New home for Medical School and aquaculture research

Jul 11, 2005

Work is about to start on a new building at the University of Wollongong’s Shoalhaven Campus that will be home to the Shoalhaven Marine and Freshwater Centre and UOW’s Graduate School of Medicine.

The Shoalhaven Marine and Freshwater Centre (SMFC) and the Graduate School of Medicine (GSM) will share the new building. Both facilities will add important new dimensions to education on the NSW South Coast.

The SMFC is a research, development and training centre being established to encourage industries based on marine and freshwater aquaculture to be established on the South Coast. Its activities will include aquaculture research and development with a particular focus on farm-based pond and tank aquaculture; studies of fish biology and habitats in commercial and recreational fisheries in the region; coastal environment management; investigating and developing marine bio-resources; and industry training and teaching programs.

The Centre will act as a driver for sustainable development of the region’s marine, freshwater and coastal resources.

The Australian Government Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS) has provided significant funding for the Centre’s construction through its Regional Partnerships program.

The Graduate School of Medicine will be jointly located at UOW’s Wollongong and Shoalhaven campuses. The Shoalhaven facility will include a Clinical Skills Centre where medical students will gain hands-on practice of clinical skills; a Clinical Examination Suite where students will develop skills in a mock clinical environment; tutorial rooms, a common room and offices.

The GSM is projected to accept its first students in 2007.

MEDIA INVITATION

The media are invited to a ground-breaking ceremony for the new building conducted by Member for Gilmore Joanna Gash. GSM Foundation Dean Professor John Hogg and SMFC Director Associate Professor Ron West will also attend, and will be available for interviews. Design for the building will be on display.

When: Friday, 15 July at 12 noon.Where: University of Wollongong Shoalhaven Campus, George Evans Road, West Nowra

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128