About Us

The Past

The inauguration of Extension Studies at The University of Western Australia was the result of a visit by Albert Mansbridge, General Secretary, London, Worker Educational Association (WEA) in 1913. The University Extension Lectures Program later evolved into the Adult Education Board (AEB).

In 1948, Fred Alexander, Professor of history and Director of the AEB, with John Birman as Assistant-Director ran short community courses during the year and an annual Summer School. Diverse events of music, dance, performing arts, films, and visual arts were organised; from a lecture in 1949 by Sir Anthony Eden to concerts with the Australian Broadcasting Commission, and screenings of European films.

The flagship program, Summer School, was in the early days a residential school. Country people would come to Perth after harvest, pitching tents at Somerville (now the site for an outdoor Perth International Arts Festival film cinema), even sleeping on the roof of Hackett Hall.

The AEB helped to bring Musica Viva to WA in 1950. The AEB’s Summer School activities also paved the way for the first Festival of Perth in 1953. In 1966 John Birman was made head of the UWA’s Extension Service, which had separated from the AEB. He was also Director of the Festival of Perth from 1955 to 1976. One of John Birman’s proudest achievements was the establishment of 6UVS-FM – Western Australia’s first FM radio station, and its first community based radio station under the auspices of The University of Western Australia.

Summer School also influenced the establishment of community learning centres and UWA Extension has been closely tied to the University of the Third Age since its inception in 1986.

The Present

UWA Extension is now the largest provider of University adult and continuing education in Western Australia. Adult community courses are open to everyone and each year over 20,000 people enrol to learn new skills and make new friends.

Apart from our seasonal leisure and educational programs, we also offer online courses and continuing professional development programs for WA dentists and realtors as well as exclusive customised training.

The magnificent UWA Claremont building is available for venue hire, and we can also help you with your conference registration or exhibition needs.

And if you want to go to UWA without being a full-course student, we can help you with that too – have a look at our ACCESS UWA initiative.

The People

UWA Extension 6488 2433
Open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm.

Client Liaison Team
Ready to help you with any enquiries you have about our courses and events, or if you are having any problems with your enrolment or booking.
Ms Jae Baird, Client Liaison Manager 6488 3470
Ms Rachael Clifton, Client Liaison 6488 2445
Ms Erin Bauer, Client Liaison 6488 2433
Ms Amy Coetzee, Client Liaison 6488 3471

Program Management Team
Responsible for creating our wonderful program and developing courses and events with our tutors.
Ms Cindy Siano, Program Manager 6488 2059
Mr Bill Grayson, Program Manager 6488 3473 (Mo/Tu)
Ms Kylie Weston, Program Manager 6488 1841
Ms Sanchia Robinson, Program Manager 6488 6820 (We/Th

The Director
Heads the UWA Extension team, and drives the organisation towards excellence in programming and community engagement.
Ms Susan Marie, Director 6488 2634

Finance
For all your enquiries on accounts payable and receivable.
Ms Mary Do, Accounts Coordinator 6488 6850

IT and Publications
Creates and maintains our web and publications presence, and supervises IT system management.
Mr Danny Nowland, Publications Officer 6488 2579