Partnership providing education opportunities for community
Shepparton’s three largest higher education providers are banding together to inspire residents to pursue their career aspirations close to home.
GOTAFE, La Trobe University and the University of Melbourne are partnering to host a 2025 Regional Open Day, taking place on Sunday, August 10 in Shepparton.
Respective open day events held across various local campuses will give prospective students, families, and community members across the Goulburn Valley the opportunity to explore a diverse range of educational pathways.
The Regional Open Day aims to strengthen partnerships between TAFE and university, highlighting the breadth of higher education pathways available locally.
The three education providers are part of the Goulburn Murray Tertiary Education Partnership (GMTEP), which aims to offer improved education pathways and opportunities.
GOTAFE Executive Director Student Experience Laura Baker said this year’s Open Day event is a powerful way for prospective students to explore their career and education options.
“Through our involvement in the GMTEP, we are showcasing seamless pathways between vocational education and higher education,” Laura said.
“The Regional Open Day is a great example of how collaboration can remove barriers and open doors for our community.
“From a GOTAFE perspective we’ll have course information sessions, careers advice and the opportunity to chat to teachers about what to expect at GOTAFE.”
La Trobe University Shepparton Head of Campus Elizabeth Capp said the Open Day presented another opportunity for prospective students and their families to explore the University’s reinvigorated campus.
“Our newly renovated and extended campus enhances the study experience and increases options for people in the Goulburn Valley to access courses that respond to critical skills and workforce shortages,” Elizabeth said.
“Our partnership with GOTAFE and the University of Melbourne presents a unique opportunity to showcase our offerings and pathways, contributing to the training and development of our future workforce.”
University of Melbourne Dookie Campus Director Professor Ros Gall said the University is delighted to open its campus doors in Dookie and Shepparton and showcase the world-class education and career pathways available within the region.
“We are proud that the University of Melbourne is part of our vibrant Goulburn Valley region,” Professor Gall said.
“We look forward to welcoming our community to the University's Dookie Campus and the Department of Rural Health in Shepparton. Academics, researchers and specialists will be pleased to show you around our agricultural and medical facilities, and speak to you about our programs, research impact and strong industry partnerships.”
Professor Julian Wright, Head of Department of Rural Health at the University of Melbourne, emphasised the importance of community engagement and partnerships.
“At the Department of Rural Health, we are pleased to welcome the broader community in and showcase the many opportunities available in rural Victoria for meaningful involvement and service,” Professor Wright said.
"Strong connections with local people, particularly those working in healthcare, are vital to the work we do."
GOTAFE’s Shepparton Open Day Event Details:
Time: 10am – 2pm
Venue: GOTAFE Fryers Street Campus (152-200 Fryers Street)
La Trobe Shepparton’s Open Day Event Details:
Time: 9am - 2pm
Venue: 210 Fryers Street, La Trobe University Shepparton campus
University of Melbourne’s Dookie Campus:
Time: 10am-1pm
Venue: Dookie Campus, 940 Dookie-Nalinga Road
University of Melbourne’s Shepparton Campus:
Time: 11am-4pm
Venue: Department of Rural Health, Shepparton Campus, 49 Graham St
