La Trobe’s investments in high-tech dentistry, nursing labs and teaching facilities, its collaborations with industry, including Deloitte, and the pathways available to help regional students succeed demonstrate the University’s strong ties to Bendigo.
Marg O’Rourke, Bendigo Head of Campus, said Open Day was a chance for the community to see this in action and discover how they can join a network of La Trobe alumni contributing to the future of regional Victoria.
“Open Day is more than just a look at our courses - it’s a celebration of what makes Bendigo unique,” Marg said.
“We will show what’s possible when education, community and innovation come together for the future of our region.”
Visitors will experience first-hand how La Trobe is helping shape Bendigo’s future:
- Tour La Trobe's $21 million investment into the Clinical School of Dentistry and Oral Health, designed to meet regional healthcare needs and train future professionals in world-class facilities.
- Explore industry-connected teaching labs and speak with academics about La Trobe’s wide range of courses, from nursing, health science, education and visual arts to business, law and criminology.
- Join the La Trobe Business School for an interactive session on how Artificial Intelligence is transforming work and life, with insights into how regional industries are adapting and innovating.
- Connect with local employers and community organisations to learn about career pathways, scholarships and regional support.
Students seeking certainty in their final years of school can discover new pathways into studying at La Trobe, including early-entry programs and the University's Aspire Program.
In addition to Bendigo’s flagship courses across nursing and midwifery, paramedicine, dentistry, education, law, engineering, visual arts and biomedical sciences, a range of courses offered online will also be on full display.
When Jorja Bish attended La Trobe Bendigo’s Open Day as a Year 12 student, it confirmed her desire to study a Bachelor of Criminology and pursue a future career tackling issues of justice and inequality.
“Open Day for me was the moment my ambition turned into a reality. I was impressed by the supportive community, the size of the campus and everything the criminology degree had to offer,” Jorja said.
Throughout her degree, Jorja has immersed herself in opportunities available to regional students, such as becoming a Student Ambassador and studying abroad.
“In my role as a Student Ambassador, I represent the University at events, expos and Open Days, sharing my experiences, including my semester abroad at Louisianna State University, with prospective students,” Jorja said.
“This role has given me valuable opportunities to strengthen my public speaking, communication and leadership skills. It has also allowed me to build professional networks, collaborate effectively within a team setting and gain experiences that will be highly transferable to future career pathways.”
Aspiring AFL player Riley Dillon found out about La Trobe’s Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science degree through the Bendigo Pioneers, where he’s currently co-captain of the under 18s boys’ team.
"Two of our strength and conditioning coaches undertook similar degrees and they both had an immense impact on my ACL recovery and return to play,” Riley said.
“Their support and professionalism made it clear to me that I wanted to be part of someone else’s journey, like they did with me.”
Riley is among 20 regional students in La Trobe’s emerging athletes' program, which provides gym membership access and educational sessions to assist in their academic and sporting journeys.
“Studying at La Trobe has made it super easy for myself in pursuing a professional career in football,” Riley said.
“The Emerging Athletes program gives me endless resources to become a better person, player and teammate, including access to nutrition counselling, personal trainers and tailored programs.”
While Riley’s goal is to be the next AFL draft pick from Bendigo, he knows the skills acquired during his time at La Trobe will be transferrable no matter where life leads.
“Wherever I end up, I know the skills and values La Trobe has given me will hold me in good stead for the rest of my career and life,” Riley said.
Event details and highlights:
- The La Trobe Bendigo Open Day will be held on Sunday 24 August, between 9am and 2pm.
- Food trucks, live music and entertainment will be available for all to enjoy.
- Register for the Bendigo Open Day.
Media Contact
Jess Whitty - j.whitty@latrobe.edu.au, 0481 383 817
