The release of funds will support the planned expansion of UNE’s presence in Tamworth, which will offer a range of courses in partnership with industry in 2021.
The commitment of funds by the NSW Government also means UNE can proceed to seek the next tranche of funding from the Federal Government to bring the vision for a university campus in Tamworth to life.
UNE Vice-Chancellor and CEO Professor Brigid Heywood said UNE is looking forward to moving to the next stage of UNE Tamworth.
“I appreciate the support of the NSW Government through the Restart NSW program, and the efforts of both the Tamworth University Reference Group and Tamworth local member Kevin Anderson in securing this important funding,” Professor Heywood said.
“I also appreciate the ongoing support of our Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, who has been deeply engaged with this project.
“UNE Tamworth will provide education that is accessible and inclusive, helping Tamworth to train and retain local talent and increase education outcomes for the region.
“Tamworth is the largest city in NSW that is not serviced by a university campus. Expansion of our presence in Tamworth is a necessity to boost the levels of higher education attainment in the region and stimulate regional economic growth.
“UNE has developed a bespoke model of higher education in Tamworth that responds to local needs. It embeds education with industry and provides pathways to learning through both traditional and non-traditional courses – including embracing the recently approved undergraduate certificates under the ‘Job-Ready Graduates’ reform package,” she said.
UNE Tamworth is expected to deliver over $600 million in economic benefits to the region over the next 10 years, from the construction phase through to tourism revenue and student and university expenditure.
The vision for UNE Tamworth was presented to business, community and political leaders at an event on 21 August, after extensive consultations with industry, government and community. The campus will be rolled out in stages over the next decade, starting with undergraduate certificates in 2021.
