Free Community Festival highlight of University's 50th anniversary celebrations

5 October 2001

A free Community Festival will be the highlight of a weekend of entertainment, festivities and reminiscing at the University of Wollongong on 13-14 October when the University celebrates 50 years of excellence in education with the regional community.

The festival on Sunday 14 October and special anniversary dinner on 13 October are being held to commemorate this milestone. The anniversary dinner, to be held at the University Hall from 6.30pm, will feature Dr Kerryn Phelps as guest speaker.

UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Gerard Sutton has invited the community to visit the University during the 50th Anniversary weekend to join in the celebrations.

"Your university is recognised nationally and internationally as a leading Australian university. We are committed to the highest standards in teaching, research and leadership," Professor Sutton said.

"Just as the past has been exciting and pioneering, the future holds even more potential. The University of Wollongong will continue to be visionary and innovative. Our commitment to our regional community is strengthened by our rich diversity and international links," he said.

The free festival, which runs from 11am to 3pm, will provide a showcase of the University and its achievements. It will include live music and singing, performances by the Faculty of Creative Arts 'Birth of a Nation', popular ABC kids band 'The Flower Pot Gang', the NSW Police Band, Circus Elixer roaming minstrels, clowns, face painting and balloon sculpting, cultural dancers and medieval mock battles. Market stalls, community displays, campus tours, balloons and other giveaways will ensure that the whole family is well entertained. There is also the chance to win a $1,000 travel voucher from Internet Travel by entering the University Scavenger Hunt on the day.