Minister for Higher Education and Skills Peter Hall and Member for Prahran Clem Newton-Brown officially opened the Melbourne Polytechnic Prahran campus today. Melbourne Polytechnic is an exciting new provider in vocational and higher education operated by its parent institute, Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE.

Mr Hall said it is exciting for Prahran, greater Melbourne and the Victorian community that Melbourne Polytechnic is opening its doors offering new opportunities for education through both vocational and tertiary courses.

“Melbourne Polytechnic is an example of an innovative and responsive approach to education that meets the needs of the community and industry and will be well placed in the vibrant and culturally diverse hub of Prahran to deliver its great variety of courses,” Mr Hall said.

“I am delighted the Victorian Coalition Government could play a supportive role in seeing the delivery of tertiary education continuing in Prahran at the former Swinburne site and I wish Melbourne Polytechnic all the best as it supports new students into prosperous futures.”

Member for Prahran Clem Newton-Brown said the new campus has already established itself as a creative precinct in the heart of Melbourne’s visual and performing arts community.

“It’s also looking to grow partnerships with the local arts community and working with existing tenants on the site such as the National Institute of Circus Arts,” Mr Newton-Brown said.

“The excitement around the new campus and the increase in enrolments in the lead up to the beginning of Semester 1 is a positive sign of its ongoing success.

“It’s not too late to enrol for Semester 1 so I encourage all prospective students to explore the range of courses on offer.”

More than 80 courses are on offer in 2014, including 76 vocational training courses ranging from certificates to advanced diplomas as well as higher education degrees.

Courses include photography, digital media, music, theatre arts, costume design, business and hospitality management.

In addition to the opening of its Prahran campus, Melbourne Polytechnic has also committed to a new partnership with La Trobe University which will see La Trobe University programs delivered as part of the new Polytechnic in the future. The partnership with La Trobe is seen as central to the future success of the new Polytechnic.

Melbourne Polytechnic CEO Andy Giddy said the establishment of Melbourne Polytechnic at Prahran opened up significant opportunities for the communities of central and south east Melbourne.

“We’re very excited to be continuing the educational heritage of the Prahran site and look forward to delivering high quality and affordable vocational and higher education to the region,” Mr Giddy said.

The Victorian Government is investing a record $1.2 billion a year in Victoria’s training system and seeing more people gain skills where the jobs are and where the jobs are needed.