Bridging the Distance: Deakin’s Leadership in Distance Education

Geelong Waterfront Campus, Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus and Melbourne Burwood Campus

Thursday 20 March – Sunday 28 September

Discover Deakin’s 50-year legacy in distance education

Since its foundation in 1974, Deakin has been a pioneer in distance education. Embedded in the Deakin University Act1974, off-campus study was central to the University’s mission to broaden access to education. Inspired by models such as Britain’s Open University, Deakin’s approach made higher education accessible to students in regional, remote and non-traditional settings.

This exhibition also showcases efforts to support First Nations students, address the challenges of isolation and promote social equity. Visitors will encounter key milestones and personal stories, reflecting the evolution of distance learning over five decades.

Bridging the Distance: Deakin’s Leadership in Distance Education is part of the Deakin Library D50 Exhibitions Series, 1974 to Now: Deakin at 50.

Exhibition details

Geelong Waterfront

Location: Waterfront Gallery, Alfred Deakin Prime Ministerial Library, Sally Walker Building, Geelong Waterfront Campus.

Date: 20 March 2025 – 11 May 2025

Geelong Waurn Ponds

Location: Waurn Ponds Library Exhibition Space, Building JC, Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus.

Date: 26 May 2025 – 13 July 2025

Melbourne Burwood

Location: Burwood Library Exhibition Space,  Building V, Melbourne Burwood Campus.

Date: 18 August 2025 – 28 September 2025