Media releases

Federal Minister for Education Dan Tehan has opened Federation University Australia’s new Health and Sports Precinct and launched plans for stage two of the precinct, which will provide communities across Western Victoria with access to world-class sporting facilities and cutting edge health and sports technology and research.

Federation University is ranked in the top 150 universities in the world for sports science* and is the global university partner of the World Academy of Sport.

The new $16.5 million building provides cutting edge facilities, technology and equipment to match the university’s internationally renowned research and teaching in sports science and management, and strength and conditioning.

It includes a new strength and conditioning room and equipment, the latest sports science technology, an upgraded swimming pool, rehab clinic with aquatic therapy pool, and interactive teaching and learning spaces.

It also features a new state-of-the-art community gym so Ballarat residents can also access the very best facilities.

Opening up the university’s facilities to community and sporting groups across Ballarat and Western Victoria is a key feature of stage two of the Health and Sports Precinct.

Under stage two, the sporting ovals and buildings opposite the new Health and Sports Precinct building on University Drive will be redeveloped.

The $50 million project will include a new synthetic oval and outdoor courts, spectator pavilion, car parking and public transport facilities, as well as upgraded research, teaching and staff facilities.

Planning for stage two of the Health and Sports Precinct will commence this year and involve a phased approach over five years.

The university will seek to partner with all levels of government and industry to deliver the entire project, but expects to provide an investment of $20 million over the life of the project.

The project will not only establish Federation University as a leader in health and sports research and teaching – it will deliver first-class sporting facilities and expertise for community sport in Ballarat and across Western Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett

From grass roots to elite level sport - community and sporting groups right across Western Victoria will have access to world-class sporting facilities at our Mt Helen campus and the opportunity to partner with Federation University on cutting edge health and sports research.

Federation University has undergone significant transformation over the past three years and is in a strong financial position – we’re excited to be investing in major projects like our Health and Sports Precinct and to strengthen our partnerships with government, industry, sporting and community groups.

*Federation University is ranked in the top 100-150 universities in the world for sports science in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (AWRU, Shanghai Rankings)