Leeton Shire Council was part of many western Riverina organisations, including the Leeton Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Griffith City Council, TAFE NSW Riverina Institute, GetSet and more to sign up to the “Grow Our Own” initiative. 

The partnership stemmed from a relationship between Deakin University and Bendigo Bank Adelaide to address education pathways, particularly for those living in regional areas like Leeton and Griffith. 

Leeton Shire council manager of economic development, tourism and events Nicola James explained the program. 

“The best way I have had it described to me is if you are studying say a (one-year) diploma of business management at TAFE and decide you want to undertake tertiary studies you can enrol with Deakin and be accepted straight away,” she said. 

“Credits would be issued … it’s all about trying to keep our young people in town, but still giving them the very best opportunities. 

“It’s all based on a ‘cloud’ system through online work. 

“Now that we have the NBN coming and fixed wireless it is so easy to undertake studies by distance. 

“The overall aim is to keep students here, have them studying at a top-class institution and working in their industry at the same town. 

“It’s going to boost our economy and that of the region.”

It is hoped the program will also attract people to town. Mrs James was pleased all of the participating organisations had signed on to the Memorandum of Understanding. 

“It’s a big partnership, but one that is going to benefit everyone,” she said. 

“It has been in the pipeline for some time and has come about through the hard work of many different people and organisations.”

Guaranteed entry pathway courses with Deakin include early childhood education, visual communication design, visual arts, management, accounting and engineering.