Edith Cowan University launches new learning centre in the heart of Busselton

Edith Cowan University has launched its latest commitment to higher education in the WA regions. Located in the heart of Busselton, the ECU Learning Centre aims to provide regional online students with greater support and a physical location to learn, study, socialise and engage. “The facility will provide more than study support services for our regional students completing their degrees online,” ECU deputy vice-chancellor (regional futures) Professor Cobie Rudd said. “The vision for the centre is that students relate to the space as a key part of building their student and professional network, participating in activities and events and coming to the centre to socialise, engage and support one another.” The facility will provide more than 300 students in Busselton and surrounding catchment areas, access to open-plan collaboration spaces, dedicated meeting rooms with conferencing facilities and a large training room. “With student growth of approximately 50 per cent in the Busselton region since 2010, it made sense to establish a centralised learning and education support facility that could engage with the community and industry,” Professor Rudd said. “This will provide pathways to local employment opportunities for students as they graduate.” The City of Busselton and ECU South West have a memorandum of understanding already in action, which will see WAAPA students activating the City’s cultural precinct, supported by the City’s co-funding a performance innovation fund. “The City of Busselton is excited to welcome Edith Cowan University into our community,” deputy mayor Paul Carter said. “It’s been an aspiration and strategic goal of council to have a tertiary education presence for many years.” “This achievement supports the City’s vision to diversify industry and increase sustainability, jobs and investments that support a vibrant and liveble lifestyle,” he said. Minister for Regional Development Don Punch said he was “looking forward to seeing more industry-ready graduates, becoming part of the skilled local workforce in the South West.” “I welcome the expansion of ECU’s footprint in the South West region through the opening of this facility, which connects the university more deeply with the local community. “