For the first time, the campus has collaborated with a community market for its Open Day; designed to showcase how the University is an integrated part of local life and not just a place for formal education.
Dr Guinever Threlkeld, Albury-Wodonga Head of Campus, said this year’s event reinforced the campus’ accessibility and relevance to people at all stages of life.
“We’re proud to open our doors to the community and showcase how La Trobe supports learning, connection and opportunity at every life stage,” Dr Threlkeld said.
“This Open Day is about celebrating the role our campus plays in bringing people together to build a skilled and resilient regional workforce.”
Hands-on activities will be hosted inside the new $4.9 million nursing Clinical Simulation Suite along with expos, interactive displays, campus tours and information sessions covering the breadth of courses at La Trobe.
In addition to the flagship courses across nursing, psychology, education, social work, biological and biomedical sciences offered in person at Albury-Wodonga, a range of courses offered online or at other regional campuses, such as nutrition, paramedicine, law and criminology, will be on full display too.
For William Coghlan, an injury 12 months ago and years of “indecisiveness and uncertainty” were the catalysts for plunging into a psychology career earlier this year.
“I was in a career that never felt like it was for me. I always thought I should study but an injury last year ended up swaying me to bite the bullet and pursue a new career path,” William said.
“I was already reading books on the subject as a hobby, so I thought I might as well pursue my interests. I do feel as though it has been the best decision for me.”
Like William, third-year student Annabel Young was inspired to pursue higher education locally after attending a La Trobe Open Day. Annabel ‘s interest in dressmaking led her to enrol into a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in sociology and marketing.
“The tours and activities were engaging and highlighted the diverse and exciting breadth of opportunities offered at La Trobe,” Annabel said.
Annabel is a Student Ambassador and part of La Trobe's Regional Connect program. It ensures online students are prepared with the skills and unique needs of their communities through local placements, campus events and industry networks.
“The program is a perfect bridge between online and in-person study, allowing flexibility and connection,” Annabel said.
“Being a Regional Connect student does take more initiative but you truly do have the same opportunities as on-campus students in joining clubs and societies, making friends, travelling during studies and forging amazing work connections.”
Event details and highlights:
- The La Trobe Albury-Wodonga Open Day will be held on Sunday 17 August, between 9am and 2pm.
- Food trucks, live music and the community markets will be available for all to enjoy.
- Beechworth artist Adrian Osborne will be on site from 10am to 12pm, offering free cartoons and caricatures in under two minutes.
Sean Hay, Ultimate Events market organiser, said the collaboration with La Trobe at Sunday's Open Day would create an inviting and inclusive atmosphere, with an “element of surprise”.
“We enjoy collaboration, especially with education institutions and having a market component at Open Day will offer something for everyone,” Sean said.
“While the prospective student is talking to their potential teachers, their parents, guardians or friends who joined them at Open Day might enjoy browsing through the market stalls and connecting with local people.”
Media Contact
Jess Whitty - j.whitty@latrobe.edu.au, 0481 383 817
