MORE THAN A PLACE: A SLICE OF ECU

WRITTEN BY EVAN SMITH

When the ECU Joondalup campus was established in 1991, it opened its doors to what would become thousands of students over the years, starting them on their journey into tertiary education.

32 years on and our campus is now home to a diverse ecosystem of people and community. A place not only home to education, but also culture, stories and memories.

From students to on-campus vendors, past and present, the people at ECU have been the driving force behind our unfolding narrative. A narrative that becomes larger and larger each year.

At the heart of our campus is Slice of Italy, a family run Italian Pizzeria that has been a colossal part of ECU Joondalup for the past 15 years.

Bordering the lake, it has served many a hungry student since its grand opening in 2008, serving a variety of Italian cuisine, as well as every student’s main staple – coffee!

It precedes many of ECU’s current landmarks, includingthelibraryandbuilding34.Withitslong steadhistory,SlicehasseenmanychangesatECU, and has both survived, and prospered through themall–includingthedreadedpandemic!

Most recently, Slice expanded its ECU roots, opening Birra Bar on both Joondalup and Mt Lawley campuses early in 2022. Birra Bar, being ECU’s only metro licensed premises, provides students and staffalikea placetogatherover somemuchdeserved“refreshments”

With a new vibrant location now locked in, Slice has solidified its position as the proprietors of campuslife.

Dircksey met with Slice of Italy, and Birra Bar owner, Rob Pasquale to get his opinion on campus lifeatECU.

What should students know about campus life at ECU?

“The ECU campuses have a lot happening on a daily basis. Students should seek out these events from bars to cafes, Student Guild events and parties. There is always something happening at ECU.”

How does Slice contribute to this across both Mt Lawley and Joondalup campuses?

“Slice of Italy has contributed and will continue to contribute to campus life as it has done for the past 15 years, by providing a comfortable, consistent eating and drinking experience.”

“Our customers can feel at home when they walk into our store, we will always greet them as if they were our own family and make sure they have a great experience.”

What is the best part of being a vendor at ECU?

“The best part of being a vendor at ECU is of course meeting so many amazing people. Many of our students have gone on to great things, including becoming heads of schools and departments at ECU.”

What is the best way for new students to get involved on campus?

“The best way for Students to get involved on campus is to attend as many events as possible, regularly hosted at Birra Bar. The Guild also had a tonne of awesome events going on, as well as many clubs to join. There is also the ECU Jets sports club and Red Star Soccer Club, which both have ties with ECU and are a fantastic way to meet people and enjoy the university experience.”

As mentioned by Rob, when you walk through the doors of Slice, and now by extension Birra Bar, you can’t help but feel a sense of ease and comfort, a similar feeling to coming home after a long day at work.

A family run business that has, over the last decade and a half, sheltered, fed, and entertained a revolving door of students and staff.

A place that has truly cut its own slice out of our university.