2006 Media Releases
Wednesday, 29 November 2006
La Trobe University increases support to drought-affected communities
La Trobe University has launched a comprehensive program to assist regional communities and students whose families have been affected by drought.
Initiatives include $400,000 in scholarships for first year students enrolling in agriculture science courses at the University in 2007. The University will provide more than 60 agriculture science scholarships to the same value as the first year HECS fee.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Stoddart, said the initiative recognises the crisis faced by Victorian agriculture and regional industries as a result of drought and significant skills shortages.
At the same time, it supports students who may not have been in a financial position to take up university study this year.
An additional $50,000 in accommodation bursaries is available to help students at the Bendigo campus which attracts many students from areas hardest hit by drought.
The campus already has the biggest independently-run university student accommodation facility in Victoria, with 580 single bedrooms. It plans to develop more residential places.
With the largest number of regional campuses of any University in Victoria, Professor Stoddart said: ‘La Trobe University realises that the drought is a critical issue facing many of our students’ families and the regional communities we serve.
‘It is imperative that opportunities to access tertiary education are not diminished as a result of drought. Skills growth in regional areas needs to be supported to train qualified professionals for the future.’
Professor Stoddart said increased scholarships this year included Commonwealth Learning Scholarships to support students with accommodation and education costs.
‘The University has introduced Study Support and Academic Excellence scholarships, as well as scholarships for Indigenous students. These are valued between $2,000 and $5,000.’
The University has also expanded its Employment and Careers Unit to provide additional employment and workplace experience.
‘We are partnering with alumni and industry to increase student experience in 2007 by providing employment related to their studies. This will not only provide much-needed income during their course – but also assist skills development and their professional networks.’
La Trobe University is also extending its research to help regional communities with one of the most challenging issues facing Australia – water shortages.
‘We have announced a major feasibility study to establish an Institute for Water Research based at the University’s regional campuses, to be jointly funded by the State Department of Education and Training and the University’, Professor Stoddart said.
Further information:
Agriculture science courses: www.latrobe.edu.au/agriculture
Residential bursaries: www.latrobe.edu.au/residentialservices/faqs.html
Scholarships and applications: www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships or Tel: 03 5444 7720
Media inquiries:
David Ensor, Director, Industry & Community Engagement, La Trobe University, Tel: 03 5444 7847 or 03 9479 3831
Sally Routledge Tel: 03 5444 7374, Email: s.routledge@latrobe.edu.au