Mildura experiences university life for a day

Aspiring students and community members can delve into course offerings and tour cutting-edge facilities at La Trobe University’s Mildura Open Day next Wednesday, 14 August.

School leavers, people wanting to change careers, retrain or re-enter the workforce can find out about pathways, subject areas of interest and the impact of tertiary education at the open day.

Visitors will get a closer look at the new nursing simulation suite, featuring two state-of-the-art clinical laboratories. The new facilities are on track for completion later this year.

Mildura Head of Campus Sandy Connor said the facility would further cement the university's reputation for providing world-class rural health education.

"La Trobe's Mildura campus is integral to the local workforce, with 86 per cent of students staying and working in the region upon graduation.

"This $4.97 million investment complements our strong connections to partner healthcare organisations, meaning when these students emerge as professionals, they will be in an ideal position to ease workforce pressures."

From cyber security and accounting to business and food and nutrition, the breadth of La Trobe's online courses with local work placements enables people to stay in Mildura. Our online students receive a world-class education, ensuring they're prepared with the skills and unique needs of their communities.

Students seeking certainty in their final years of school can also discover new pathways into studying at La Trobe, including early-entry programs and the University's Aspire Program.

For Madison Barnes, who didn't receive the ATAR she had initially hoped for, it wasn't until she attended last year's Mildura Open Day that she found another way to get into her dream course.

"I learned how much was on offer and discovered that studying a Diploma of Rural Health would give me enough credits to transfer into the second year of the Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery course," Madison said.

"Everyone should be able to study regardless of their circumstances and the diploma has been a good stepping stone for me."

Relocating from Echuca, Madison has embraced opportunities at the Mildura campus by becoming a student ambassador and facilitator.

"I have enjoyed events where I can talk to students and guide them through university life. I looked up to the student ambassadors when I was in year 11 and 12, so I've enjoyed talking to students and guiding them through university life. I've just loved being part of the campus' inclusive community," Madison said.

Highlights of Open Day:

  • Acknowledgement of Country and performance
  • Sneak-peek tours of the new nursing simulation suite
  • Academic sessions for on-campuses courses (nursing and midwifery, education, social work) and online courses (health science, psychology, arts, business and accounting, food and nutrition and cyber security)
  • Find out about pathways and early-entry programs at La Trobe
  • One-on-one consultations with a La Trobe course adviser
  • Discover more online study support with Regional Connect

Available case studies

Maria Petrolo, first-year Bachelor of Education (Primary) student

Maria Petrolo decided early on that she was going to be a primary school teacher.

"I chose to study education because of my deep passion for teaching and my desire to make a difference in the lives of young students," Maria said.

"I am extremely excited for the day when I can step into a classroom as a qualified teacher."

Maria is halfway through the first year of her undergraduate and gets all the benefits of a big university that's close to home.

"My experience at La Trobe University has been overwhelmingly positive. The combination of excellent academic support, a welcoming community and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth makes me confident that I made the right choice in studying here," Maria said.

Grace Laria, first-year Bachelor of Education (Secondary) student and University Student Ambassador

After a short stint in Melbourne, Grace Laria turned to La Trobe to continue pursuing her higher education dream back in her hometown.

"La Trobe was the first place I called when I made the decision to relocate back home as I knew the university had an amazing reputation and it was close to home," Grace said.

"I studied at Mildura Senior College and my teachers made all the difference, from pushing us to be our best, to having a laugh and letting us relax when they could tell we needed it. I knew I wanted to make an impact like my teachers had on me by supporting students through their high school journey."

Madison, Grace and Maria are available for interviews at the Open Day on 14 August.


Media enquiries

Ash Ryan - a.ryan2@latrobe.edu.au or 0417 323 470