Community engagement

Connecting communities, creating impact

Deakin fosters strong community engagement through partnerships and initiatives, building relationships that enhance the social, economic and cultural wellbeing of our local and global communities.

How we engage with our communities

We work with local councils, support arts and cultural initiatives, engage with businesses and connect with educational institutions like TAFEs. Additionally, Deakin is proud to sponsor local sports teams, fostering community spirit and inspiring future generations.

Partner with us

Teaching within local communities

Through specialised teaching programs, we collaborate with schools, community centres and local organisations to deliver learning experiences that address real-world challenges.

Sponsoring events and initiatives

By sponsoring cultural festivals, sporting events and social initiatives, our aim is to enhance the vibrancy and resilience of the communities around us.

Supporting organisations

Through internships, industry projects and placements, our students apply their skills in practical settings, supporting local and global organisations, while preparing for their future careers.

Nurturing partnership programs

Deakin’s long-term partnership programs with government bodies, not-for-profits organisations, sports clubs and community groups are designed to address community needs, innovate solutions and create sustainable outcomes.

As two organisations with strong roots in the broader Geelong community, we have been able to forge and significantly develop a mutually beneficial partnership over the past two decades.

Simon Kelleher

Chief Operating Officer, Geelong Football Club

Host your event at Deakin

Gain access to our spaces and expert support. Whether it’s a workshop or community gathering, by partnering with Deakin we can help you every step of the way. We offer a variety of flexible spaces across our Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waterfront, Geelong Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool campuses.

Sponsoring sport in our local communities

Deakin’s industry partnerships extend across diverse sports and related fields. Deakin proudly sponsors the Melbourne Vixens netball team and the Geelong Cats AFL team. Additionally, we are the naming rights partner for the Deakin University Elite Women’s Road Race, a highlight of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Our students benefit from over 150 industry connections, collaborating to advance sport science.

Explore sport partnerships

Support our communities

Support our communities

Whether it's establishing a new scholarship for someone who might not otherwise have the chance to go to university or providing funding for a cutting-edge research program, you can make a difference through Deakin.

Access Deakin’s facilities

Access Deakin’s facilities

Community organisations and individuals can access a range of Deakin’s state-of-the-art facilities to support their activities and initiatives, including meeting rooms, libraries, art galleries, sports venues and event spaces.

Deakin University Art Gallery public programs

The Deakin University Art Gallery celebrates creativity through dynamic exhibitions, public programs and educational initiatives. It fosters community connections, supports local artists and inspires through diverse artistic expressions.

Explore programs

Discover our involvement in local communities

Our community engagement efforts across Bendigo, Geelong, Melbourne, Riverina Murray, Warrnambool and the Western Metropolitan Region are focused on supporting local growth through tailored programs that address each region’s unique needs. Explore:

Rankings and footnotes

Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.

Contact us

We are always looking for new ways to collaborate and support our communities. Contact us to learn more about our community engagement initiatives.

Email the Partnerships and Engagement Team