Media releases

Federation University Australia and Latrobe City Council are working together to develop a thriving performing arts scene in the Gippsland region. 

The partnership was launched with a new Federation University short course – Presence and Presentation – to help people improve their public presentation skills. 

Held over 15 and 16 May at the Latrobe Performing Arts Centre, Federation University Associate Professor Rick Chew and actor Nick Martin used their wealth of performing arts experience to give participants the practical knowledge of how to engage an audience in their public presentations. 

Latrobe City supported six people from the local business community to complete the short course and gain new skills for their organisations, while Federation University supported two young people from the Latrobe Youth Space initiative to attend. 

Local performing arts are set to further flourish following the completion of the $42.5 million Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, including a brand new 750 seat theatre, later this year. 

Federation University Arts Academy will host a singing day in July, led by Professor Chew and award-winning director and musical theatre composer Anthony Crowley, with further performing arts-based workshops and masterclasses to follow. 

Federation University and Latrobe City Council have a history of collaboration and in 2020 signed a Memorandum of Understanding strengthening their commitment to partner on a successful transition of Latrobe City.  

Quotes attributable to Federation University Gippsland Head of Campus, Ms Leigh Kennedy 

“The performing arts enrich local communities and it is wonderful to bring programs like Presence and Presentation to the Latrobe Valley stage.” 

“We are proud to continue our strong partnership with Latrobe City and look forward to working together on future events to keep the region’s creative heart pumping.” 

Quotes attributable to Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson 

“Latrobe City is delighted to be expanding opportunities in the performing arts space through new infrastructure and innovative partnerships like this with Federation University.” 

“While we look forward to the glitz and glamour when the curtain falls on big ticket productions in our patch, we’re equally as keen to deliver great outcomes like these ones for local people and businesses.”