Study Melbourne Director Caroline Hartnett and Senior Managers Oliver Harap and Jodie Stevens visited SuniTAFE (Sunraysia Institute of TAFE) in Mildura on 6 and 7 August to learn more about the region and its offering for international students.

During the visit, they received a briefing from Mildura City Council on the local economy, including workforce needs and skills shortages in areas such as construction, agribusiness, nursing, aged care and community services. The program also included a tour of the La Trobe University regional campus, a roundtable with SuniTAFE executive, meetings with local international students including alumni who have established businesses, a Victorian TAFE International meeting, a SuniTAFE campus tour and a visit to the SuniTAFE smart farm.

The visit highlighted how international education is interwoven and connected to the community and broader economic development of the region, particularly in relation to the visitor economy and skilled migration. It also showcased the strong wrap-around support for international students choosing a regional location, as well as the great job opportunities, and provided valuable insights into how regional Victoria can be promoted to international students.