GREATER Shepparton City Council and La Trobe University have signed a new five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reaffirming their commitment to education, research, workforce development and regional growth.
The agreement will see the two organisations continue working together on initiatives designed to strengthen the region’s economy and create opportunities for students, businesses and the wider community.
The renewed partnership builds on La Trobe University’s recent investment in its Shepparton campus, where an almost $20 million redevelopment delivered new teaching, research, clinical learning and community facilities.
Key priorities under the agreement include supporting sustainable regional growth, developing research and education programs aligned with local needs, expanding work-integrated learning opportunities and strengthening links between industry, education and the community.
A partnership roadmap will guide future projects, focusing on skills development, workforce planning and increasing collaboration between local businesses and the university’s research and innovation expertise.
Greater Shepparton City Council Chief Executive Officer Fiona Le Gassick said the agreement reinforced a long-standing relationship that would continue to benefit the region.
She said the partnership would help create opportunities for local students and industries while supporting innovation, research and workforce development.
La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the university was proud of its strong connection to Greater Shepparton and looked forward to continuing to work with Council and the community to help shape the region’s future.
The renewed MOU aims to ensure more people can study, work and build their careers locally while supporting Greater Shepparton’s ongoing growth as a major regional centre.
