Shepparton campus opens its doors

More than 100 people celebrated the official launch of the new $10.9 million Shepparton campus in December, which has been jointly funded by the Federal Government, the Victorian State Government and La Trobe University.

Transcript

Narrator:

More than 100 people celebrated the official launch of the new $10.9 million Shepparton campus in December, which has been jointly funded by the Federal Government, the Victorian State Government and La Trobe University. The Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations, the Honourable Chris Evans formally opened the campus. He said it will help build on regional capacity by giving all Victorians a chance to have a University education.

Senator Chris Evans:

It’s about encouraging access, if people don’t feel comfortable moving to the city or if they don’t think a university education is for them, this sort of campus gives them the articulation into tertiary education and we have to increase our participation rates, we’ve got skills shortages and this encourages those from regions to take on a University education.

Narrator:

Located on the corner of Fryers Street and North Street, the much-anticipated new building is striking and architecturally impressive, and is one of the most modern University buildings in Australia. La Trobe University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Tim Brown said the new campus is an achievement for the rural community.

Professor Tim Brown:

I think the new building is a fantastic example of what can be achieved with a relatively modest budget, but a budget that has been very carefully targeted to the learning experience of students.

Narrator:

Professor Brown said without the support of GO TAFE the campus wouldn’t be here today.

Professor Tim Brown:

GO TAFE have been absolutely an essential component for La Trobe being here and we are deeply grateful for the generosity with which they have provided facilities for us over the years, and we are very happy that our campus is just across the road from GO TAFE because it means that our interaction will continue well into the future.

Narrator:

Campus Director, Liz Lavender said staff and students are both excited and proud to be able to call the new campus building home.

Liz Lavender:

They are so happy, in fact they are thrilled to pieces to be here, the staff actually moved in late last week and we already feel as though we belong here, its just marvellous. Up until now people haven’t really known we are here, just because we didn’t have our own premises, and this building is so striking, that everyone will know that this is La Trobe University, its right on the corner, it’s accessible to people. I have heard a lot of feedback that people are happy that Shepparton has got a facility like this.

Narrator:

Staff, are already operating out of the new campus and students will begin the 2011 academic year at the Fryers Street building. Ms Lavender says she already has her favourite part of the campus.

Liz Lavender:

I’m sure I am not allowed to say this but the staff room is sensational, so we can have many happy Friday night gatherings I think, and we started last Friday!

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