Tertiary students in Melbourne's outer north have greater access to learning closer to home with the official opening of the Northern Study Hub in Epping. This initiative is led by La Trobe University, in collaboration with a range of community partners and support from the Australian Government.
Located within the Melbourne Polytechnic Library, the Epping site joins Broadmeadows under the Northern Study Hub umbrella, which was Victoria's first hub launched in August this year.
La Trobe University student, Vi Nguyen, in his final year of a Health Information Management course, lives locally and cycles to the Hub regularly. He says it feels as welcoming as the University's Bundoora campus - without the long commute.
"I use the Hub quite often. It's close to home, has great facilities and helps me work efficiently to stay on track with my studies," Vi said.
"The staff are very supportive and go out of their way to help students. I can easily speak with a learning advisor or find a private space to attend online classes without waiting around."
"It's also a great way to meet students from other institutions. That shared sense of purpose and connection to learning is really motivating."
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the Hub reflected the University's mission to expand access to higher education and strengthen local partnerships.
"To meet the tertiary education needs of Melbourne's rapidly expanding northern suburbs, La Trobe is committed to working with community partners, like Melbourne Polytechnic, to enable young people to participate, grow and succeed in higher education," Professor Farrell said.
The Northern Study Hub is situated in one of the nation's fastest-growing regions, with Melbourne's outer north projected to accommodate an additional 102,000 homes or about 318,000 people by 2060.
Professor Farrell said the Northern Study Hub in Epping and Broadmeadows will play a vital role in helping achieve the goal of doubling higher education participation and attainment by 2050, as outlined in the Universities Accord.
Federal Minister for Skills and Training and local Member for Scullin Andrew Giles highlighted the importance of the Hub for the community.
"The Epping Study Hub will open up learning opportunities and new pathways, including for students who might be the first in their family to pursue tertiary education," Minister Giles said.
"It means more students – younger students and mature-age students too – from the northern suburbs can attend university or TAFE to gain the skills, training and confidence they need to succeed in their future careers."
Northern Study Hub Director Sam Sterling said the Hub sites were designed to meet the needs of today's tertiary learners by offering campus-style study spaces with administrative, academic and wellbeing support, open to all local students enrolled at any Australian university or public tertiary education provider.
"Whether students are studying online, undertaking a local placement or living locally and trying to balance work, life and study commitments, the Hub is here to support them every step of the way," Sam said.
"Evidence from the Regional University Study Hubs program, which has been operating for several years now, shows that where study hubs are located, university participation rates increase. Now we want to replicate this in the northern suburbs too."
About 200 students have now registered at the Epping and Broadmeadows Study Hub sites, with 76 per cent studying at undergraduate or diploma levels offering pathways into tertiary studies.
Melbourne Polytechnic's Chief Executive Frances Coppolillo said, "Melbourne Polytechnic is an organisation inspired by learning."
"Together with La Trobe University and partners, we look forward to providing a welcoming space where students can access the educational support they need to thrive in their studies and career."
The Northern Study Hub located in Epping and Broadmeadows is led by La Trobe University, with the support of the Australian Government and local partners including Melbourne Polytechnic, City of Whittlesea, Whittlesea Community Connections, Hume City Council, Broadmeadows Kangan Institute and NORTH Link.
Students must register to access the Northern Study Hub sites either in person or online.
Epping Hub site is located within Melbourne Polytechnic Library
Broadmeadows Hub site is located at Hume City Council
