Media releases

Federation University and Latrobe City Council have strengthened their commitment to a successful economic transition of the Latrobe region by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The MoU builds on their history of collaboration and aims to further establish Latrobe City as a regional city with a strong university offering.

Through the formalised agreed partnership, the two organisations will work together to:

• Identify and address local workforce skills shortages
• Collaborate to seek government support for the up-skilling and re-skilling of Latrobe’s workforce through free or subsidised short courses
• Advocate to support the region’s economic and social growth, health outcomes and educational attainment.

Both organisations have joined forces to position the municipality as a ‘hub of excellence’ in the areas of health, aged care, carbon innovation, renewable technologies, food and fibre, the visitor economy and advanced manufacturing/engineering.

This will occur through joint advocacy, research partnerships, workforce training and education opportunities, and the promotion of research and development for key sectors.

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

“Universities have an important role to play in the transition of their local communities.”

“By building on the strong existing partnership between Federation University and Latrobe City, we can help raise the profile of education, training, research and innovation and generate meaningful outcomes for the region.”

Quotes attributable to Latrobe City Council

“We all understand the value of education and training and having Federation University here in our city places us at the forefront of research and education in Regional Victoria.”

“A valued partnership and a shared understanding is beneficial to the future of our region.  Innovation and research are an absolute must in any developing area, as our community continues to transition, education and training will become more imperative.”