EDITORIAL: Help save our university campus

FIRST REPORTS: Deakin's future in Warrnambool uncertain

A campaign to save Warrnambool’s university campus is gathering momentum with a public rally being hastily planned for Friday.

An online petition has been signed by more than 1000 people in less than 48 hours as community backlash grows to Deakin University’s announcement it is seeking another provider to take over.

Vice Chancellor Jane den Hollander told staff on Friday Deakin had talked with at least one other university about taking on courses at Sherwood Park in the wake of declining enrolments.

Closing the campus or boosting student numbers – the least-likely possibility – are also options.

Wannon MP Dan Tehan, who is meeting Professor den Hollander on Friday, is driving the public forum.

He has support from state MPs Roma Britnell and James Purcell and Warrnambool mayor Kylie Gaston.

He is urging other council leaders, school principals, Deakin students and staff to attend Friday night’s meeting in Warrnambool’s Lighthouse Theatre at 6pm. 

“It needs to be a ‘save our campus’ approach,” he said.

“We need a big community campaign to save our university. We want community leaders united to work to demand that Deakin ensure the campus continues.

“We need to ensure that Warrnambool remains a university town for the foreseeable future.”

He said a group would be formed to fight for the preservation of a university campus in the city.

“We will be issuing an invitation to the vice chancellor to come and representatives from both state and federal governments,” he said.

Deakin on Friday confirmed it had been in talks with Ballarat-based Federation University.