PREMIER Denis Napthine swapped the green hues of the parliamentary chamber for the green felt of the pool table yesterday.
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Dr Napthine proved to be handy with the pool cue at the official opening of Deakin University’s new student accommodation centre, taking up the challenge from students to sink a shot.
He was successful, much to the delight of those gathered.
The $12 million project provides affordable accommodation for students and features single rooms with kitchenettes and en suites, as well as study areas, communal kitchens and a central laundry.
The state government contributed $2.5 million towards the project, which provides another 102 beds at the Warrnambool campus, taking the number of accommodation places to 347.
The federal government also contributed to the project.
Deakin University vice-chancellor Jane den Hollander said the complex, overlooking the Hopkins River, was like a six-star motel and already occupied.
“It’s essential to provide students with accommodation that suits their study priorities and lifestyle, while enabling them to connect with each other, the university and the community,” she said.
“Providing comfortable, affordable and conveniently- located accommodation is closely tied to student success and a factor in attracting new students to Warrnambool and Deakin.”
Warrnambool campus head Gerry Quinn said the new accommodation would benefit the campus and local community. “The cost of accommodation is one of the main constraints on students from regional Victoria attending university,” Professor Quinn said.
“This new complex provides high-quality studio rooms at very reasonable cost and should enhance the availability of on-campus university study for students in the region.”
The new accommodation houses 65 students from regional Victoria, 10 from interstate and 27 from the metropolitan area.