The Andrews Labor Government is delivering on its $10 million election commitment to reopen Swinburne’s Lilydale campus and rebuild vocational training and higher education in the Yarra Valley.
Premier Daniel Andrews today announced Box Hill Institute was the successful bidder following an RFP process and will take over the former Swinburne University site, with classes set to start in early 2016.
Mr Andrews said that Box Hill Institute - in partnership with Deakin University and William Angliss Institute – will deliver a new era of outstanding education in the Yarra Valley.
Box Hill Institute’s revolutionary plan for the campus includes TAFE and higher education courses, an integrated childcare centre, a state-of-the-art Tech School, a Bio Security Centre of Excellence and Industry Research.
Disability support provider Melba Support Services will retain permanent accommodation on the site as part of Box Hill’s plan.
The three organisations will work hand-in-hand with the Labor Government to provide seamless pathways for students to transition from school, into TAFE and onto further education on the one site.
The former Liberal Government neglected our TAFEs, forcing the closure of campuses, including Lilydale which closed its doors in June 2013.
Mr Andrews said re-opening the campus was part of the Labor Government’s Education State commitment to build better futures for all Victorians.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“We’re getting on with returning TAFE and higher education to the Lilydale campus, with our $10 million investment supporting Box Hill Institute to return this fantastic site to educational use.”
“Box Hill Institute has an exciting vision which will bring education, childcare and research to the campus, providing exciting new opportunities for people in Melbourne’s outer-east to access high-quality education and training.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert
“This is an exciting new partnership that will transform the way education is delivered in the Yarra Valley. It brings together schools, TAFEs and Universities to meet the needs of the Yarra Valley community so they can get the skills needed to get the jobs they want.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“The former Liberal Government’s decision to close Lilydale TAFE inspired an unprecedented reaction within our local community. I am very proud that we have delivered on our election commitment to return TAFE and higher education to Lilydale and thank everyone who campaigned so passionately on this important local issue.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020