Monash Memo - 12 September 2001

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Multimedia centre for Berwick

The Federal Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Dr David Kemp, visited Berwick campus last week to announce the allocation of $2 million in 2004 to build a multimedia centre.

The centre, which will be part of the School of Multimedia Systems at Berwick, will comprise multimedia laboratories, design studios, staff accommodation, two tutorial rooms and a 220-capacity lecture theatre.

The funds will come from the DETYA Capital Development Pool, and the minister indicated that the department would look favourably on approving a further $2 million towards the project in 2005.

Berwick campus director Mr Bob Burnet said Dr Kemp's announcement was a vote of confidence in the future of the campus and would facilitate its development in such a way as to ensure that it added real value to the region.

"Closer working relationships with Chisholm Institute of TAFE and the proposed location of a senior secondary college on the campus will result in an education precinct with an urban feel," Mr Burnet said.

"It will also provide the City of Casey with a university campus which it can be proud of and which will be accessible to its residents."

He pointed out that it was important and logical that the development of the campus continue in the fastest-growing municipality in Victoria.

Mr Burnet added that the support of the local Federal MP, Mr Bob Charles, had been invaluable in helping Monash obtain the capital grant, as had the continuing support of the project by the City of Casey.

From left: Vice-chancellor Professor David Robinson, Berwick campus director Mr Bob Burnet, Federal MP Mr Bob Charles and Dr David Kemp.