Greater Higher Education offering in Hastings

16 July 2004

“The latest round of government funded university places will be a great boost for people in the Hastings Region,” said Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian English.

From 2005, there will be 70 new university places at the Port Macquarie Tertiary Education campus, pipelining to 191 by 2008.

“This new intake will dramatically increase higher education opportunities in the Hastings Region and firmly establish the University of Newcastle in the area”, said the Acting Vice-Chancellor.

University of Newcastle programs began at the Port Macquarie Campus this year, with 15 Nursing places and 15 Bachelor of Applied Science places. Those students will go into their second year in 2005 and with the new places; it will bring university students numbers to 100.

“It is a significant achievement to have reached this stage of higher education delivery in just two years, “he said.

The Hastings Education Consultative Group made up of Hastings Council, TAFE NSW -North Coast Institute, the University of Newcastle, Southern Cross University and community representatives have worked with the Federal Member for Lynne, Mark Vaile and other local political representatives over the past 2 years to establish higher education in the Hastings.

“A University brings enormous benefits to a region, socially, culturally and economically, “said the Acting Vice-Chancellor, “It is a major employer in itself and creates employment opportunities by providing research and expertise to local industry and local university graduates feed their skills back into the community.” Director of TAFE NSW’s North Coast Institute, Mr Neil Black, agreed. “Access to higher education, building the knowledge and skill base of our region and creating multiple career pathways are key priorities for us, and partnerships like this are leading the way in achieving these priorities.”

Mr Black said, “Having a higher education provider in the Hastings Region means some students will no longer have to travel to attend university. It allows people to go to university part time while maintaining their local employment and local TAFE graduates have a chance to articulate into University programs.”

Professor English said that the 70 new places in 2005 will be offered in Nursing, Aged Care, Information Technology and Business and Management. “Students at the Port Macquarie campus receive the same quality programs as those offered at the Callaghan and Central Coast campuses with the bonus of smaller classes and additional support,” he said.

“The University of Newcastle is committed to creating over time, the same broad range of University services in the Hastings Region as it has in the Hunter and the Central Coast,” said the Acting Vice-Chancellor.

For information and interviews contact Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian English on 02 49215114 OR Neil Black on 02 65 88 2112 (after 3:30 pm)