The partnership proposal asks for investment in higher education across the region – including $6-million for the university’s Wimmera campus, in Horsham, to upgrade workshop, training and construction facilities; and $3-million for an Ararat Student Nursing and Allied Health Clinic – expanding nursing and healthcare training to meet regional health workforce needs.
The university is also seeking $5-million for a student-led mental- health clinic to further strengthen community resilience and wellbeing; and $5.5-million to develop regional learning hubs and mobile rural student support centres across five local government areas – Horsham, Hindmarsh, Northern Grampians, Yarriambiack and West Wimmera.
Also part of the partnership is $3-million to provide 200 rural students in the Wimmera with high-speed satellite internet access and on-campus accommodation for practical training; and $6-million for 100 local engineering TAFE-to-higher-education scholarships to incentivise Federation TAFE engineering graduates to pursue higher education qualification, meeting the growing demands of the region’s engineering sector.
Darren Gray, VET and university pathways pro vice-chancellor and TAFE chief executive, said the partnership would strengthen ties with local government, industry, and education providers to retain the local workforce and address skill shortages.
“Without accessible education, the Wimmera community won’t have the skills and future workforce to support industry transitions or build resilience,” he said.
Mr Gray said the region was a hub for agriculture, renewable energy, and emerging industries, but without targeted investment in education and workforce training, regional businesses would struggle to secure local talent.
“Everyone deserves the chance to get a qualification for in-demand jobs, no matter where they live,” Mr Gray said.
“Investing in the Wimmera region will help Federation grow, support local industries and give students a strong foundation for their careers, encouraging them to stay and contribute to their community.”
Mr Gray said proposed projects such as the State Government’s SEC Renewable Energy Park and mineral sand mines would increase population growth and demand on skills.
“I want to make sure the Wimmera has the skills to make real choices on each of these proposals and can maximise the benefits for its communities,” he said.
“As a dual sector education provider offering both TAFE and university courses, we see the benefits of accessible local education in regional areas.”
Mr Gray said more investment in regional universities was needed to address skill shortages and ensure people could study close to home and their communities.
“I recognise every dollar is important, which is why we are asking government to back our partnership approach to deliver this outcome hand-in-glove with the community,” he said.
“This isn’t just about training more nurses or engineers. Without a skilled local workforce, regional industries like advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and healthcare struggle.
“A strong regional education sector makes the parts of Australia outside of big cities more liveable and prosperous.
“With 70 per cent of students who study regionally staying in the area, and 74 per cent of those who leave not returning, our place-based training model encourages people to remain in the region, supporting the local economy and workforce.”
Mr Gray acknowledged state MPs Martha Haylett, Member for Ripon, and Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney for their support and advocacy for university’s western Victorian campuses, and federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan for his interest in the university’s work.
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