The University of Notre Dame Australia is providing more education and training opportunities to South West Sydney residents, with the opening of a new study centre in Oran Park.
At a special event attended by local leaders from the community, education and the Wollongong Diocese this week, Wollongong Bishop Brian Mascord blessed the new facility and celebrated Mass at St Mary Mackillop Catholic Parish to mark the occasion.
Notre Dame’s chancellor, Christopher Ellison, said the university was committed to providing more opportunities for people living in this rapidly growing part of Sydney to access the benefits of higher education.
“The population growth in this part of Sydney is astonishing, which will only increase with future developments in the area, including the new international airport,” Mr Ellison said.
“As a national university, we believe we are ideally placed to support the Government’s mission to grow access to education in critical skills areas. We also recognise the need to build diversity and increase opportunities to access education and employment across our communities.
“Just as importantly, this facility provides an opportunity to strengthen the ongoing relationship between Notre Dame, the Diocese of Wollongong, and local Catholic school communities.”
The new facility features a reception area, kitchenette, 40-seat open learning space, and audio-visual equipment to assist with remote learning.
Bishop Mascord said the opening had been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Mass and to welcome Notre Dame to the Wollongong Diocese.
“Our vision for Catholic education is to provide high-quality centres of learning, where faith is experienced and lived out as an integral part of the student experience,” he said said. “Notre Dame’s new facility will have a transformative effect on our ability to realise this ambition, both during and beyond the K-12 years.”
Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong Director of Schools Peter Hill said the new facilities would provide students, teachers, and Catholic education leaders with the chance to undertake further study and professional development from a campus located right on their doorstep.
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New Oran Park University Study Centre strengthens ties with South West Sydney (UNDA)
