Official opening of the SSHED
Posted on Monday, November 2003
Launch of $5M training, education and business development precinct in southern Sydney
On Monday 17 November 2003 , a new $5M education, training and business development precinct will be launched in the southern Sydney .
Sutherland Shire Council, TAFE, and the University of Wollongong (UOW) have worked together to provide the first university presence in southern Sydney and a world-class business incubator for small and medium sized enterprises in new premises located at the Loftus TAFE campus.
The building is occupied jointly by the University of Wollongong Loftus Education Centre and the Sutherland Shire Hub for Economic Development (SSHED).
'The SSHED will provide a nurturing environment where up to 24 innovative businesses will receive the support and mentoring they need to succeed. This will mean more jobs for people in our area. Even more importantly, the links we are building between our business incubator, UOW and TAFE, will ensure that this precinct becomes a centre of business and education excellence,' said Sutherland Shire Mayor, Clr Phil Blight.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wollongong , Professor Gerard Sutton, said the presence of the University in the Sutherland Shire confirms the strategic alliance existing between UOW and the Shire.
'UOW is already the university of choice for southern Sydney students and the new Loftus Education Centre will provide new educational opportunities for people in the Shire,' Professor Sutton said.
Kimble Fillingham, Director of TAFE NSW - Southern Sydney Institute, heartily endorsed these sentiments. 'I am delighted that TAFE NSW - Southern Sydney Institute has been a full partner in this proposal from day one. When this idea was first suggested to me by council I was excited by the opportunity for TAFE NSW to work with our local community to play an integral part in the economic and social development of the Sutherland Shire.'
'I am very proud of the close relationship that we have built with both Council and the University of Wollongong . With such a strong three way partnership I am sure that there will be exciting entrepreneurial opportunities that will benefit us all.'
Over 200 guests will be attending including:
· Mayor of Sutherland Shire, Clr Phil Blight
· Clr Ken McDonell, Chair of Sutherland Shire Economic Development Committee
· The Hon Danna Vale MP, Federal Member for Hughes and Minister for Veterans' Affairs
(also representing the Hon Joe Hockey, Minister for Small Business and Tourism)
· The Hon David Campbell MP, NSW Minister for Small Business
(representing Premier Bob Carr)
· Professor Gerard Sutton, Vice-Chancellor, University of Wollongong .
Media contacts:
Sutherland Shire Council's Senior Media Officer, Colin Smith 9710 0344 (office), 0414 193 843 (mobile)
University of Wollongong Media Manager, Bernie Goldie, 4221 5942, 0412 454 124
TAFE NSW - Southern Sydney Institute Promotions & Media Manager, Maruschka Loupis, 0411 35 2220
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