Ministers statements: Deakin University 50th anniversary
Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:25): I rise to recognise a special milestone for Deakin University, one of Victoria’s world-class regional universities. Deakin University was established on 10 December 1974, creating regional Victoria’s first tertiary institution. This means Deakin University will soon reach and celebrate its 50th anniversary. Over the last century Deakin has made an enormous contribution to our state by connecting working Victorians to jobs through partnerships with industry and business. Deakin now ranks in the top 1 per cent of universities worldwide, with one of the best records of student satisfaction in our state. With campuses in Burwood, Waurn Ponds, at the Geelong waterfront and Warrnambool, Deakin has always played a crucial role in education delivery in our regions. This goes back to Deakin’s very beginnings, with a strong focus on distance education – what was called distance education in those days. Students were mailed materials and taught in study centres, libraries or ad hoc locations. Off-campus courses were especially popular with women in the country and rural and working families, where education was made accessible. Regional Deakin student graduates have been able to stay in our regions and find secure employment because of Deakin’s regional campuses and its commitment to accessible education. The Allan Labor government has proudly supported Deakin through its Higher Education State Investment Fund, with major projects in Warrnambool and Geelong, not to mention Burwood. I am sure that all sides of the chamber will agree that Deakin’s growth and success over the last 50 years has been remarkable and deserving of recognition. As the minister, I truly wish the university well for its continued success, especially in our Victorian regions.