Council Welcomes UWS Decision to Retain Nirimba
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
UWSCollege to relocate to Nirimba Campus from 2009
Blacktown City Mayor, Councillor Leo Kelly, OAM has welcomed the announcement by the University of Western Sydney that it is to retain the University's Nirimba Campus in Blacktown and will relocate the UWSCollege, currently located in Hawkesbury Road Westmead to the site.
"Blacktown City Council has taken a leading role in fighting the original decision by the UWS to close the Nirimba Campus by 2009 and the announcement today that the Campus is to be retained is an indication of the success of the Council's efforts", Mayor Kelly said
"The news that the Campus will become the permanent home for the relocation of the UWSCollege is applauded by all who have been involved in the Save the Nirimba Campus Campaign and the Save Nirimba Taskforce" Mayor Kelly added.
"The UWSCollege, which will operate from the Nirimba Campus from the commencement of the Academic Year in 2009, will provide access to thousands of local and international students who will be able to undertake Diploma courses which will be accredited with first year Degree status in some of the most popular courses", Mayor Kelly said
Mayor Kelly also welcomed news that the University was looking to expand the courses on offer at the UWSCollege over the next few years to include a suite of course subjects beyond those currently available at Nirimba.
Mayor Kelly said that whilst he welcomed the news that the Campus was to be retained, he was disappointed that the University would still proceed with its plans to transfer the degree courses in business studies from Nirimba.
"This is however, a very important first step in retaining a high quality Tertiary Institution at Nirimba to be used by thousands of student now and in the future to pursue their educational ambitions" Mayor Kelly noted.
"In particular, the location of the UWSCollege will open up opportunities for young people who have not gained sufficient academic achievements to enter University to undertake courses that will provide a pathway into University that they would not otherwise have had," Mayor Kelly added.
"Blacktown City Council has always sought to work closely with UWS to achieve a positive outcome and this decision creates an excellent opportunity to move forward to the benefit of all involved", Mayor Kelly concluded.