The University of Queensland Ipswich Campus celebrates its 10th anniversary today with a special event which also launched the teaching of Medicine at the campus.
Guests at today’s event included Dr Penelope Wensley, AO, Governor of Queensland.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Rix said the opening of the UQ Ipswich campus in 1999 signalled a new era in higher education in Queensland.
“The campus was born out of the University’s support for long-term growth in South-east Queensland’s western corridor,” he said.
“It blends the best elements of the old and the new, with 19th century heritage buildings sensitively rehabilitated to accommodate 21st century technology, new courses and student-centred learning.”
Professor Rix said today’s UQ Ipswich students were able to study in Arts, Business, Human Services and increasingly Health, all with choices of specialisation.
“2009 also marks the launch of UQ’s teaching of Medicine at the Ipswich Campus,” he said.
“A cohort of first year Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery students are now be based at the Campus, along with students in Nursing, Midwifery, Health Sciences, Physician Assistants and Dietetics, and using the Campus’s growing range of specialised teaching facilities and clinics in Health.”
Professor Rix said that while UQ celebrated its past, it was always looking towards the future, and UQ Ipswich was no different.
“A Future Master Plan for the Campus is currently being developed to allow for growth not only in student numbers but in facilities available to students, staff and the whole community,” he said.
“Plans for two new lecture theatres are being finalised. Specialised health teaching facilities will also be further developed on campus, including the new GP Super Clinic recently announced by the Federal Government.
“A University College is proposed in 2011 to offer Associate Degree courses. The College will use the facilities of UQ Ipswich while teaching independent courses.”
Professor Rix said UQ Ipswich would work closely with Bremer State High School and Education Queensland following the recent announcement that the State Government had decided to relocate the school next to UQ Ipswich.
“Our first 10 years have been exceptional: we now look forward to our next 100 years,” Professor Rix said.
Media: Jess Freiberg, telephone 07 3381 1068 or Jan King 0413 601 248.
