Deakin makes changes

Deakin has announced a major refurbishment and rename of its Management Centre at Waurn Ponds, in keeping with its focus on contributing to the local economy, engaging the community and delivering service excellence.
The refurbished facility has adopted the name Waurn Ponds Estate in preparation for its official launch in October this year.
Waurn Ponds Estate will be an intimate 60 room boutique hotel that combines stylish design, contemporary facilities and a tailored guest experience.
The hotel will also feature technology-rich conference spaces, private meetings rooms and various indoor and outdoor event spaces.
General Manager of Hospitality, Gregg Currie, said Waurn Ponds Estate will be a unique and important addition to the Geelong region.
“Hosting events will form part of our core business. If a client can dream it, Waurn Ponds Estate can deliver it!” Mr Currie said.
“Concepts include weddings, parties, dances, deck chair cinema on the lawn, cocktails by the lake, sunset drinks in the vineyard, dinner in the vegetable patch, poolside drinks, longest table events, opera by the lake…the list goes on!
“We really want the community to feel a strong sense of connection every time they visit and help write the Waurn Pones Estate story,” Mr Currie said.
The hotel also complements Deakin’s broader hospitality portfolio.
“Deakin enjoys a reputation for being accessible, helpful and friendly. This reputation is reflected across Deakin Hospitality Group, which consists of 19 cafes and 22 event spaces – and now, Waurn Ponds Estate,” Mr Currie said.
“Waurn Ponds Estate belongs to both corporate and leisure clientele. The facility will continue to be a destination for business events and meetings. It is truly exciting to also extend our services to cater to the needs of the broader Geelong community.
Seventeen hand-picked employees have commenced, embracing the “Waurn Ponds Estate way”; a can-do attitude matched with generosity, care, respect, skill, style, grace and substance, Mr Currie said.
Waurn Ponds Estate will also offer something for art lovers, with up to 100 artworks from Deakin’s extensive collection on show at any given time.
Mr Currie said Deakin was committed to supporting local businesses. This commitment would be obvious in the food and wine on offer.
“At Waurn Ponds Estate, our produce is grown locally and appears on our menu only if in season. Wines on offer will be local, stunning and varying daily to promote new releases. There will certainly be no generic house brands on offer.”
Mr Currie said Waurn Ponds Estate would be a place for business and leisure patrons to feel a strong sense of belonging.
Waurn Ponds Estate is accepting bookings now for events occurring after October this year. For bookings, enquiries or to register for updates please call (03) 5227 3000, email wpe@deakin.edu.au or visit waurnpondsestate.com.au.