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FRE
January 30, 2013
Your independent local newspaper
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Issue 50
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University campus in Gosford formally accepted Memorandum of Understanding to bring a University of Newcastle presence to the Gosford CBD has been signed by the NSW Government’s Central Coast Regional Development Corporation (CCRDC) and the University.
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The Central Coast region’s proportion of 25 to 34 year olds with a Bachelor degree is approximately 15%, falling below the national average of 27%. “The presence of the University of Newcastle in Gosford would be a positive move toward offering more tertiary education options for local residents,” said Minister for the Central Coast, Mr Chris Hartcher. “Research commissioned by the Central Coast Regional Development Corporation indicated that extending higher education on the Central Coast could lead to a boost in participation in university study in the region. “The need for a university presence in the Gosford CBD has also been clearly identified by the community and is reflected in research developed as part of the Gosford City Centre Masterplan. “This is an important step forward in the ongoing revitalisation of Gosford. “A university presence can have a hugely positive impact on a community, bringing an economic and social boost to surrounding areas,” said Mr Hartcher. University of Newcastle vice-chancellor Professor Caroline McMillen said building a highly skilled
Officials at the announcement of the Memorandum of Understanding
workforce through quality education was a priority for the University. “An important focus for the University is to provide more opportunities for people from all walks of life with ability and determination to enter and succeed in higher education,” Professor McMillen said. “Through the presence in Gosford, the University will offer enabling courses that prepare students to thrive at university. “The preparatory courses will be targeted to meet skills gaps in the region to ensure the University’s Gosford presence contributes to the economic and social development of the Central Coast. “Contributing to the region’s growth and development, the University
will also participate in a ‘research and innovation hub’ where our academics and postgraduate researchers can connect with local business to share ideas and foster new knowledge. “The University has a long and demonstrated commitment to providing first-rate education to communities on the Central Coast through our campus at Ourimbah. “We are delighted to be building on this commitment through the establishment of a presence in Gosford,” said Professor McMillen. Gosford Council mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna has also welcomed the announcement and said establishing a university presence in the city centre will go a long way to revitalising Gosford as the
capital of the Central Coast. “A university campus in the heart of Gosford will be a key driver for economic growth and vitality within the Gosford CBD and as such for the Central Coast as a whole. “A university presence will bring people and dollars into the city, attract business and investment and go a long way in helping re-establish Gosford as our regional capital,” said mayor Cr McKinna. The mayor said greater opportunities for higher education at a local level would also help to keep young people in our area and assist in preventing the ‘brain drain’ to the big cities. “Evidence suggests that the Central Coast can not only support another university campus but
would in fact benefit from one. “Increased avenues for participation in tertiary education will help to lift our local levels of higher education in line with those around the state. “Creating greater opportunities for higher education and training will also help to broaden our local skill base and keep our kids on the Coast. “This is a fantastic initiative between CCRDC and the University of Newcastle and I look forward to seeing this agreement activate our City’s heart,” said mayor Cr McKinna. The Federal Member for Robertson Ms Deborah O’Neill said the benefits for Gosford would be significant. “There will be more
opportunities for Central Coast young people to study locally, while businesses will reap the rewards of more people wanting to live, eat and socialise in and around the Gosford CBD. “It is exciting that the University of Newcastle has identified the potential of Gosford to expand. “I would especially like to thank Professor Caroline McMillen for working closely with many local stakeholders to achieve this agreement. “The Ourimbah Campus is a great success story. “It would be fantastic for Gosford to follow suit.” Ms O’Neill said data released by the Gillard Government proved there was a growing appetite for tertiary education on the Central Coast. “Between 2007 and 2011 there has been a 24.5% increase in the number of students from the Robertson electorate enrolled in an undergraduate degree. “Census data shows a whopping 50% jump in the number of Central Coast students enrolled in a higher education course of some kind,” added Ms O’Neill. Gosford Council is currently working with CCRDC on location options for the university, one of which is the town centre redevelopment. Media Release, 18 Jan 2013 Peter McCabe, Office of Deborah O’Neill MP Media Release, 17 Jan 2013 Gosford Council Media Media Release, 17 Jan 2013 Caroline Hutcherson, Office of Chris Hartcher MP