THEY came for Deakin, stayed for Warrnambool and they rallied together on Friday night to retain a proud tradition of tertiary education in the south-west.
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More than 800 people flooded Warrnambool’s Lighthouse Theatre to send a clear message the region wants its university campus.
A panel that included student Zoe Dyer, alumni Bernadette Northeast, mayor Kylie Gaston and state politicians Jaala Pulford, James Purcell and Roma Britnell told the crowd what the university meant to them and why it was worth fighting for.
Deakin University Vice Chancellor Jane den Hollander gave her most candid insights into challenges facing the university as enrolments continued to decline.
Dr Northeast said she moved to Warrnambool from Tasmania in 1995 specifically for Deakin’s fisheries and aquatic science course.
“I came for Deakin and stayed for Warrnambool,” she said
“I came expecting a quality education, but I wasn’t expecting Warrnambool to keep me and many of my peers.”
She said the campus had created scientists that were responsible for some of the region’s most innovative projects.
Dr Northeast highlighted the “web-effect” the campus had on the region.
“Frank and Katherine Maher moved here for Deakin. They now have an accounting firm that has a payroll of $600,000 that goes directly back into the local economy.
“Sinclair Wilson, one of the region’s largest accounting firms...15 of their 20 partners are Deakin University Warrnambool graduates, 50 of their present staff are Deakin Warrnambool graduates.”
Mrs Dyer, who with four other students launched an online petition which attracted almost 4000 signatures in less than a week, said regional Victorians deserved a high quality university at their door step.
“We are asking Deakin to do the right thing by its students and the community,” she said.
“They need to ensure that the provider who comes in meets the Deakin standard and takes it beyond.”
Ms Pulford said the state government was working hard to make Victoria the education state.
“We have a limited role in higher education, but we will continue to work to ensure the needs of the south-west are heard,” she said.
“We need to work together to ensure there are more opportunities for young people. This turnout is an outstanding start. It sends an incredibly loud signal to federal and state governments and oppositions.”
Mr Purcell said it was pleasing to see both sides of the political spectrum coming together to fight for the future of education.
