Richmond Football Club and Swinburne University Of Technology Announce Partnership Extension

Swinburne University of Technology and the Richmond Football Club have announced an extension of their partnership for an additional four years, now continuing until at least the end of 2028.

This collaboration solidifies Swinburne’s ongoing support of both the AFL and AFLW programs, a relationship that began when Swinburne became an inaugural partner of Richmond’s AFLW team upon its establishment in 2020.

Integral to this partnership is the opportunity for Swinburne students to engage in placements across various departments within the club, including Football, Strength and Conditioning, Marketing, Design, and HR.

Furthermore, the extended partnership will foster the growth of existing research ventures, study programs, and joint efforts towards reconciliation through Richmond’s Korin Gamadji Institute and Bachar Houli Foundation, alongside Swinburne’s Moondani Toombadool Centre and National Centre for Reconciliation Practice.

As part of this expanded agreement, Swinburne will also maintain its role as the naming rights partner of the Swinburne Centre for the next four years.

Richmond CEO Brendon Gale expressed gratitude for the enduring support from Swinburne, highlighting the mutual benefits reaped by both organisations and their members, particularly players and students.

The partnership’s success lies in the enriching opportunities it offers. Presently, 15 Swinburne students are actively involved in placement roles, contributing significantly to the Club’s operations. Noteworthy figures like Monique Conti, Ellie McKenzie, and Tim Taranto have all pursued studies at Swinburne, showcasing the collaborative learning environment fostered by this alliance.

Looking ahead, Gale expressed excitement about Swinburne’s continued presence as a naming partner for their home ground, which embodies the synergy between education and sports through shared spaces for training, work, and hosting AFLW and VFL matches.

The ongoing and fruitful collaboration between Swinburne and Richmond dates back to 2013, with the formal partnership agreement solidified in 2017.

Professor Pascale Quester, Vice-Chancellor and President of Swinburne, emphasised that the enduring partnership exemplifies the transformative outcomes that stem from deep industry cooperation, driving positive educational and societal impacts.

Chief Marketing Officer Carolyn Bendall echoed these sentiments, underscoring the partnership’s continued evolution and its profound influence on students, staff, players, coaches, industry partners, and supporters alike.

The trajectory of this partnership holds promise for continued innovation, driving advancements in knowledge, skills, and outcomes for both institutions and the wider community.