This $4.9 million investment expands the University’s health education capabilities, providing students with immersive learning experiences designed to prepare them for a successful career in healthcare. It doubles the capacity of the Clinical Simulation Suite at our Albury-Wodonga campus from eight to 16 beds.

La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said this was part of the University’s $170 million investment across all Victorian campuses to improve the quality and capacity of health education facilities.

“The future of healthcare in regional and rural Australia relies on the higher education sector producing qualified, well-prepared professionals who are committed to working in these areas,” Professor Farrell said.

“La Trobe’s investment in education, infrastructure and partnerships ensures that we continue to be a key player in developing the health workforce of the future.”

Nursing students represent one of the largest cohorts on the Albury-Wodonga campus and will be learning in an environment that closely resembles a hospital or other clinical setting.

Professor Jane Mills, Dean of La Trobe’s Rural Health School, said this investment was in direct response to consultations with local health organisations, including Albury Wodonga Health, Gateway Health and other regional north-east Victorian hospital networks.

“This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to providing world-class education in rural health and meeting the pressing need for more healthcare professionals across regional and rural areas,” Professor Mills said.

“By equipping our students with the best facilities and technologies, we are enhancing their education and ensuring they are prepared to make a difference in communities that need them the most.”

First-year Bachelor of Nursing student Eve McKenzie-McHarg will benefit from the new facility for the remainder of her degree. Eve said this would be invaluable.

“The simulation and hands-on practice will help to refine my clinical abilities, such as assessing patients and administering treatments,” Eve said.

“I also like how the labs focus on team-based care, helping me to develop communication and teamwork skills while collaborating with my peers. The labs help to bridge the gap between theory and practice and will assist us to transition confidently into the workforce.”

Dr Guinever Threlkeld, Albury-Wodonga Head of Campus, said the La Trobe Rural Health School expansion had created more opportunities for industry partnerships, stimulating both student enrolment and employment pathways.

“Close industry partners, including Albury Wodonga Health and Wodonga TAFE, have expressed interest in utilising the labs for their staff and students, further solidifying our facility as a valuable community asset,” Dr Threlkeld said.

“The new Clinical Simulation Suite will further support student growth, enrich the campus experience and help address the workforce shortages in the rural health sector.”

La Trobe works with health partners to innovate and create more student placements to build the health workforce of the future.
With a background in aged care, Cindy Bulle entered the Bachelor of Nursing degree at La Trobe two years ago through a Wodonga TAFE pathway.

Cindy said La Trobe aided her transition into higher education through academic and wellbeing support. Additionally, her placements across regional and rural locations have prepared her for a successful career in nursing.

“Learning in La Trobe’s health education facilities gave me plenty of good practice for my 800 hours of placement,” Cindy said.
“I feel well and truly prepared and I’m now looking ahead to next year when I will commence a postgraduate Diploma of Rural Health.”

This redevelopment complements La Trobe’s existing investment in health and the care economy, with Professor Irene Blackberry, Director of the Care Economy Research Institute and Chair of the John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research, also based at the Albury-Wodonga campus.

Further works will commence in October in the adjacent building to upgrade and refurbish the existing eight-bed simulation lab. This is due to be completed by April 2025.

Next year will also see the introduction of La Trobe Rural Health School’s graduate entry Master of Nursing Practice, which is aimed at career changers looking to enter the nursing profession. Over 20 months, this course will provide a further pathway to support the regional health workforce and meet the growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals in the region.

Media Contact

Jess Whitty – j.whitty@latrobe.edu.au, 0481 383 817