Priority precincts

VU’s leadership role in the west of Melbourne and the precinct-oriented development of our campuses ensure we are well placed to meet the growing demands in the region for tertiary education participation and vocational training.

Collaborations to build the region

As a proud university of Melbourne’s west, Victoria University’s strong and broad links to the communities it serves go back more than a century. Our campuses are more than just locations for teaching, research and engagement. They play key roles in one of Australia’s most dynamic regions, characterised by rapidly growing population, significant urbanisation, rich cultural diversity, and a transitioning industry profile.

We partner with local governments, community organisations, and businesses to contribute to the region’s economic, social and cultural development. We are committed to addressing regional challenges and leveraging opportunities through knowledge-sharing, cultural enrichment, and advocacy through our research and teaching programs.

Our approach to building mutually beneficial partnerships with councils in Melbourne’s west has informed a growing number of collaborations that build on economic development opportunities of Melbourne’s west. All while supporting our broader goals of social engagement and improved health for the region’s residents.

VU in Maribyrnong
Through our partnership with the Maribyrnong City Council, we are revitalising Footscray as a regional centre for knowledge-creation, creativity and opportunity.
Footscray as a smart city
Our Maribyrnong City Council partnership includes developing Footscray into a Smart City by deploying integrated smart technologies that improve services for local citizens and businesses.
VU in Brimbank
VU and Brimbank City Council are working together to increase access to skills, knowledge and jobs in the Sunshine Priority Precinct.
VU in Wyndham
VU’s links to the City of Wyndham extend back to the establishment of the Werribee Campus in the early 1990s. The Werribee Campus now hosts the Wyndham Tech School.
VU in Hume
VU is working in partnership with Hume City Council to increase educational participation and attainment in Hume and contribute to community and economic development.

VU’s role in regional development

In 2019, the State Government announced several major initiatives for Melbourne’s west that recognise VU’s strong role in regional development:

  • designating Footscray as Melbourne’s sixth priority precinct
  • building the new Footscray Hospital as a world-class health, wellbeing and active living education and research precinct adjacent our Footscray Park Campus
  • developing Werribee Campus as a national employment and innovation precinct through our collaborations with key local industries in construction, transport and logistics, and health and community services.

VU created a Precincts, Communities and Government Relations department in 2019 to coordinate and align its activities with broader strategic priorities for the region, now and into the future.  

Precinct strategies for Werribee, Sunshine/St Albans and Footscray Campuses will help us meet our ambitious transformation agenda. As a university without boundaries, we provide education and training that connects students to industry and jobs, and delivers community outreach programs that meet the needs of local communities.