La Trobe University’s Shepparton campus marked the launch of a new chapter with a $20 million redevelopment project.
Vice-Chancellor John Dewar expressed enthusiasm about the impact the development would have on the region.
He emphasised the university’s ongoing commitment to its regional campuses and the significant boost the redevelopment would offer local students.
“We are turning the sod on our new campus extension, which is a $20 million project partly funded by the Federal Government but mostly funded by La Trobe University,” Professor Dewar said.
“The objective of the Shepparton extension is to improve the capacity to train nursing and allied health students so we can expand the number of students we can train and teach.
“But (also) to improve the facilities more generally for students and the library, learning spaces and more generally to cater for an increased number of students, which we’re delighted to be welcoming to the campus.”
Prof Dewar also touched on the advantages of studying at a regional campus and highlighted how students who studied regionally were more likely to remain in the region, helping to build and sustain local communities.
He also drew attention to the growing need for graduates in clean energy and net-zero emission sectors, noting that most of the future workforce in this field would be based in regional Australia.
Shepparton campus head Elizabeth Capp echoed Prof Dewar’s sentiments, expressing excitement about the long-awaited project.
“I’ve been the head of campus for almost five years, we’ve been talking about this project for pretty much all that time, and various things happened along the way which have delayed it,” she said.
“So it’s very, very exciting to be finally getting started.”
Bachelor of Education student and Greater Shepparton local Aakrati Shetty welcomed the redevelopment, emphasising its potential to improve learning spaces and experiences for students, including creating outdoor learning areas.
Miss Shetty also noted the benefits of having a local university for students who grew up in the region, making it easier for them to enter the local workforce after graduation.
Several political figures also welcomed the development. Victorian Senator Jana Stewart said the project was an “incredible opportunity” for the local community and a magnet for students wanting to study in the Shepparton area.
Senator Stewart said that as someone from regional Victoria, she was passionate about ensuring regional communities had equal access to quality education.
State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe said the progress in education the redevelopment symbolised was critical and had opened the doors for many local individuals to pursue their career paths while remaining in their home region.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali expressed admiration for the university’s decision to continue with the project despite challenges posed by COVID-19 and rising costs.
Cr Sali also welcomed the awarding of the contract to local company Crow Constructions.