The Shepparton campus will welcome back its entire student cohort by the end of February after more than one year of construction.
The nearly $20 million Shepparton Reimagined Project, supported by the Australian Government, will strengthen La Trobe’s vital role in the community as an anchor institution. The Australian Government’s $5 million contribution complements La Trobe’s $15 million investment.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the development reflected the University’s commitment to improving amenities for students and staff in regional communities and better connecting the community to the campus’ high-tech research and teaching facilities.
“We are committed to enhancing access to higher education, supporting critical workforce demands and providing world-class learning facilities for our students in regional communities,” Professor Farrell said.
“Our reinvigorated Shepparton campus will offer new opportunities for education, research and community engagement, enabling us to work with partners to drive growth and innovation in regional Victoria.”
La Trobe’s conscious investment in electric infrastructure has also placed Shepparton as the University’s first fully electric campus, supporting its wider Net Zero goal by 2029.
In a first for Shepparton, the campus now features dedicated research and industry spaces to facilitate increased collaboration between the University, industry groups and community.
Elizabeth Capp, Shepparton Head of Campus, said these new spaces would attract more industry partners to the campus and offer students invaluable opportunities for work-integrated learning.
“This will enable students to connect on campus with research partners and members of the community and explore innovative solutions to the challenges facing our region,” Elizabeth said.
“La Trobe’s graduates will not only gain skills that are in demand, but they will also remain committed to our region, contributing to Shepparton’s long-term success.
“Our latest data reveals over 87 per cent of Shepparton graduates are employed regionally – a figure that demonstrates the importance of higher education in rural and regional communities.”
The project involved the construction of a new two-storey building that is connected to the original campus and refurbishment of the existing facilities. Its future-proof design enables floors to be added so that the campus continues to meet future demands.
Other key features include expansions to the library and the Ngarrapna Indigenous Unit, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can study and access specialised support.
La Trobe’s strong partnership with GOTAFE ensured there was minimal disruption to teaching during the construction period, with students using its nearby classrooms and the University’s portable facilities.
Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) student Bethany Gray is pleased to spend the remaining two years of her degree back on campus.
“The Shepparton campus has always been a welcoming and supportive environment and students across several disciplines are thrilled to finally reunite in a communal area buzzing with passion, diversity, support and opportunities,” Bethany said.
“We can only anticipate the brilliant opportunities that are ahead of us.”
The redevelopment has seen a doubling of the clinical nursing facilities, providing students with immersive learning experiences designed to prepare them for a successful career in health care. This is a welcome addition for nursing students who were relocated to La Trobe’s temporary nursing hub on Fryers Street during the building works.
The Shepparton campus’ electrification has marked an important step in the project, with the following key features:
- The campus is now powered entirely by renewable energy, with all electricity generated used on site.
- Electric vehicle charging stations for staff, students and the community.
- Centralised electrified heating and cooling systems replace ageing gas infrastructure.
- Solar panels and electric barbeques for sustainable campus events.
“The Shepparton Reimagined Project is more than just a campus upgrade; it is a catalyst for community development, economic growth and educational equity,” Elizabeth said.
“By addressing local workforce needs, offering innovative facilities and fostering sustainability, La Trobe is setting the stage for a brighter future for the Shepparton region and beyond.”
PHOTO: Uncle Paul Briggs OAM, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Regional) Associate Professor Melanie Bish, Lisa McKenzie RAB Shepparton Chair, Sam Birrell MP, Wendy Lovell MP, Chancellor the Hon. John Brumby, Vy Tran student, Deputy Chancellor Meredith Sussex AM, Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell, Ro Allen University Council and Shepparton Head of Campus Elizabeth Capp.
Media Contact
Jess Whitty - j.whitty@latrobe.edu.au, 0481 383 817
