THE University of Newcastle (UON) is celebrating its first decade in Port Macquarie, educating professionals who are making a significant contribution to the health and education of their local communities and beyond.
Since the first cohort of 24 nursing students began their studies at the campus in February 2004, hundreds of nurses and primary school teachers have obtained degrees through UON Port Macquarie.
In 2013, a record 400 students were enrolled in UON bachelor of nursing, bachelor of primary teaching/arts and bachelor of midwifery programs at the Port Macquarie campus, and that number will continue to grow in 2014.
Vice-chancellor Professor Caroline McMillen said that through their future careers graduates from UON Port Macquarie would carry the university’s global reputation for excellence in education, and research and innovation on their CV.
“UON consistently ranks in the top three per cent of universities in the world and in the top 10 universities in Australia for research intensity,” she said.
“With a focus on providing a contemporary learning environment that challenges and inspires, our graduates receive a first-rate education to support them to be competitive on the world stage and to be leaders in their field of endeavour.
“In today’s competitive world for employment, it is important to know that your degree is from an institution of ‘world standing’.
“In partnership with TAFE NSW and the local community, we are proud to be delivering excellence in education and contributing to building the skills capacity of the Mid North Coast region with our graduates working in local hospitals, health services and schools.”
The first cohort of midwives will graduate from UON Port Macquarie in 2015, following the program’s introduction at the campus in 2011.
Student numbers at Port Macquarie will grow further with construction now underway on the new Port Macquarie Joint Health Education Facility. Backed by $20 million in Australian Government funding, the facility will be a significant addition to the region’s tertiary education infrastructure in the health and medicine field.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary, the university hosted a procession of graduates and staff as part of the annual graduation ceremony at the Glasshouse on Friday. The procession left Village Green at around noon and then proceeded along Hay Street and across Clarence Street to the Glasshouse, where the graduation ceremony was held for students who finished their courses last year.
