Members of the Alice Springs community joined visiting dignitaries to celebrate the opening of the Higher Education Building at CDU’s Alice Springs campus on 27 September.
More than 100 guests representing business, industry, education, and government heard of the achievements of local industry in developing the building and of the support of both Territory and Federal governments.
The building was opened jointly by Senator Nigel Scullion, Federal Minister for Community Services, and Mr Karl Hampton MLA, representing Minister Paul Henderson from the NT Government.
CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Garnett welcomed guests in the forecourt and later spoke of the educational, energy-efficiency and design significance of the new building.
Senator Scullion spoke of achievements that flow from strong partnerships.
‘I commend Charles Darwin University for its vision and focus on improving access to higher education and better facilities in the Northern Territory,’ he said. ‘The building is a significant contribution to the regional educational capacity of Central Australia.’
Mr Hampton said partnerships between CDU and governments were critical to improving learning outcomes for Territorians.
‘The NT Government is keen to work with CDU and local communities to improve outcomes throughout the Northern Territory,’ he said.
Alice Springs Mayor Fran Kilgariff said she was pleased to see further development of quality education in the region.
Don McDonald, General Manager of the Alice Springs Airport, agreed.
‘Through this, we can help retain quality staff in the town through quality training,’ he said.
Jean-Luc Revel, project manager with Power and Water Corporation and a CDU student completing his Doctorate in Business Administration, was impressed also.
‘As a CDU student and involved with utilities, I am pleased to see the energy-saving technologies developed in this building,’ he said. ‘And, as a town, its opening represents a very positive step for the community of Alice Springs.’
Don Zoellner, CDU’s Pro-Vice Chancellor, Community and Access said the building was tangible evidence of CDU’s commitment to the Central Australian community.
‘This facility provides a high-profile venue where study and research staff and students have a home where their work is highly valued,’ he said.
A Business at Sunset function, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce Alice Springs, followed the building opening and was held in its forecourt.