La Trobe University has unveiled plans for a $10.5 million redevelopment of its Shepparton campus, including high-tech clinical teaching spaces, modern study areas, and a flexible space for community events.
With building works to commence in late 2022, the project will improve the study experience for hundreds of local students, and enable the University to enrol more students in critical areas like nursing.
The Australian Government will contribute $5 million towards the project, with the remainder coming from La Trobe.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar AO said, as regional Australia experiences critical workforce shortages in health and education, this project is needed more than ever.
"Our Shepparton campus already produces around 100 graduates a year in areas such as nursing, education, business, arts and social work - the majority of whom go on to work in the local region," Professor Dewar said.
"This project will not only provide more spaces to collaborate, study and socialise, it will help us enrol more nursing students - something desperately needed by our health partners and the local community."
Professor Dewar said the project is also designed to better connect the community - and hundreds of local students studying online - to La Trobe's high-tech research and teaching facilities.
"We'd love to see more research partners and members of the community gathering on the campus, meeting our academics and teaching staff, exploring ideas, and participating in events," Professor Dewar said.
"Our fully online students - studying a diverse range of courses such as psychology, food and nutrition, business and arts - will also have more opportunities to study on campus, and connect with their lecturers and potential future employers."
Federal Member for Nicholls, the Hon. Damian Drum said the project would further cement La Trobe's vital role in the Shepparton community.
"The redevelopment plans unveiled today are very exciting, not only for La Trobe University and its students, but also for the wider region," Mr Drum said.
"Research shows that a large number of La Trobe graduates will continue to live regionally following the completion of their degree in Shepparton, which helps fill critical labour shortages, particularly in the areas of nursing and social work.
"I'm proud that The Nationals in government are supporting this important project with $5 million of federal funding and I very much look forward to watching the redevelopment take shape," Mr Drum said.
The Shepparton campus redevelopment project includes:
- A future-proof design, which means floors can be added as the campus grows
- An expanded library, modern study spaces, and a flexible community events and gallery space
- A doubling of the current clinical learning area where nursing students train in a simulated hospital environment
- Expanded Ngarrapna space, where Indigenous students can study and access specialised support
- Workspaces for external partners to use, encouraging more industry engagement and collaboration
- Outdoor spaces for staff and students to work, study and socialise
La Trobe is now consulting with its Regional Advisory Board, and key industry and community partners, on the details of the plan.
