Warrnambool chief executive Grant Sutherland met with staff on Thursday to discuss changes, which were proposed last month after the university announced its long-term commitment to the region.

He also announced the appointment of Professor Barry Cooper, who will take on the new role of Associate Dean Community Engagement and Regional Campuses.

The sustainable model includes a reduced course offerings and plans to close the golf course and the Warrnambool Corporate Centre.

The campus has 158 ongoing staff, which does not include casuals.

Deakin revealed on Thursday 36 people had applied for “voluntary separation packages”, but only 26 had been accepted, the equivalent of about one-in-six staff. 

National Tertiary Education Union Warrnambool committee member Michael Callaghan said the separation process had “technically been handled well”.

“While it’s difficult to ascertain precisely how many jobs Deakin had targeted to go, my understanding is that the total number of voluntary separation packages that have been granted should well and truly satisfy that target,” he said.

Deakin says it will continue to explore opportunities to grow and sustain the campus into the future, including the consideration of a new Bachelor of Agribusiness course.