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Unique combination of university and TAFE servicesThursday 30 October, 2003Representatives from the Hastings Council, University of Newcastle, Southern Cross University and TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute have today signed a unique memorandum of understanding (MOU) which will guide the development of tertiary education in the region. The long term vision of the four organisations, dependant on continued Federal Government support and demonstrated community demand, is to establish a Port Macquarie Tertiary Campus in the Hastings. The MOU outlines how the four organisations will work together to facilitate the development, planning and operational procedures for such a facility. According to Hastings Deputy Mayor Councillor Jim Pearson, the MOU is a very real step forward in the four organisations working together to identify and meet the tertiary education needs of the local community. “The Hastings Higher Education Consultative Group has for some time been investigating the need to provide face to face higher education to students of the Hastings, so that they don’t have to leave the area to pursue tertiary studies. Today’s signing of an agreement between the Council, the Universities and the Institute is the first time we’ve had a blueprint for sharing existing facilities, joint planning and a clear vision of a model that would combine the two universities and build on the existing TAFE network.” While planning and development for a Tertiary Campus is ongoing, local students from both Southern Cross and Newcastle universities are already using the resources of the North Coast Institute through the Learner Support Centre. The Institute and the Universities are also exploring bridging programs for enrolled nurses wishing to upgrade their qualifications to Bachelor degree level. The Federal Government has recently announced, subject to the passage of its higher education legislation, the allocation of 15 places to the University of Newcastle for local students to study nursing in 2004, based in Port Macquarie. In addition, Southern Cross University has dedicated 15 places for delivery of its bachelor of Nursing course in Port Macquarie, commencing first semester 2004. “The allocation of the nursing places and the guarantee of places in the University of Newcastle’s Bachelor of Applied Information Technology degree program for graduates of the North Coast Institute are realistic indications of how positive this partnership can be,” said Councillor Pearson. As part of the MOU signing the representatives also unveiled a plaque
to commemorate the dedication and passion for tertiary education in the
region shown by former Hastings Mayor, Wayne Richards. Mr Richards was
the inaugural chair of the Hastings Higher Education Consultative Group
and it is hoped that the plaque will one day be incorporated into new
facilities as part of the Port Macquarie Tertiary Campus. For more information or to arrange an interview
please contact
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Media Release - University of Newcastle
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