Education, employment and economic growth will be at the centre of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Federation University and the City of Casey, strengthening their long-time partnership.
The new two-year MoU will focus on creating a direct pipeline from education to local employment to address skills gaps in the region.
The partnership will enhance collaboration between academia, industry and government, the MoU also focuses on knowledge sharing, innovation and environmental sustainability.
The MoU seeks to explore ways for the partners can pave the way for Federation University's Co-operative Placements - paid industry placements that count towards students' qualifications - within Council and the wider business community.
The partnership will also see Federation University and the City of Casey work together to explore new training, education and advocacy opportunities within the Berwick Health and Education Precinct, a hub of knowledge, technology, health, research and employment in Melbourne's south-east.
The MoU has a strong focus on both innovation and environmental sustainability, committing to explore high-impact events, projects and partnerships with the city's business community.
The agreement will also help further boost Federation's research capability among the business and start-up community within the City of Casey.
The formal signing ceremony of the MoU between Federation University and the City of Casey will take place on 3 December 2025.
Quote attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley
"The new MoU continues Federation's long-term commitment to Melbourne's south-east region, helping create opportunities for local business and employers."
"It also allows us to further embed our Co-op model, enabling more students to undertake on-the-job learning while benefitting local employers at the same time."
Quote attributable to City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen
"The City of Casey is proud to partner with Federation University to help bring more learning and job opportunities to our growing communities."
"As the partnership develops, we're looking forward to exploring innovative new ideas and sharing knowledge with Federation University and other local stakeholders to ensure we're delivering the tailored outcomes that our community needs."
"It's just another way that Council is working to provide our residents and businesses with the tools they need to grow and succeed."
About Federation University Australia
With a history spanning over 150 years, Federation University Australia is Victoria's premier regional dual-sector university. Since 2018, Federation has been ranked number one in Australia for first-in-family student enrolments. In a first for Australia, the globally recognised co-operative education model will be embedded across all Federation programs from 2026.
About the City of Casey
The City of Casey is one of the fastest growing Local Government Areas in Australia and is the most populous Council in Victoria, with more than 420,000 residents and 36,000 businesses. It is located 35 kilometres southeast of Melbourne's central business district and has well-established urban areas with significant heritage value and a green peri-urban growth front, make Casey a fast changing, vibrant and diverse city in which to live.
