News Archive

There shall be from henceforth for ever in the State of Western Australia a University to be called The University of Western Australia."

It was with these words that our University came into being 100 years ago on February 16, 1911 with the passing of The University of Western Australia Act through the Western Australian parliament.

Our politicians were told that it was "desirable that provision should be made for further instruction in those practical arts and liberal studies which are needed to advance the prosperity and welfare of the people."

And some of those responsible for that advancement joined colleagues, politicians, Guild presidents, University Senate members, Vice-Chancellors and Premiers at the 2011 UWA Foundation Dinner in Winthrop Hall on February 14 to celebrate.

Chancellor Dr Michael Chaney hosted the dinner for 300 which began with a tour of the art installation on campus, Dialogues with Landscape , and included the launch of UWA's first centenary publication, 100 Treasures from UWA by one of the University's favourite sons (and a former Guild president), Bob Hawke.

The Governor, graduate and former Chancellor Dr Ken Michael, reflected on the University and its place in Western Australia and guests were further entertained by a string ensemble from the School of Music, led by Winthrop Professor Paul Wright, one of Australia's leading violinists.

As many of the former Guild Presidents as could be found were invited and 26 of them accepted an invitation to the dinner, with 24 finally able to attend and 23 posing together for an historic photograph.

Mayors and politicians rubbed shoulders with members of Convocation, some of  UWA's valued patrons and even a supermodel.  They rose to their feet, applauding Bob Hawke after he spoke of how UWA and an education changed his life.

The former Prime Minister launched 100 Treasures , an eclectic collection of UWA icons, ranging from the important to the affectionate favourites, from magnificent buildings, gardens and works of art to hidden treasures kept safe in libraries and collections.

The book was conceived, driven and edited by Professor Ted Snell, Director of the Cultural Precinct and Virginia Rowland, Senior Policy Officer (Centenary Planning), with contributions of words and photographs from many staff members and friends of the University.

Published by UWA Publishing, it is designed to be a book of days, a handy sized reference rather than an unused coffee table tome.

The Foundation dinner and the launch of 100 Treasures is the only centenary celebration this year, with many more planned for the centenary of  the first classes, in 2013.

Media references

Lindy Brophy (UWA Public Affairs( (+61 8) 6488 2436