ECU offers innovative and practical courses across a variety of disciplines and we have a vibrant research culture. ECU is a leader in developing alternative entry pathways to higher education.
We have three campuses in Western Australia. Joondalup and Mount Lawley in the Perth metropolitan area and our South West campus in Bunbury, 200km south of the Perth CBD.
ECU provides a variety of services and facilities that go beyond the classroom, with opportunities for personal development and social interaction for students and staff.
We collaborate with all types of businesses, including new start-ups, small to medium enterprises, not-for-profits, community organisations, government and large corporates in the resources sector.
Children's University Edith Cowan aims to inspire students between seven and fourteen to develop confidence and a love of learning through validated activities beyond the school curriculum.
The Inspiring Minds scholarship program are equity scholarships that give students an opportunity to access an education that may otherwise be out of reach.
1998: Head of School, School of Community Studies, ECU.
1995 - 1998: Board Member, Joondalup Community Foundation (Inc) and Trust.
1996 - 1997: Western Australian Work and Child Care Advisory Service - Member
1992 - 1994: Chair of Department of Human Services, ECU.
1986 - 1988: Children’s Advisory Council, [Inaugural Member] Western Australia (Ministerial appointment)
1985 - 1988: Child Care Planning Committee, Western Australia (Ministerial appointment)
Professional associations
Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) - member
International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect – member
National Association of Human Services (NOHS), US – member
International Association for Community Development (IACD) – member
Institute of Community Directors Australia - member
Social Care Institute of Excellence (SCIE) – UK
Awards and recognition
University and National Teaching Awards
2019: Australian Award for University Teaching (AAUT): Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning
2011: Executive Dean’s Award
2010: Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
National and International Research Positions
2002: Visiting Scholar to Centre for Children and Family Studies, Advent Links-SAUC, Singapore
Research areas and interests
Vulnerable people and communities and rights
Application of the knowledge in enhancing wellbeing of people and communities
Research reports
Banham, V., Adusei-Asante, K., Pelden, S., Hopkins, L. & Jau, J. (2022). Evaluation Report: Tenacious House Intake and Intervention & Continuing Care Services. Edith Cowan University/Tenacious House, Western Australia.
Banham, V., Adusei-Asante, K., Pelden, S., Hopkins, L. & Jau, J. (2022). Evaluation Report: Continuing Care Services. Edith Cowan University/Tenacious House.
Banham, V., Adusei-Asante, K., Pelden, S., Hopkins, L. & Jau, J. (2021). Evaluability Assessment Report. Edith Cowan University/Tenacious House, Western Australia.