Video gallery - 50 Years of Innovation

Celebrating 50 Years of Innovation | Highlights

2017 marks the 50 Years of Innovation celebrations for WAIT and Curtin University. Our innovative spirit has seen us lead the way in many areas, including Indigenous and international education. It has seen us expand our presence, both locally and internationally. Here is a compilation showcasing the highlights of our 50 Years of Innovation celebrations throughout 2017.

Archival footage | Visit by Duke of Edinburgh 1971

His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh visited WAIT’s Bentley campus in March 1971 for the official opening of Edinburgh Oval. This film footage was donated to Curtin during its 50 Years of Innovation celebrations, which mark the combined history of the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT) and Curtin. It has been digitised and edited to help preserve this important piece of university history.

Archival footage | Architecture building opening 1971

The official opening in 1971 of one of WAIT’s iconic brutalist buildings, the Architecture building, was captured on film by an early WAIT staff member. This film footage was generously donated to Curtin during its 50 Years of Innovation celebrations, which mark the combined history of the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT) and Curtin. It has been digitised and edited to help preserve this important piece of university history.

2017 Curtin Alumni Achievement Awards

The Alumni Achievement Awards are an opportunity to recognise Curtin alumni who are making significant contributions to society. This year’s awards were held during Curtin’s ‘50 Years of Innovation’ celebrations – recognising the combined history of the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT), which opened in 1967, and Curtin University, which accepted its first students in 1987.

Gala Dinner highlights | 50 Years of Innovation Gala Dinner

Curtin’s ‘50 Years of Innovation’ Gala Dinner celebrated the combined history and success of the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT), which opened its doors to students in 1967, and Curtin University, which opened in 1987.

Welcome to Country | 50 Years of Innovation Gala Dinner

Join Associate Professor Simon Forrest as he celebrates this with Nyilarak and singer Roma Winmar, as they welcome this gathering of the 50 Years of Innovation Gala Dinner.

Chancellor's address | 50 Years of Innovation Gala Dinner

Mr Colin Beckett, Chancellor of Curtin University, introduces distinguished guests to the Gala Dinner and shares some insights about Curtin's coming of age.

Vice-Chancellor's address | 50 Years of Innovation Gala Dinner

From the days of concrete and sand and a focus on teaching in suburban Perth, the transition of WAIT to Curtin University has grown significantly.

Premier’s address | 50 Years of Innovation Gala Dinner

With four common interests with Curtin University, the Premier of WA, the Honourable Mark McGowan MLA, shares his stories and joy for the university and the state.

Governor’s address | 50 Years of Innovation Gala Dinner

Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC, Governor of Western Australia, welcomes us to celebrate this anniversary, through our international rankings, WA School of Mines, Business School and more.

Staff launch event at our Bentley campus

Staff at our Bentley campus in Western Australia came together to celebrate 50 Years of Innovation, and was joined by our Kalgoorlie, Singapore and Malaysia campuses via a live video link.

Staff launch event at Curtin Malaysia

300 Curtin Malaysia staff joined our international campuses and shared their story via a live-video link in celebration of 50 Years of Innovation.

Turning sand into sculpture

By talented sand sculptural artist Tim Darby.

Why our staff are proud

Staff from across our Bentley, Kalgoorlie, Singapore and Malaysia campuses tell us why they are proud to work at Curtin University.

What will Curtin look like in 50 years?

Our current students tell us what 50 Years of Innovation means for them, where they see us heading in the future, and how they plan on contributing to our legacy.

Time-lapse of Curtin staff getting into shape

Bentley campus staff form a giant 50 to kick-off their staff launch event.

Welcome home Curtin Alumni

Current Vice Chancellor, Professor Deborah Terry welcomes Curtin Alumni to reconnect with us and join our 50 Years of Innovation activities.

The WAIT Years: a Curtin flashback

Hear from WAIT director and inaugural Curtin Vice-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Don Watts in a Curtin flashback.

Charles Telfair Institute celebrates 50 years of Innovation

Curtin has been in partnership with the Charles Telfair Institute in Mauritius for thirteen years. The Institute recently created this great video to celebrate our 50th year of innovation. We hope you enjoy it.

Celebrating our Alumni Innovators

As part of 50 Years of Innovation we are celebrating our Alumni Innovators. Curtin pharmacy graduate Julie Adams co-founded chemo@home to deliver cancer therapy and associated supportive care to patients safely in the comfort of their own home.

Achieving success with our global partnerships

Partnerships have been important to Curtin's success across the decades. Come listen to our friends and partners like edX, Fremantle Dockers, CISCO & Navitas, from around the globe, as we celebrate 50 Years of Innovation.

Achieving success with our leaders

Leaders have been important to Curtin's success across the decades. Listen to our Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors like Dr Jim Gill, Prof John Maloney & Prof Jeanette Hacket, as we celebrate 50 Years of Innovation.