In 2018 the University continued to invest in and develop its strong engagement with the Western Australian community.

More than 700,000 Western Australians shared inspiring moments through UWA Arts and Cultural experiences and, in particular, the Perth Festival was acclaimed for its diversity, excellence and accessibility. More than 1,100 artists appeared in 270 events across Perth, attracting new audiences with 12 per cent of patrons attending for the first time. Beyond the packed theatres and galleries, the Festival’s education and arts sector development initiatives made a lasting impact across the state.

For the Perth Festival, the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery presented the exhibition Human Nature by Israeli artist Zadok Ben David in tandem with FLORA, a collection that drew works from the Cruthers Collection of Women’s Art and the Berndt Museum of Anthropology’s In Light of Shadows exhibition.

The Cultural Precinct contributed to the vibrant life on campus through its WINTERarts and SPRINGarts programs, and campus partnerships such as the Talking Allowed lecture series with the Institute of Advanced Studies enabled us to harness our strengths and enhance public programs. Our ongoing access program included the Inclusive Arts Week and a full program of events for visitors with disabilities.

UWA Publishing continues to be recognised nationally as a publisher of new ideas and brilliant writing, publishing 38 books during the year; a highlight included publication in the US and UK markets of the Miles Franklin Literary award-winner Extinctions by Josephine Wilson.

Through the University’s Community Partnerships Program we forged new partnerships and supported more than 50 local community initiatives. A record number of participants competed in the HBF Run for a Reason – UWA Half Marathon through the Perth campus.

The Passion Project music event produced in Winthrop Hall during WA Mental Health Week had 90 high school students performing to raise awareness about youth suicide and mental health. In April the streets of Perth came alive when 1,000 singers and musicians performed Love Never Failed Us Yet, featuring the UWA Conservatorium of Music, WASO, the Spirit of the Streets Choir, and school and community ensembles dedicated to the WA Alliance to End Homelessness campaign.

The lifelong relationship of the University with its graduates is grounded in the membership to Convocation, which works with the University to improve student experience and prepare students for life after graduation. Graduates joined with researchers, students and staff to tackle the world’s pressing challenges through initiatives such as ‘Plastic, plastic everywhere!’.

In March the Hon. Julie Bishop MP, with Andrew and Nicola Forrest, opened Forrest Hall for top international scholars studying in WA. In April EZONE UWA Student Hub broke ground with plans for a new facility to transform the way students learn, undertake research and engage with the community.

The New Century Campaign’s philanthropic achievements and contributions were recognised with the 2018 Universities Australia – Best Fundraising Campaign or Initiative award, as well as a silver award from the International Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

UWA received more than 300 commencing students from our key articulation partnerships in China, with new articulation partnerships being established in Indonesia, India, Ireland and the United States.

Greater awareness of the New Colombo Plan resulted in UWA receiving nearly $1 million from the Australian Government for students to study abroad. This enables 160 UWA students to participate in 15 short-term projects across the globe.

UWA’s Centre for English Learning and Teaching celebrated its 30th anniversary with the expansion of our International Study Tours and a second successful year of offshore delivery to 100 students in our innovative English language program offered through UWA partner, Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan.

With more than 100 new formal industry engagements, UWA formed over $12 million worth of projects with businesses. The new IQX co-working innovation space on Broadway opened mid-year, and more than 10,000 people have come through its doors working with UWA on innovation projects, incubators, hackathons and industry collaborations.

The achievements this year could not have been possible without the commitment of staff, students and academics. We look forward to continued success and wide community engagement in 2019.

Professor Kent Anderson
Deputy Vice-Chancellor

(Community and Engagement)