Changing the world
for 50 years

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Discover our 1974 exhibition series

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

Whether you’re a member of staff, student, alumni, researcher or partner, we want to hear how your past or present connection with Deakin has 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 birthday, where our education and research started, the communities that made us and how we'll shape the future.

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

WATCH VIDEO
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

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

An extraordinary gift of lifelong learning

Read Story
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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CELEBRATE WITH US

28 Nov

Burwood Community Festival

The Deakin50 Burwood Community Festival is a vibrant celebration to mark the end of our 50th-anniversary year at our iconic Burwood Campus.

The Deakin50 Burwood Community Festival is a vibrant celebration to mark the end of our 50th-anniversary year at our iconic Burwood Campus.

This one-night-only event features free children’s face painting and rides – from teacups and a pirate ship to a ferris wheel – food trucks offering a variety of delicious cuisines and a spectacular fireworks show.

We welcome our alumni, students, staff and the surrounding communities we serve to join us. It’s an event for all-ages, bringing together diverse communities to celebrate the University’s progressive history and set the stage for our next 50 years.

Enjoy a once in a generation experience with live entertainment and DJ, roving entertainers and kids activities, making it a perfect outing for families or anyone interested becoming part of Deakin’s history.

Register today: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/deakin-50-burwood-community-festival-tickets-1778595359599?aff=oddtdtcreator

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