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Western Sydney University is set to launch Western Sydney University – Fairfield Connect in the heart of Fairfield – making university more accessible for the people of western Sydney and bringing it closer to where they live and work.
Western Sydney University – Fairfield Connect will be located at 54 Smart Street in the Fairfield CBD and will be a tech-enabled place for study and engagement for both current and future students as well as the broader community. It is expected to commence operating by the start of 2024.
Chancellor Professor Jennifer Westacott AO and Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Barney Glover AO made the announcement, joined by Federal Minister for Education and Member for Blaxland, the Hon. Jason Clare MP, and Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy and Member for McMahon, the Hon. Chris Bowen MP.
The University's announcement of Western Sydney University – Fairfield Connect follows the release of the interim report by the Australian Universities Accord panel as part of its comprehensive review of higher education in Australia.
Among the panel's five immediate recommendations, endorsed by Minister Clare, is boosting the number of university Study Hubs in regional and outer metropolitan areas to make higher education more accessible for all Australians.
At Western Sydney University – Fairfield Connect students will be able to access computers, high-speed internet and video-conferencing facilities for learning, as well as resources and support services for adult literacy, careers and employability. There will also be a strong emphasis on engaging with the community through a number of the University's programs including the Launch Pad business incubator, a future industries discovery centre, its Academy program for high achievers and its pathways initiative, The College, which will all have a presence at the site.
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Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO, said the University is pleased to announce Western Sydney University – Fairfield Connect, which will add to the University's established presence throughout the fast-growing western Sydney region.
"Western Sydney University – Fairfield Connect makes university study more visible and more attainable. As Minister Clare himself has said: 'If you can't see it, you can't be it'. A hub conveniently located in their own neighbourhood puts the opportunity of a university education firmly in the sights of future students," said Professor Glover.
"It also removes barriers to study such as a lack of transport or a long commute to campus, when we know students are already juggling equally-important commitments like family and work."
Professor Jennifer Westacott AO, the University's Chancellor, said Western Sydney University is passionate about ensuring the rate of higher education attainment in western Sydney – one of the most socially, economically and culturally diverse regions in Australia – keeps pace with other parts of Sydney.
"With 65 per cent of our students the first in their family to attend university, we know the life-changing impact that successfully completing a university degree has – not only on students, but on their families and broader communities," said Professor Westacott.
"As an anchor institution for western Sydney, our University plays a vital role in significantly increasing the number of highly-skilled graduates from all backgrounds needed to help drive Australia's future economic growth. We must ensure that all hard-working and talented students who want to go to university get that opportunity and – most critically – can share in our nation's prosperity."
