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A new era for engineering students at The University of Western Australia is a step closer with a ground-breaking event to mark the start of construction of EZONE UWA.

The ceremony took place this morning with UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences Professor John Dell, BHP’s Vice President of Operational Infrastructure Vanessa Torres, and Woodside Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Shaun Gregory, wielding sledgehammers ahead of the construction of the $80 million EZONE UWA Student Hub – to transform the way UWA educates students, undertakes research and engages with industry, alumni and the community.

The investment in EZONE UWA is an essential part of the vision to make the Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences one of the world’s best and has been enabled by the support of industry, including major partners BHP and Woodside Energy, and alumni donors.

The Student Hub will include three science laboratories, 11 teaching rooms, a café, and office space for 150 higher degree students. It relies on passive solar design and has outdoor shaded study spaces with high-speed wi-fi.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater said and it would transform the campus.

“Engineering is a significant part of UWA’s history, and was one of the University’s three inaugural faculties in 1911. Since then, the UWA Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences has helped grow, shape and build the state,” Professor Freshwater said.

“Innovation and technology will be the focal point of the EZONE UWA Student Hub, to enhance the student experience and ensure students are equipped for the careers of the future.”

Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, Professor John Dell, said EZONE UWA would be a go-to destination for industry, government and global research partners.

“The goal is to provide significant opportunities to co-locate with industry and that will start with Foundation Partners BHP and Woodside,” Professor Dell said.

“We would like to thank the Clough family, Trevor and Judy Eastwood and the Jim Guimelli Family Foundation for their contributions to help EZONE UWA become a reality.”

The planning and building process is also a unique learning opportunity for students, who are working on the design and construction, including Master of Professional Engineering student Ananya Chaturvedi, who spoke at the ground breaking event.

“It’s really important to learn project management skills because that’s what life is going to be like once we get out in the market and the real industry,” Ms Chaturvedi said.

The Student Hub building is expected to be completed in time for Semester One, 2020.

Media references

David Stacey (UWA Media and Public Relations Manager)     (+61 8) 6488 3229/ (+61 4) 32 637 716