May 22, 2026
Prime Minister Opens Bruce Gordon Centre at UOW Innovation Campus
UOW and Dragons partnership reaches new milestone with the official opening of the Bruce Gordon Centre
The University of Wollongong (UOW) and the St George Illawarra Dragons are creating new opportunities across education, research and community engagement through their growing partnership.
The official opening of the Bruce Gordon Centre at UOW’s Innovation Campus today marks a major milestone in the collaboration between the University and one of Australia’s most recognised sporting organisations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially unveils the Bruce Gordon Centre plaque at UOW's Innovation Campus.
Officially opened by Prime Minister the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, the Bruce Gordon Centre brings the Dragons’ elite pathways, administration and community programs together under one roof, creating new opportunities for collaboration with UOW across education, research, innovation and community engagement.
The partnership is already delivering tangible benefits for UOW students, with more than 30 internships currently in place across the Dragons’ football and broader business operations, in areas like exercise science, nutrition and sports management.
UOW students also recently took part in a dedicated Sports Marketing Immersive Experience, providing 90 students with insight into the commercial, communications, events and fan engagement functions that support a professional sporting organisation.
Active undergraduate and PhD scholarships are further reinforcing the partnership, creating new pathways for UOW students to contribute to sport, business and community‑focused projects.
UOW Vice‑Chancellor and President Professor G. Q. Max Lu AO said the opening of the Bruce Gordon Centre reflected the strength of the relationship between UOW and the Dragons and their shared commitment to the region.
"UOW congratulates the St George Illawarra Dragons on opening the Bruce Gordon Centre - a significant milestone in our partnership and an important addition to the Illawarra," Professor Lu said.
"Through internships, scholarships and immersive industry placements, this partnership bridges the classroom and sports industry, letting students learn directly from a professional sporting organisation at the heart of our community."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cuts the ribbon at the official opening of the Bruce Gordon Centre at UOW's Innovation Campus, with Dragons and UOW leadership in attendance.
Bachelor of Business student Hannah Austin said participating in the Sports Marketing Immersive Experience had been a valuable addition to her studies.
“This has been a great experience for both my degree and future career,” Ms Austin said.
“I’d love to work in the NRL or with the Dragons in some capacity in the future, so having the opportunity to see behind the scenes and learn more about the different roles across the organisation has been incredibly valuable.
“Experiences like this are helping me figure out where I want to take my career in sports marketing.”
Dragons Chairman Andrew Lancaster thanked the University of Wollongong as the club marks a major milestone with the opening of the Bruce Gordon Centre.
“Today marks a significant moment in the history of the St George Illawarra Dragons,” Lancaster said.
“The Bruce Gordon Centre gives our club a home that matches our ambition — not only for our elite teams but also for our pathways, staff, partners, supporters, and our Community programs.
“We are incredibly grateful to the NSW Government, the Federal Government and the University of Wollongong for their partnership and belief, which have made this possible.”
The partnership also includes a range of community and student engagement initiatives, including Dragons involvement in UOW Open Day, student and staff discounts across Dragons tickets, merchandise and memberships, and UOW’s role as match‑day partner for the Dragons’ Round 22 NRL fixture against the Dolphins at WIN Stadium, Wollongong, on Friday 31 July.
The opening of the Bruce Gordon Centre represents a new chapter in the UOW and Dragons partnership, with both organisations focused on using the power of sport, education and community connection to deliver lasting benefits for the Illawarra.