Statewide engagement
by Rebecca Gill
As
2006 opens, UniSA’s Whyalla campus and the Mount Gambier Regional Centre
have merged to become The Centre for Regional Engagement – signalling a
broader engagement with regional communities.
In a busy year of regional development, 2005 saw new degrees launched, the start of large-scale upgrades, and Mount Gambier celebrating its first year of operations.
At the end of last year a major landscaping project began in Whyalla, modernising the face of the campus and its surrounds. Inside, general renovations have considerably upgraded student facilities in computer pools and the library – and a new open plan community room has been established for aerobics/dance and fitness activities.
“We are moving into a very exciting growth phase that will bring benefits to our students, staff and the wider community,” said Professor Len Pullin, Director of UniSA’s Centre for Regional Engagement (CRE).
Both the state and federal governments have injected significant funding into the CRE, acknowledging UniSA as a strategic vehicle for regional education, research and industry partnerships. In 2005 the state government provided $650,000 in funding, and the federal government pledged a further $1.6 million to assist with major developments to the Mount Gambier Regional Centre which is co-located with TAFESA at the Wireless Road site.
Three new Business and Enterprise programs offering specialist studies in accounting and business enterprise are also beginning this year – adding to the already diverse mix of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees available at CRE.
Prof Pullin said that 2006 would see the continued growth and success of UniSA’s regional centres.
“It’s an exciting time for regional South Australia because we are experiencing a significant improvement by broadening the range of facilities and activities we are able to provide for both students and the wider community.”