Well, that learning continues, different in style but identical in intent.
That intent was clearly illustrated through the recently expanded and freshly opened Shepparton campus of La Trobe University on the corner of Fryers and North Sts.
La Trobe came to Shepparton in 1994 and first engaged students through the use of GOTAFE rooms and other local venues.
The modern and well-equipped campus opened in 2010, close to the heart for the city, and is now an integral part of Shepparton’s education profile.
Only 40 students were enrolled in 1994 and now, in 2025, campus courses cater for 405 students in nursing, social work and education.
According to the present campus head, Elizabeth Capp, beyond the 405 students who visit the campus, another 150 or so from throughout the region are enrolled in online programs supported by the Shepparton campus.
Ms Capp started in 2018, taking over from Sue Nalder.
Liz Lavender was the head of campus before Ms Nalder, and she managed the move to the new building in Fryers St.
Nursing is La Trobe’s biggest program across all campuses and what exists in the new and expanded campus is a complete and working hospital ward of eight or 10 beds.
But there is more. Beyond this fully equipped working mini-hospital are robot-like patients lying in bed and trainers, sitting behind a nearby glass panel, who are able make the ‘patient’ groan and respond as they are handled by trainee nurses.
So impressive are the nurse training facilities that should the district have a major medical emergency exceeding the capacity of existing facilities, then what exists at La Trobe could easily be a backup.
Ms Capp explained that beyond nursing, general education, social work, business, arts, food and nutrition, criminology, psychology and information technology continue to be equally important offerings at the Shepparton campus.
She said the students were mostly from Greater Shepparton, but some came from Bendigo and Melbourne.
“A significant number of local students do not speak English as a first language, and are from families who have migrated to Australia from elsewhere in the world, including India, the Middle East, Afghanistan and Iran,” she said.
The Tardis-like building defies its relatively compact exterior, with the specialist nursing training areas; general classrooms; two small rooms allowing two or three students to make video connection with remote lecturers; a small art gallery; a yet to be opened coffee shop; a spacious spot for students to mingle; and a large IT-equipped community education room, also used for classes, that has easy after-hours access for the public.
Keeping the wheels turning at this remarkable addition to Shepparton’s education profile are about 25 permanent full-time or part-time staff — a combination of academic and professional staff, along with up to 25 casual staff, teaching particular subjects each semester.
And so the learning continues, shifting from the simple shade of a riverbank tree to the wonderful complexity of the new campus of Shepparton’s La Trobe University.
Robert McLean is a former editor of The News.
