Government and education sectors join forces to forge first university presence in southern Sydney
Nov 14, 2003
A unique co-operation between all levels of government and between the University of Wollongong and NSW TAFE will be highlighted at the official launch of a $5 million education/business development precinct at Loftus in southern Sydney on Monday 17 November. The Loftus Education Centre forms part of the precinct where programs will focus on areas of national shortage in the education system such as the training of secondary teachers in the areas of mathematics, science and IT. Students will also receive practical experience in the classroom during all four years of the program, rather than having to wait until the end of their degree. UOW is also working with TAFE NSW, through its Southern Sydney Institute, Loftus Campus, to provide the Bachelor of Business Administration (Hospitality). The program combines practical and theoretical studies with students attending UOW and TAFE at the same time. While the new facility was being constructed, TAFE NSW, through the Southern Sydney Institute, provided accommodation for UOW students at its TAFE College which adjoins the new building. Students will be moving into the new premises at the start of the academic year 2004. One side of the building is already occupied by the Sutherland Shire Hub for Economic Development (SSHED) that provides a nurturing environment for up to 24 innovative businesses that need initial start-up support and mentoring. Among businesses taking advantage of SSHED are UOW Informatics graduates such as Ben Richardson and David Greiner who have established an information technology business called Switch I.T. (website located at http://www.switchit.com). Switch I.T.'s core services include traditional software development, website, intranet and extra development, content management systems and customer relationship management systems. In less than four years since leaving UOW, Ben and David have built an impressive client base, working for more than 65 companies in Australia, the United States and Hong Kong. The University connection is set to continue as Ben and David plan to hire a UOW Computer Science graduate soon. "UOW is already the University of choice for southern Sydney students and the new Loftus Education Centre will provide new education opportunities for people in the shire," UOW Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gerard Sutton said. Media please note: About 200 guests will attend the launch of the education/business development precinct including the Federal Member for Hughes, Danna Vale (who will also be representing the Minister for Small Business and Tourism, Joe Hockey); the NSW Minister for Small Business (representing the NSW Premier), David Campbell; the Mayor of Sutherland Shire, Cr Phil Blight; and UOW Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gerard Sutton. Venue: Sutherland Shire Hub for Economic Development and the University of Wollongong Loftus Education Centre, located at Southern Sydney Institute of TAFE NSW, 1 Pitt Street, Loftus (off Rawson Avenue). Further information: Contact the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gerard Sutton on (02) 4221 3909; the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Rob Castle on (02) 4221 3960 or (02) 4267 2838 (home); or the Education Centre Co-ordinator, Ms Larissa Patti on (02) 9710 5907. Background briefing note on how government tiers and education sectors joined forces to develop the precinct: Sutherland Shire Council and the University of Wollongong co-operated to construct the building. The State Government contributed the land through a 40-year lease to Council and UOW. TAFE NSW, through its Southern Sydney Institute, provided UOW with accommodation within TAFE at Loftus during construction of the facility. The Federal Government allocated university places through its Innovation Plan, Backing Australia's Ability, and contributed $1 million to the cost of the construction and fit-out while UOW also contributed funding.
For more information, contact:
media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128
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