MoU sets path for expansion in Mandurah

A unique education campus in Mandurah looks set for expansion following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the City of Mandurah and Murdoch University by Murdoch Vice Chancellor Professor John Yovich and Education Minister Alan Carpenter.

The new multi-million-dollar university learning centre will be part of the Peel Education and TAFE Campus.

The MoU is a significant agreement that focuses on a collaborative approach between its signatories and the community to help establish a Murdoch University Learning Centre, together with a South-West ICT knowledge link, by 2005.

The Peel Education and TAFE Campus already offers a comprehensive range of education and skills development opportunities to a broad spectrum of this regional community.

Professor Yovich said the new Centre would create a clear learning pathway that was flexible, relevant and could be tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual and the region.

Mr Carpenter added that the Peel Education and TAFE Campus was the first of its type in Western Australia, with the colocation and multi-partnered campus comprising school, TAFE and university sectors.

“The campus currently incorporates Mandurah Senior College (Years 11 and 12), Challenger TAFE’s Peel Campus and Murdoch University facilities and services,” he said.

“The campus offers students increased education, training and employment opportunities - a concept which is creating the future and possibly changing the face of education in WA.”

Local MLA David Templeman said the presence of a university in the region would encourage local professionals to remain in the area, enhance access to university programs and, most importantly, offer greater educational and training opportunities for the Peel community.

“In the past the Peel region has been one of significant social need with low youth and adult employment rates, lower than national average weekly income, low school retention rates and one of the State’s lowest lifelong learning indicators,” he said.

The Peel Education and TAFE Campus also provides opportunities for seamless learning through its Pathways for Learning concept, enabling secondary students to access TAFE or university units in their final year of schooling.

Challenger TAFE students also benefited as their studies were recognised by Murdoch University, while Murdoch University students could access specific skills training from Challenger TAFE.

The MoU detailed Murdoch University’s bid to the Commonwealth for additional funding to increase university places at the campus.