$1 million food facilities unveiled at Ourimbah
The Faculty of Science has opened new $1 million kitchen and laboratory facilities at the University’s Central Coast campus, in a move applauded by the local industry and community.
Designed to meet commercial food preparation standards, the new food laboratories, testing services, and industrial scale kitchen will enable over 100 science and food nutrition students to use the space in any given week, alongside the Faculty’s world-class researchers and local food enterprises.
“The refurbishment of these food laboratories could not have happened at a better time or place,” said Professor Lee Smith, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Science.
“The Central Coast has an international reputation for excellence in food innovation and production, and as one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, it makes sense to empower our students and the local industry to develop the foods of the future.”
The food sector is already one of the largest employers in the Central Coast, supporting more than 8,500 jobs spanning multinational corporations to family companies. Projections suggest residential growth in the area of 75,000 in the coming decade.
Molecular nutritionist Dr Emma Beckett, said the refurbishment was exciting, and would enhance the experiences of students, researchers and 
manufacturers alike.
“We educate students in all aspects of food science and nutrition, including food production and manufacturing through to nutritional balance, food analysis and consumer behavior,” she said.
“Students will now have access to commercial quality facilities, while researchers and manufacturers can work side by side.”
The new facilities will enable local food enterprises to trial and develop new product lines outside of normal teaching times.
The news was also covered by NBN News.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.