Revitalising Charles Darwin University’s Central Australia Campus

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is backing a major revitalisation of its university campus in Central Australia as part of a new strategic plan for the campus, which includes higher education.

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman AO is being hosted in Alice Springs this week by newly appointed Associate Vice-Chancellor Central Australia Jay Walker.

Professor Bowman and Mr Walker will meet with stakeholders, community and industry to create a new roadmap to bring life back to campus and develop a new strategic plan for CDU in Central Australia.

The plan will see the gradual return of Higher Education to the Alice Spring’s campus in consultation with the local community to ensure the courses on offer reflect market demands. Several disciplines are being considered including Nursing and Midwifery, Health, Education and Business.

CDU will also be looking to expand the university's VET offering and establishing a remote delivery program. Pro Vice-Chancellor VET, Professor Noordin Shehabuddeen, will be developing a university-wide VET Blueprint which will provide a roadmap for the next five years around VET priorities and to implement the remote delivery program. 

The plan will also pro-actively respond to the Indigenous Leadership Strategy (ILS), currently being implemented by the whole of CDU, which outlines the University’s commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student outcomes.

The strategy is a part of CDU’s aims of becoming globally recognised for Indigenous leadership including increase of Indigenous employment and on campus programs for school age Indigenous students.

CDU Vice-Chancellor Central Australia Jay Walker said the revitalisation of the campus in Central Australia was part of CDU’s program of initiatives to create long-term jobs and investment within the diverse and resilient region of Central Australia.

“We’re getting on with returning life back to the Alice Springs campus - providing exciting new opportunities for people in Alice Springs and the regions to access high-quality education and training,” Mr Walker said.

“I am very proud of the planning and direction from our staff and stakeholders, we are bringing back Higher Education to Alice Springs as a part of our plan to revitalise the campus and support jobs of the future.

“This is an important milestone for the local community and means that we can attract students from not only across the country, but once borders allow, the rest of the world.”

CDU Vice Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman AO said the university was focused on delivering a strong presence in Central Australia to deliver more training to Territorians. 

“For too long, Alice Springs locals lacked access to quality higher education training on their doorstep. We’re giving locals in Alice Springs access to training closer to home,” Professor Bowman said.

“We are listening to the local community and its needs. This campus will build skills, support local industry and jobs growth right here in the Territory.”