No doubt it’s been a while since you’ve been on campus. With some face-to-face teaching returning for Semester 1, there’s a lot to look forward to if you’re coming back soon for classes. Here’s a recap on some things that changed at the Bendigo and Albury-Wodonga campuses while you were gone.

Bendigo:

Bendigo Transformation Program

Remember the Bendigo Campus Transformation Program, which included the Engineering Technology Building, the Entry Plaza and the Sports Change Rooms and Field Lighting? Well, the final piece of that puzzle – the expanded Library and Student Union building – is complete! The space includes an increased number of open and informal learning spaces for individual and group study, a student-centred support zone and The Sandhurst Lounge – a dedicated space to view the historic Sandhurst Collection.

New solar carports

Next time you rock up to campus, one of the biggest changes you’ll see will be more than 1,900 solar panels atop some new carports in Car Parks 1 and 2, as well as the rooftops of the GDP, SSC and ED buildings. Not only do the new solar carports provide some much-needed shade to around 200 cars during the warmer months (goodbye hot steering wheel and seatbelt buckle!) – together with the additional rooftop solar they’ll produce 830kw of renewable energy – the equivalent of 160 household systems! This project is part of our efforts to make our regional campuses Net Zero by 2022.

Out of this world seating

Speaking of solar panels, there’s some pretty innovative and unique new solar powered furniture in the Entry Plaza. Need a little charge or maybe some WiFi? The seats include a mix of wireless and USB charging, WiFi boosting signals and LED lights.

New Internet of Things Lab

Early last year, room 218 in the Engineering and Technology Building was converted into a computer lab for the new Master of Internet of Things course.

Albury-Wodonga:

A new solar carport

Just like in Bendigo, the biggest change you’ll probably see on campus is another solar carport, right behind the existing one. It has 270 panels and will produce 110kw – the same as 25 household systems – and will add extra shade to the area during the hot summers. Did you know more than 40% of electricity generated at the Albury-Wodonga Campus is now from on-site renewables? That’s pretty neat – and gets us well on our way to being Net Zero.

New wetland research facilities

Just to the north of Building 8, you might notice some interesting looking tubs. This is the new home of the Wonga Wetlands Research Facilities, which moved to our campus from Splitters Creek. The fenced site includes a greenhouse, storage shed and around 30 research tubs.

As you can see, there’s been a few changes in the regions to improve our buildings, facilities and grounds to make them safer and a better environment for students.