Swinburne to bolster Victoria’s future healthcare workforce with new healthcare precinct

Swinburne University of Technology will train and upskill an additional 2500 future nurses, psychologists and allied health professionals to meet Victoria’s growing healthcare demands, with a new healthcare precinct at its Hawthorn campus. 

The state-of-the-art multidisciplinary precinct, expected to cost more than $30 million, will bring together education, research, clinical practice and community-facing services, giving students more opportunities to build practical skills that reflect modern healthcare environments.

Drawing on Swinburne’s strong technology focus, the precinct will feature advanced simulation technology and flexible teaching spaces, including high and low fidelity nursing simulation wards and a home simulation apartment.

It will also include a community-facing health and wellbeing clinic for the public and Swinburne community, as well as the Swinburne Performance and Rehabilitation Clinic for clinical training, exercise testing, rehabilitation and applied research. 

Acting Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer Distinguished Professor James Ogloff AM said the precinct was developed in response to a clear need for more skilled healthcare workers now and into the future. 

“We’re building on Swinburne’s legacy of innovation and industry engagement to reimagine how we train our healthcare professionals.  By embedding the latest technology into everything we do, we’re ensuring high-quality research, education and care are all in one place.

“Health is one area where technology can make a real difference, and we’re excited to help lead innovations that will improve people’s lives.”

 The precinct will also create new pathways into healthcare, with expanded course offerings in courses like the Diploma and Bachelor of Nursing, meaning more people can access healthcare training. Places for nursing and psychology students will grow by 1600 over the next five years, while providing an additional 900 allied health students access to enhanced facilities, learning environments and experiences.  

Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Vocational Education Madelyn Bolch said when combined with Swinburne’s multi-sector model, the precinct will be an example of tertiary harmonisation in practice.

“At Swinburne, we want every learner to have a clear path to success, whatever their background or circumstances. That means if you want a career change, to begin tertiary education for the first time, or to learn flexibly at your own pace, there’s a pathway for you to do that.

“This exciting new precinct will make it easier for people to get the education and practical experience they need to build a career in healthcare, while helping Victoria meet a critical workforce need.”

Acting Executive Dean of School of Health Sciences David Edvardsson said demand for skilled graduates in areas including nursing and allied health, social work and psychology, community health, rehabilitation and sports is increasing.  

“This investment is about preparing the next generation of health professionals and health science workforce, and giving them the skills they need to make a real difference. Through this precinct, Swinburne is investing in this workforce to help build healthier people and stronger communities, here in Victoria and beyond.

“The precinct will also strengthen Swinburne’s role in technology-enabled healthcare and our health research capability to create new opportunities for collaboration with industry and the community and help turn new ideas into better health outcomes. We’re grateful to everyone who has worked with us to bring this precinct to life.”

Enabling works and construction for the learning and research facilities are planned to begin in late 2026. The clinics and workplace projects are expected to commence in early 2027.