The new facility will provide UNE nursing students with dedicated learning spaces after seven years of using leased facilities across Parramatta. This development builds on UNE Sydney's 12-year history in the region, which began as a student support hub and study centre for the growing numbers of online students in Western Sydney.
"This is more than just a new lab; it's a sense of belonging and permanency," said UNE nursing academic Ida Twist. "This is our space, purpose-built for our students and our university."
The new lab features seven simulation beds with capacity for up to 28 students per training session. The facility has been designed to accommodate future growth in student numbers and to support UNE's strategy to help address nursing workforce needs.
"Having our own lab gives us autonomy and allows us to deliver what we want, how we want, and when we want according to our curriculum," Ms Twist said. "Our timetables are no longer subjected to shared schedules."
The purpose-built facility brings UNE's Western Sydney teaching spaces into one building, with tutorial rooms, nursing labs and academic offices now all under one roof. The space also includes student hubs and kitchenettes with UNE branding.
"It really brings our nursing education presence in Sydney in line with what's being delivered in Armidale," Ms Twist said.
The Sydney campus now hosts over 50 UNE staff, including academics from across all UNE faculties who teach both on campus and online. The campus has expanded beyond its initial support role to offer on-campus delivery in Nursing, IT (including Cybersecurity and AI) and Business programs.
Students benefit from speciality support services including enrolment and progression assistance, library services and academic skills development. The campus offers extended study hours during evenings and weekends to accommodate students.
The new facility will primarily support UNE's Master of Nursing Practice program, which attracts international students who are already registered nurses in their home countries and are seeking Australian registration. Applications for the program are currently being processed for the next intake in Trimester 3.
The lab will also strengthen UNE's connections with local health providers, enabling joint training initiatives and industry partnerships.
"We can now start running joint training initiatives, practical workforce preparation and co-design simulation activities with our industry partners; something we weren't able to do in the rented facilities due to limitations of time, money and space," Ms Twist explained.
UNE's Sydney campus currently hosts more than ten academics from the School of Health, including nursing, pharmacy, counselling and health management staff. The nursing team is set to expand with additional academic appointments to support growing student numbers.
The development aligns with population growth in Western Sydney, with the lab strategically positioned to train nurses in the region where many will likely practise after graduation.
Many international nursing students choose to study in Sydney due to work opportunities, with some already employed as assistant nurses in aged care facilities while completing their qualifications.
