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Uni bids line up By ALANA MITCHELSON MONASH University has received three “strong formal bids” from tertiary education providers for the use of its soon-to-close Berwick campus, with Federation University rumoured to be the preferred institution expected to begin operations as soon as next year. A source, who did not wish to be identified, told the Gazette that Federation University was last week selected to operate from the Berwick site after Federation, La Trobe University and an interstate institution had each submitted “very strong” locally-tailored proposals. Federation University spokesperson Matthew Freeman said that its major Gippsland campus in Churchill had expressed interest in taking responsibility for the Monash campus. Federation University – the then Ballarat University – seized control of Monash University’s Gippsland campus in 2013. Federal Member for La Trobe Jason Wood confirmed that Monash University had selected a “preferred tertiary provider” that proposes to deliver 10 ongoing higher education courses at the Berwick campus, beginning next year while Monash University continued to teach its existing students in a 2017 transition year. “A due diligence process has commenced, and I would expect that the arrangements will be confirmed in the coming weeks,” Mr Wood said. “I have not played politics with this issue. The local community is too important to me for that. “I have worked hard quietly behind the scenes, working with Monash University and the local community and other higher education stakeholders to secure the best possible outcome for the community in and around Berwick.” Mr Wood said the outcome would provide more courses than what was currently offered at the Monash Berwick campus, and would focus on collaboration with TAFE and industry. “The last thing you want is for a university to leave the area,” he said.
Up, up and away! Students at Pakenham Springs Primary School got to dress as their favourite superhero to celebrate the end of a successful term two, where prep student Hunter channelled his best Superman. For the story and more photos, turn to page 22. 155492 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
“It’s such an important longterm decision for the educational needs of the area, and will focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, including engineering, business and IT, to meet local needs.” Mr Wood said a Turnbull Government would seek an extension to VTAC deadlines to provide students clear options for study choices on the campus next year. Federal Labor candidate for La Trobe Simon Curtis said that Federation University would serve as a great asset to Berwick and the wider community. “I’ve worked very hard in this space for over 12 months to ensure that we have quality tertiary education in our local community in Berwick. This is an excellent result,” Mr Curtis said. “Growth in our community has seen a massive need for an increase in access to technical, further and higher education locally available to students. “A Shorten Labor Government would work to establish a Commonwealth Institute of Higher Education to deliver new technical and higher education opportunities in La Trobe where access remains difficult and participation is too low. “Labor will invest up to $20 million in Berwick as a pilot site for this new national initiative.”
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Armed cash grab at servo PAGE 3