University celebrates decade of success in Port Macquarie

Wednesday, 26 February 2014

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.

Port grad

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. 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 - North Coast Institute 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," Professor McMillen said.

Working with its partners, UON Port Macquarie will continue to develop program offerings that meet the needs of the region. The first cohort of midwives will graduate from UON Port Macquarie in 2015, following the program's introduction at the campus in 2011.

The UON student cohort 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.

Contact

  • Carmen Swadling, Media and Public Relations
  • Phone: +61 2 4985 4276 or 0428 038 477.

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