On Wednesday, May 8, representatives from the Goulburn Murray Tertiary Education Partnership, the University of Melbourne and La Trobe University gathered at the Rumbalara Football and Netball Club in Shepparton.
The Goulburn Murray Tertiary Education Partnership is designed to increase the participation of First Nations students and people from low socio-economic and diverse backgrounds in tertiary education.
The collaboration between the University of Melbourne, La Trobe University and GOTAFE aims to identify and address challenges faced by regional students and increase tertiary opportunities for First Nations students.
Federal Assistant Minister for Education Anthony Chisholm welcomed the collaboration on the initiative.
“This partnership supports the Albanese Government’s goals, identified through the Australian Universities Accord, to significantly increase tertiary education opportunities for students in regional areas,” he said.
The showcase in Shepparton was led by Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart, a First Nations woman who grew up in regional Victoria.
She said the partnership would make it easier for young people outside the major cities to access high-quality education and training.
“The Goulburn Murray Tertiary Education Partnership is a big step to ensuring traditionally under-represented cohorts, like First Nations and country students, get the same opportunities as anyone else looking to up-skill,” Ms Stewart said.
“La Trobe University, GOTAFE and the University of Melbourne are setting the example for other institutions in removing barriers for students in regional Victoria who want to pursue a tertiary education while giving them the choice to stay close to their family, friends, and community.
“Your postcode shouldn’t determine your access to education.”
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