Joondalup is in the same time zone as many markets in Asia, which are Australia’s largest trading partners.
This simple slice of time is a reflection of the many ways Joondalup is a Global City, looking outward from its position astride the Indian Ocean.
This “think local and act global” attitude drives innovation, fosters greater education and business opportunities, and makes Joondalup an attractive place to live and work for people seeking a vibrant community.
As a City that is the CBD of the North and has matured in population growth, we have a strong role in supporting businesses to be born global or support in getting global ready.
China links drive local jobs
For fifteen years Joondalup has cultivated a Sister City relationship with Jinan, the capital of Shandong province in China’s east.
With an economy focused on education and technology, Jinan reflects Joondalup’s focus on these valuable sectors, and together the cities are helping each other thrive.
- The economic benefit for the City is in excess of $70 million in output, $26 million in value added and the employment of 247 full time employees.
- Students from the Joondalup Learning Precinct partners
– ECU, North Metropolitan TAFE and the WA Police Academy – have had opportunities to visit the two cities and complete work experience for their studies.
- Cultural and commercial activities have been established, encouraging and attracting a variety of business investors and visitors from around the world.
- In 2019, St Mark’s Anglican Community School joined the Australia - ASEAN BRIDGE School Partnerships Program to establish an international school partnership with No. (5), BEHS, Kyeemyindaing in Myanmar to improve student learning outcomes.
St Mark’s is one of 35 schools around Australia embarking on a nationally acclaimed program aimed at fostering greater ties between Australia and Myanmar through education.
- Representatives from Joondalup’s health and wellness community have been invited to participate in the development of a wellness precinct in HuZhou.
The Sister City relationship with Jinan is a firm demonstration of Joondalup’s efforts to generate international economic activity and bring greater vibrancy.
Local businesses interested in expanding their products or services to international markets, and international businesses seeking to expand into WA know that Joondalup is open for trade.
International students raise Joondalup’s profile
As well as being a great place for international business and trade, Joondalup is active in encouraging international students to pursue their education at its world-class facilities.
ECU’s Joondalup campus and the North Metropolitan TAFE facility host a wide array of overseas students who enjoy the lifestyle and amenities the City offers.
- The City is culturally diverse with more than 37.8 per cent
of residents born overseas.
- Joondalup attracts approximately 6,000 students – 15 per cent of Perth’s international student market share.
- In June 2019, Joondalup attracted over 6,222 overseas
enrolments.
- Countries of origin for students into Joondalup are India, Pakistan, China, Bhutan, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Brazil, Vietnam and the Philippines.
- ECU has achieved a 5-star rating for teaching quality and is ranked in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
International students contribute millions of dollars of revenue to the local economy in education fees, rent, retail spending and more.
Students also add vibrancy, fresh ideas and new perspectives to the City, making it a Destination City rich in diversity.
StudyPerth has been instrumental in enabling and enhancing Joondalup’s access to global talent. CEO Phil Payne says Joondalup has been a popular choice with international students for many years.
“Encouraging international students to pursue their education in Joondalup gives them opportunity for a great experience and world-class facilities all set within a beautiful natural environment and local amenities that they can enjoy to the fullest,” he says.
‘It’s this combination of living and learning that entices many students to stay on, gaining employment or residency so they can launch their careers and contribute their global skills to the local economy. Every student who studies in Joondalup becomes an ambassador for the city.”
The City is working with StudyPerth to create additional opportunities that encourage students to choose Joondalup and stay on, with a focus on employment – the key driver for student engagement.
These include working with Practera, an education start-up focused on linking international students to their desired careers, and the Global Trade Accelerator, an Australia-wide program placing international students with businesses.
The goal is to attract more international students to Joondalup and foster opportunities for employment so they stay.
This adds significantly to Joondalup’s diverse and growing economy, solidifying the international links it has as a truly Global City.
