Senator Jana Stewart
Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba
Labor Senator for Victoria

Assistant Minister for Education Anthony Chisholm today congratulated the Goulburn Valley Tertiary Education Partnership on its work to improve access and create greater participation for underrepresented students in the region.  

Assistant Minister Chisholm welcomed the partnership between La Trobe University, GOTAFE and the University of Melbourne, which aims to improve access and create greater participation in tertiary education for First Nations students and people from low socio-economic backgrounds.  

“This partnership supports the Australian Government’s goals, identified through the Australian Universities Accord to significantly increase tertiary education opportunities for students in regional areas. 

“Initiatives of the partnership include the Greater Shepparton Teaching Academy of Professional Practice, which focuses on skill development for final year university students, and La Trobe’s Nexus program that offers students an 18-month Master of Teaching focussed in either primary or secondary school.” 

Senator Jana Stewart, a Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman who grew up in regional Victoria, said the partnership will make it easier for young people living outside the major cities to access high-quality education and training. 

“The Goulburn Valley Tertiary Education Partnership is a big step to ensuring traditionally underrepresented cohorts – like First Nations and country students – get the same opportunities as anyone else looking to upskill,” Senator Stewart said. "Your postcode shouldn't determine your access to education." 

“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 tertiary education, while giving them the choice to stay close to their family, friends, and community.” 

The University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Maskell said the university is excited about working alongside the other tertiary-level partners institutions to bring more higher education opportunities to the region.  

“The quick work to find solutions to local education, training and workforce development challenges has spurred all the institutions involved and community into action,” Professor Maskell said. 

“There is now a chance for the government to build on this solid base to elevate a thriving regional community by creating forums, events and information for families, young people and employers to understand workforce opportunities, ambitions and community-led research projects.” 

La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Theo Farrell said the partnership would build Indigenous aspiration and education excellence in Shepparton. 

“The Academy of Sport, Health and Education (ASHE) is a partnership between all three tertiary institutions and the Rumbalara Football Netball Club, which saw ASHE originally formed as a community and education resource to support Indigenous students,” Professor Farrell said. 

GOTAFE Executive Director for Education, Luke Surace said all providers had worked hard to extend existing programs that help with diversity of education and pathways for students to take up tertiary-level study.  

“ASHE will be co-located in the new Indigenous-led Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence in 2024, another huge benefit of collaboration,” Mr Surace said.