Media releases

Federation University’s Morwell Innovation Centre is on track to become a hub of collaboration between researchers, educators and local industry to help shape an exciting future for Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley.

The Centre, located at the Hi-Tech Precinct Gippsland on Monash Way, Morwell, will open in December 2020 and is intended to support businesses to transition away from economic reliance on traditional industries and out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federation is pleased to welcome Nicole Griffin as the centre’s General Manager, who joins us from Southern Rural Water where she held the position of General Manager Assets and Environment.

Nicole has worked in an executive role in the water industry based in Gippsland for the past seven years and has also worked internationally and across many regional areas in Australia in the agriculture and biotechnology sector.

Nicole is passionate about regional development and is excited about the opportunities that will be created through the new Morwell Innovation Centre, which will link research and industry so that researchers can help organisations solve the real-world problems of tomorrow.

With support from entrepreneurial hub Runway, the centre will also help private sector players to establish new markets, develop new products and technologies, and increase workforce skills.

It will host university research teams, industry teams looking at transformative projects, as well as private sector commercial tenants.

The centre will become the new home of Committee for Gippsland, and the on-campus base of Federation’s new Master of Business Administration program, where more than 70 current students from a range of local industries will tackle real-world challenges facing their organisations.

The Hi-Tech Precinct Gippsland is a partnership between the Victorian Government, Federation University, TAFE Gippsland and Latrobe City Council to foster innovation at a local, national and global level.

It will play an important role in supporting the expansion of Gippsland’s key industries, including health, food and fibre, advanced manufacturing and new energy. 

Quotes attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley

“As the Latrobe Valley transitions away from economic reliance on the coal-fired power industry and businesses face the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic, the strong partnership between research institutions, government and industry is more critical than ever.”

“Federation University is delighted to be able to support the Gippsland community through the new Centre to work together to innovate and transform.  We are extremely pleased to welcome Nicole to our team.”

Quotes attributable to Morwell Innovation Centre General Manager Nicole Griffin

“Federation University’s Morwell Innovation Centre will be the catalyst for transitioning the Gippsland economy from a region dependent on old technology to one that is innovative and progressive.

“The Morwell Innovation Centre will facilitate and support collaboration to explore new opportunities for the region and to ensure that our local workforce has the skills and competencies required to meet future demand.”