ECU City Campus (Image courtesy of Stephen Heath)
Over 200 guests gathered at ECU City on 7 October to celebrate the official launch of the City Campus, marking a major milestone for the University and for Western Australia.
The event was attended by His Excellency the Honourable Christopher Dawson, Governor of Western Australia; the Hon Patrick Gorman MP, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Assistant Minister for the Public Service, and Assistant Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations; and Ms Emily Hamilton MLA, alongside government, partner, donor, industry, education and community representatives.
Professor Clare Pollock, Hon Patrick Gorman MP, His Excellency the Honourable Christopher Dawson, Ms Emily Hamilton MLA, Ms Gaye McMath. (Image courtesy of Stephen Heath)
ECU City opened to students in February 2026 as the centrepiece project of the of the landmark Perth City Deal, a multi-tiered government partnership aimed at boosting economic growth, creating jobs and revitalising Perth's city centre.
The campus is expected to become home to around 10,000 students and staff, with its facilities designed to connect learning with industry, culture, and the wider community.
Speaking at the launch, the Governor said the campus represented opportunity and was already helping to give Perth a different identity.
"This campus represents that principle – opportunity for all, placed in the heart of our city. An open invitation to come to Perth to study, to live and to become better," he said.
ECU City opened to students in February 2026. (Image courtesy of Stephen Heath)
Assistant Minister Gorman noted that the official opening of ECU City delivered on the dreams of the University's namesake, Edith Dircksey Cowan, who herself was denied the opportunity to apply for higher education.
"It places a public education institution, which delivers a consistently high standard of education, in the heart of our city. It says something about Perth that we have this iconic building in the heart of the city. A place full of monuments to resource companies and the wealth that has flowed to our state. This campus is a monument to something else. A monument to knowledge and a monument to the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. A campus that tells all who come to Perth – you are welcome.
"This campus says knowledge and learning are for everyone. And it places that declaration in the heart of our state capital. Because the campus opening, this year, is just the start. Next year we go further," he added.
The evening's celebrations included two WAAPA performances. (Image courtesy of Stephen Heath)
The evening's celebrations included two Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) performances: a Gospel Choir in the Paula Huston Auditorium, or a modern Variety Gala in the Playhouse Theatre. ECU City Schools and students also took part in creative activations throughout the evening.
Vice Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock noted that the official launch of City Campus was a powerful statement on the impact the University would have in the future.
"Being located in the heart of Perth gives ECU City a unique power to connect our students with the people, industries and experiences that will shape their futures. Learning doesn't happen in isolation – it is enriched by being immersed in the city, alongside the businesses, creative industries and communities' students may one day work with.
"For industry, having ECU right on its doorstep creates new opportunities to collaborate with our academics, engage with emerging talent and turn ideas into real-world impact. ECU City brings education, industry and culture together in a way that benefits our students, our partners and the future of Western Australia."
