In an important move to address the historically low tertiary attainment rates in the Central Coast region, the University of Newcastle has at last embarked on a potentially groundbreaking initiative in the construction of a new campus in Gosford.
This development signals not only a physical expansion of the institution but also a historical and legislative commitment to bridging educational disparities in the region and fostering stronger ties with the local community.
The Central Coast has long struggled with lower tertiary attainment rates compared to neighbouring areas such as Newcastle and Sydney.
This imbalance has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the individual prospects of the region’s residents but also hindering economic growth and development.
The University of Newcastle’s decision to establish this new campus in Gosford following financial commitments from the former and current Federal and NSW governments is a commendable step toward addressing this industrial and educational gap.
Historically, the University of Newcastle has faced criticism for its perceived failure to engage with local industries and effectively boost tertiary education rates in line with its counterparts in larger metropolitan areas.
Some locals continually point to the need for the Central Coast to have its own stand-alone university as a way of more seriously addressing the region’s low tertiary rates and resulting low industry and income rates.
The establishment of the new campus in Gosford provides an opportunity for UoN to rectify these past shortcomings.
By more actively involving local industries in the development and curriculum planning of the new campus, the university can ensure that education is aligned with the needs of the Central Coast community instead of just the needs of the far-flung Newcastle institution.
This engagement can lead to better employment opportunities for graduates, creating a more symbiotic relationship between academia and industry.
Additionally, the University of Newcastle’s initiative holds promise for fostering a sense of community pride and involvement in educational endeavours.
By providing accessible tertiary education options in Gosford, the university is empowering residents to pursue higher education without the burden of relocation.
This local accessibility can act as a catalyst for increased community involvement in educational initiatives, ultimately contributing to a more educated and skilled workforce.
As construction begins, it is essential for the University of Newcastle to actively involve the local community in shaping the vision and direction of the new campus.
Public forums, consultations and partnerships with local schools and businesses can ensure that the new facility truly addresses the unique needs and challenges of the Central Coast.
The new campus in Mann St represents a beacon of hope for a region grappling with educational disparities.
This endeavour presents an opportunity for the university to expand physically and engage more meaningfully with the community and local industries in addressing historical shortcomings.
As construction progresses, we look forward to witnessing the impact this initiative will have on tertiary education rates and community development in the region, and advocates for a stand-alone university will be watching extra carefully.
David Abrahams, Managing Editor
It would be helpful to know what courses they intend to offer, and how relevant they are to the skills and skillsets required to rejuvenate the local economy. Simply churning out hundreds of BAs in sociology and psychology that many new campuses tend to do, isn’t going to help anyone or anything.
The chances of this being built by the end of 2024 as promised is absolutely zero. I drive past this site every day and have never seen any work going on except for the man who occasionally whipper snips the overgrown weeds
Where in Mann Street is the planned UoN campus?
The old Mitre 10 site