Local MPs visit Werribee campus

A group of local MPs and representatives recently paid a visit to the University of Melbourne’s Werribee campus as part of an ongoing tour of the proposed East Werribee Employment Precinct, which is expected to bring more than 50,000 jobs to the area.

In attendance to the visit were Member for Point Cook, Mr Mathew Hilakari MP, Member for Tarneit, Mr Dylan Wight MP, and Member for Laverton, Ms Sarah Connolly MP, alongside representatives from the offices of Victorian Minister for Precincts and Development Colin Brooks, and the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts.

Guests were hosted by University of Melbourne Provost, Professor Nicola Phillips, and Faculty of Science Acting Dean, Professor Todd Lane, who provided a tour of the campus, showing them the Learning and Teaching Building, including the laboratories where students learn practical clinical veterinary skills, as well as the world class Equine Centre.

L-R Dylan Wight MP, Provost Nicola Phillips, Sarah Connolly MP, and Mathew Hilakari MP are shown the University’s leading vet theatre facilities at the Werribee Campus Teaching and Learning Building.

During the tour guests had the opportunity to speak with students and educators, who expressed their enthusiasm for programs on offer at the Werribee campus.

Mr Hilakari said, “The University of Melbourne is an important and growing institution in Melbourne’s East Werribee precinct. I was blown away with the pride that the students and educators had with their studies, their facilities, and their future careers. I look forward to many more students achieving their academic goals at this campus.”

Throughout the tour, Professor Joanne Devlin, Head Melbourne Veterinary School, explained how continued investment in the Werribee campus and the highly regarded veterinary sciences programs at the University of Melbourne were contributing to the economies of areas like Werribee.

“It was an honour to host such an esteemed group of representatives at our Werribee campus and share how our education and research programs play an essential role in supporting local communities and rural development, and our role as part of the proposed East Werribee Employment Precinct,” Professor Devlin said.

“We pride ourselves on preparing our students with real world skills, who will contribute meaningfully to support local communities.”

The University’s Melbourne Veterinary School is expected to be a key part of the East Werribee Employment Precinct upon completion of the project.