than a decade of sharing research in minutes

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3MT/VYT has spotlighted a strong cohort of emerging researchers at Deakin who are eager and prepared to put their research on the world stage.

Deakin's journey of giving

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Since our very first students took a step onto campus, Deakin has been shaped by the generosity of its donors.

Unwrapping Deakin's nutrition research in the 90s

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Discover how Deakin’s Food and Nutrition Program helped transform public health in the '90s with iconic campaigns like 2 Fruit 'n' 5 Veg.

Euan's passion for sharing scientific discovery

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Professor Euan Ritchie is an award-winning ecologist dedicated to making wildlife conservation research impactful and accessible.

Deakin opens Indonesian campus

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Deakin recently opened its second international branch campus, Deakin University Lancaster University Indonesia (DLI), in Bandung.

2025 Alumni Awards highlight Deakin's former students

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A respected lawyer and community leader, a much-loved children’s author and a proud role model for Deaf dancers are among the Deakin University alumni celebrated at last night’s annual Alumni Awards.

PhD friends, now transforming kids' health

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Jo Salmon and Anna Timperio never imagined their friendship would last over 25 years. But decades later, they’re still working side by side—and wouldn’t have it any other way.

A 30-year history of Deakin in India

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Launched in 1994, Deakin South Asia has become a core part of the University and its lasting impact.

Deakin's best archival pictures

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Explore some of the most iconic archival images of university life at Deakin taken during the 1970s to early 2000s. 

Update your alumni details to win!

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We’re celebrating Deakin’s 50th anniversary by reconnecting with our alumni and we want to hear from you!

Like mother, like daughter: Deakin family legacy

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Deakin's 50th anniversary graduations were a special milestone for Dianne Thomson and her daughter Cianan, who graduated together.

Empowering Deakin's creatives for four decades

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Over almost 40 years, our students have led the development of the Verandah Journal – an annual literary publication supporting artistic goals.

Leadership and family behind graduate's success

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After two decades at Deakin University, Liesl Freeman’s passion for leadership is stronger than ever.

Australian musician receives honorary Deakin doctorate

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David's deep contributions to music, film and reconciliation have been honoured by Deakin with an honorary doctorate.

50 has never looked so good

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At 50 years young, we’re home to progressive students, world-leading researchers and inspiring alumni, on a mission to drive lasting change.

Remembering the Honourable Austin Asche AC KC

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A great Australian, a much-loved Territorian, a lifetime of service and leadership.

Deakin research creates impact

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From ripples to waves, Deakin research supports Queenscliff charity to foster positive change in children’s lives.

An extraordinary gift of lifelong learning

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A $1.64 million legacy gift from Dr Lewis and Libby Hughes will fund research stipends, international student tuition, and staff salaries for PhD and post-doctoral students.
Bob Gartland talking to his wife Phillipa

A Geelong icon who helped build Deakin

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When Bob Gartland OAM laid the slab for Deakin's first library in 1974, he became a key figure in both the University and Geelong community.

The seaweed that bonded Kaylah and her supervisor

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Conserving the Great Southern Reef is a passion that inspires and unites Dr Prue Francis and PhD candidate Kaylah Gawne.  
A sepia-toned image of a large industrial building labeled Dennys Lascelles Limited. Cars are parked along the street and in a nearby lot. The scene appears to capture an urban setting with older architecture and vehicles.

How our campuses have transformed

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From a Geelong paddock to our first international campus, Deakin has grown a lot in 50 years. Explore how our campuses have changed.
Deakin Vice-Chancellor Iain Martin in interview

Deakin's journey to turning 50

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Our past and present Vice-Chancellors and Chancellors. reflect on the challenges, achievements, and the future of the university.
A man with short hair and a light beard wearing a denim jacket stands behind a metal structure indoors, smiling at the camera. The background shows industrial equipment and a gray wall.

Uni connection runs deep

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For one of Deakin’s newest PhD graduates, our University isn’t just a place he studied, it’s a huge part of his family’s history.
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