Blessing of Canberra health science facilities

Archbishop Christopher Prowse officially blessed and opened our new health science facilities in Canberra yesterday, 11 February.

The state-of-the-art facilities are housed in one of the heritage buildings on the campus and have seen the former library transformed into health science facilities for specialist social work, nursing and paramedicine simulation.

Speaking at the event, ACU Chancellor the Honourable John Fahey AC GCSG, said the opening of the new facilities concluded ACU’s seven-year vision for capital investment in Canberra.

“The university committed itself to not only maintaining its presence in Canberra but recognised the need to invest significantly in this campus to ensure that education was not only available but of the highest standard,” Mr Fahey said.

The new facilities follow the completion of the nursing simulation wards and science laboratories in 2014 and 2015 and the Veritas Building in 2018.
“The whole of the health sciences, science and simulation facilities here are the envy of many other providers and a testament to the university’s commitment to innovative, high quality learning,” Mr Fahey said.

“ACU has consistently recognised emerging areas of need in higher education to prepare its graduates for their future professional practice, whether in paramedicine, in nursing or in social work.”

The blessing and opening event was also attended by Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven, Executive Dean of Health Sciences Professor Michelle Campbell, Canberra Campus Dean Associate Professor Patrick McArdle and other stakeholders from across the university.