Accommodation for 45 students has opened at Longerenong College in Victoria, part of the state’s Agricultural College Modernisation Program
The Victorian government allocated $20 million to agricultural colleges Longerenong College, Marcus Oldham College and the University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus in 2020 as part of a program to help increase student accommodation capacity.
Situated 14km from Horsham, Longerenong College used its portion of the funding to upgrade its student accommodation and teaching amenities, with the new facilities now open to students.
The college received $6.5 million to construct student accommodation for 45 students, with the new facility now holding four and seven-bedroom houses.
A suite of independent and communal facilities is also provided, including a 100-seat conference centre, shared lounge rooms and an outdoor common area.
“We are proud to be investing in our future farmers and the quality of their educational experience by prioritising the modernisation of our great Victorian agricultural colleges,” agriculture minister Ros Spence says.
Having a current capacity of 110 students and most residing on campus, the college offers full-time courses in agriculture and agronomy – now being able to provide newer facilities for its students.
Longerenong College delivers courses to over 70 apprentices and hosts targeted training events for universities and high schools.
According to the Victorian Government, over 250 high school students attended agriculture immersive camps in 2023.
The Victorian government also contributed $2.5 million to the building of a 30 bedroom facility at Marcus Oldham College and another $11 million to the construction of at least 85 new student ensuite bedrooms at the University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus.