Dookie continuing support for regional tertiary education

Nationals MPs have visited the University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus to receive a briefing on the university’s work, providing top class regional focused tertiary education.

The Dookie campus offers a range of agriculturally focused courses, subjects and units while also playing a key role in the research and development industry.

The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, said the university is engaged in several important projects for the future of the region.

“Having this wonderful campus in our own backyard really is a great asset for the region,” Ms Cleeland said.

“The team showed us the laboratories, teaching spaces and accommodation that support students from Melbourne, overseas and regional Victoria.

“The Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub located here is supporting drought preparedness and providing high level advice to regional communities.

“Additionally, the Norvicfoods Agri-food Innovation Cluster is undertaking a broad range of research to increase efficiency in the food and agriculture sectors.”

Ms Cleeland encouraged everyone in the region to understand the benefits of the university in the Goulburn Valley.

“This campus is a hidden gem and I encourage anyone who has the chance to make a visit to do so,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Students from Melbourne undertake breadth subjects and have the ability to take units here at Dookie.

“We also explored options for placements in local agricultural businesses to give students a taste of the job opportunities and lifestyle benefits of our region, while addressing the widespread labour challenges.

“This campus is contributing strongly to agricultural research and providing immense support to our region and economy.”