Mayor Ned Mannoun has welcomed The University of Notre Dame’s decision to establish an educational guidance facility in Liverpool CBD to increase opportunities for local students to get a tertiary education.
Mr Mannoun said Notre Dame’s Student Support Centre in Bigge Street would add to the depth of Liverpool’s educational facilities that include University of Western Sydney and University of Wollongong campuses.
“The presence of an easily recognisable educational heavyweight like the University of Notre Dame further increases Liverpool’s status as the centre of learning in western Sydney,” he said.
“We’re delighted that Notre Dame is adding to our world class tertiary-centred education facilities and is beginning what we see as a long and collaborative partnership with the community.”
The Student Support Centre will provide guidance and pathways to students from across western Sydney who are contemplating university studies.
The Centre is based at All Saints Catholic College in Liverpool CBD and staged a Community Day to display the range of degrees, pathway programs and scholarships on offer.
Principal Daniel McInerney said All Saints Catholic College opened in 1827 as a small primary school and is now the biggest Catholic school in Sydney with two campuses and 2100 students.
“We are excited about the latest development of having a tertiary institution represented on the site,” he added.
Father Paul Monkerud, of All Saints parish who was a significant figure in negotiations to bring Notre Dame to Liverpool, said local students would benefit from the agreement.
“We are delighted that through this partnership, the All Saints story of excellence in education is about to enter a new chapter in which young people and families from south west Sydney, representing the broadest range of Australian, will have access to the quality education they deserve.”
Mr Tony Farley, executive director of Sydney Catholic Schools said: ``We’re excited about this important partnership with Notre Dame. Connecting potential university students in the Liverpool community through the support centre opens possibilities to extraordinary university courses and future career pathways.”
The University of Notre Dame vice-chancellor, professor Francis Campbell, said the support centre filled a need.
“We understand that choosing the right university, the right course and the right pathway is not always easy. We want top to provide future university students with all the information they need to make the right choices by providing advice on courses, careers, application processes scholarships and early entry and alternative pathway options.”