Local government partnerships
VU in the Community (VUiC) creates opportunities for Victoria University (VU) and its surrounding communities through strong partnerships with local government and community organisations in Melbourne's west.
VUiC builds VU’s presence and reputation through programs and place-based initiatives that:
- respond to local needs
- provide avenues for residents and VU students to learn and work locally
- build connections with local organisations, leading to opportunities for collaboration.
By contributing to regional development, knowledge sharing, projects and events, VUiC strives to enhance both the University and the broader community in each of our campus precincts.
Our involvement includes partnerships with councils in the west and northwest of Melbourne.
Recent achievements
In 2022–23, VU strengthened its relationships and collaborations with local councils across the western region through a range of initiatives.
- Hume City Council committed funding for the Hume Multiversity Tertiary Scholarship program. 52 scholarships were awarded to improve community educational aspirations and facilitate lifelong learning for eligible residents studying at VU in 2022-23.
- Skills and careers programs designed to help empower women to navigate their career pathways and address local workforce needs were delivered in Hume and Melton.
- Collaboration with Brimbank City Council expanded work-integrated learning opportunities for students in community services and screen media, and delivered the Sunshine Sports Community Program for young people at VU’s Sunshine Campus, with Brimbank Youth Services and the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation.
Education programs
VU in the Community is working with local councils to provide education pathways, to foster lifelong learning and to improve educational opportunities in the region. In collaboration with the local government area, Victoria University designs and delivers free educational programs to provide pathways to education and employment.
Since 2021, Victoria University has extended free training to people living in Melbourne’s west as part of the local council partnerships: Your Career Your Way and Skills and Careers Your Way.
The programs involve workshops where participants build confidence, leadership skills and their understanding of career and training opportunities. These programs benefit people seeking to enter the workforce, change career, or start a business, and workshops are adapted to the needs of young people and culturally and linguistically diverse groups, such as migrant and refugee women.
'VU in the Community' and VU's Skills and Jobs Centre work together to develop and implement the training program activities.
