Avondale becomes Australia's newest University

BY JAMES CARTER

Avondale College at Cooranbong has become the first new university in Australia in almost a decade.

The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency announced the change in classification as the faith-based institution achieved requirements under the Higher Education Standards Framework. 

Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Petrie says the new status will provide the institution with new opportunities. 

"We focus very much on applied research, on research that makes a genuine difference on communities so we are looking to further strengthen that. 

"It will give us further opportunities to collaborate with other institutions, to continue to strengthen our learning and teaching portfolio and stronger connections in our local community," Mr Petrie said.

Avondale first applied for university status in 1994 and worked to broaden its teaching and research profile. 

The now-university was established in 1987 and is a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist system of universities and colleges worldwide.  

Avondale has more than 1200 students studying across four disciplines and two campuses at Cooranbong and in Sydney at the Adventist Hospital. 

Pictured: Students at Avondale College.
Image: Supplied.

NeW Space ready for staff

BY JESSICA ROUSE

With arguably the best view in Newcastle's CBD, the University of Newcastle's NeW Space is one step closer to being officially open for business with staff moving in on Monday.

Once the 320 staff are settled in, around 3,000 students will be moving into the building when Semester 2 begins from the Faculties of Business and Law as well as the Creative Industries.

The $95 million facility is embracing the renewal of Newcastle changing the skyline with a visually impressive building being a reflection of the city, the building's materials and the Indigenous culture of the site.

University of Newcastle Chief Operating Officer Nat McGregor says the building looks to the future with a focus on collaboration between students and staff in a close working environment.

"We call it a vertical campus, we've got a mix of student spaces and staff spaces from the floor down so it's not designed to have the students on the ground level and the staff at the top, you'll see staff and student spaces merged throughout the whole eight floors so it's going to change the way that we educate students and it's going to change the way that the staff collaborate."

Active travel and public transport has been considered and students are being strongly advised to use it to avoid the stress of trying to get a carpark in what is a busy CBD.

"We are actively encouraging staff and students to consider a range of travel options, including more sustainable modes of transport, such as walking, cycling and public transport," said Nat McGregor.

Staff are excited to get working in a fresh new building and Student Assistant Hannah Hill says not only is she excited to work there but when students see just how beautiful the building is inside and out when they start their studies.

"I think once you have a look inside and have a look at the views of Newcastle students will be excited to come here and learn which will be great."

Claire Patterson, a Student Hubs and Enquiries Officer agrees,

"Its a beautiful building, its like a lot of imaginative design, a lot of thoughts gone into it, I've heard the architects speak on a tour so that's a really nice perspective to hear from a staff point of view just being able to work in a space that gets lots of natural light and nice views and you're able to engage more with the staff, students and the community as well."