Swinburne in real life just got even better

Swinburne has a bold vision to redefine the modern day campus and educational experience. That means we’re investing in state-of-the-art research and industry collaborations like AIR Hub, MedTechVic and Victorian Hydrogen Hub. We've invested in a $7 million redevelopment to the TC building – and there are more innovation and maker spaces in the works. But most importantly, we are creating a vibrant (and vibing) on-campus experience. 

The Director of Swinburne’s Facilities and Services Group, Mhairi Donohoe, says, ‘Swinburne’s campus environments will interconnect, virtual, mobile, online and physical spaces. However, our campuses will remain fundamentally as a space for human connection and development.’

Suffice to say, things are looking bright for 2022. Here are just a few of the campus upgrades you can expect to see at our Hawthorn campus. 

Celebrating indigenous knowledge and technology with street art by Adnate 

Adnate, who is considered one of the most influential street artists in Australia, has immortalised Dr Andrew Peters on the Chemistry (CH) building at the Hawthorn campus. Dr Peters is a living legend around Swinburne and has been here for 27 years. In that time, he’s been relentless in embedding Indigenous culture in all aspects of Swinburne and all aspects of Australian life. The portrait symbolises Dr Peters’ family connection and clear links to ancient technologies. It can be seen from Burwood Road. 

Adnate’s mural of Dr Andrew Peters is best viewed in real life to appreciate the scale, see how the rich colours light up in the golden hour, and be motivated by the hope and determination worn upon Dr Peters’ face.

A new half court for hoops (and hoopla)

Slip on your Air Jordans and work up a sweat (and an appetite for a post-game lunch at Fonda or any of the myriad choices on Glenferrie Road) on the new half court at our Hawthorn campus. Whether you’re on team basketball or team netball, everyone’s a winner with a space that encourages physical activity and camaraderie. No bookings required. 

Why not get a regular social game of basketball or netball happening with your classmates or colleagues? 

A dedicated Swinburne lounge at The Hawthorn Hotel 

The Hawthorn Hotel, or The Hawka, as it is more affectionately known to students (and possibly some staff, too) has been resplendently restored. Featuring live music, pots, and classic pub fare, it’s sure to become a Friday afternoon fixture. And in April, the first floor will become a dedicated space for our alumni, industry partners, staff and students to connect and ignite ideas. Drop in or make a booking. 

There’s more to come at The Hawthorn Hotel. The Swinburne alumni lounge on Level 1 opens next year.

A place to reflect

Earlier this year, the Aunty Dot Peters AM Flowering Grasslands were unveiled across our Hawthorn, Croydon and Wantirna campuses as part of the launch of our 2020-23 Reconciliation Action Plan. The grasslands are named after Yarra Yarra Elder Aunty Dot Peters AM. She had a decades-long association with Swinburne and helped develop our Reconciliation Action Plans. Aunty Dot’s legacy at Swinburne continues through her son, Dr Andrew Peters (the face of our Burwood Road mural), and two nieces, Lea Jones and Vicky Peters, who all work at Swinburne.

The grasslands were designed by Wemba Wemba–Wergaia man, Dean Stewart and organised by the Moondani Toombadool Centre. They provide the perfect place to stop, reflect upon, and listen to the natural world around us. 

The on campus store with more 

There aren’t many universities that can claim to have a retail presence dedicated to their creative, innovative and entrepreneurial grads. Designed to proudly showcase the products of our enterprising students, our _now store features everything from super sleek glass vases, custom illustrated cards, water bottles designed to reduce waste (and fit in your laptop bag) and more. Plus, you can also pick up some super sleek branded merch to wear with pride. It’s opening in February 2022.

Be sure to pop in to the _now store for a peek (and a purchase) soon. You’ll find the store on the ground floor of the Swinburne Place South Building. 

A high-tech home for ESports 

Don’t consider yourself an Esports fan? If you’re a student, this immersive space at The Junction might just win you over. The Swinburne ESports Club has a new, hi-tech home at The Junction. With high-performance gaming computers and red LED lighting to bring out the ultimate competitor within, the club welcomes veterans and first-timers alike to play games such as League of Legends, Call of Duty, Fortnite, Street Fighter, DOTA 2, FIFA and Pokemon and more. 

The ESports Centre will be ready for students in Semester 1, 2022.

These projects are just a taste of what’s to come as we continue to invest in creating spaces at Swinburne where you come to be, not simply do. 

We look forward to seeing you back on campus soon!