Recently we expanded our operations with a new campus, in the culturally diverse, rapidly changing suburb of Epping. The opening ceremony was officiated by Donna Davis, Member of the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales. Also present was David Collins PSM with senior staff of NSW State Training, Board members of Macquarie Community College, local service providers, staff and local students.
The Epping campus site at Level 3/3, Carlingford Road, is a major addition to the network of Macquarie Community College with locations in the northern and western parts of Sydney ranging from Blacktown and Mount Druitt to Chatswood and Richmond as well as Carlingford, Ryde and now Epping. The Epping site is all about the future but a strong link to the past, being just up the road from where the College first started as the Eastwood Evening College more than 70 years ago.
The strong connection to the local area, the growing migrant population and access to public transport made Epping a natural choice for Macquarie Community College’s expansion. The most recent census data taken in 2021 showed that Epping is home to over 40,000 migrants, many who will benefit from employment-related qualification courses, opportunities to improve their English proficiency and access to the broad range of high quality, inclusive and affordable adult education courses offered by Macquarie Community College.
Speaking at the event, Theresa Collignon, Chief Executive Officer, Macquarie Community College, said, "With the addition of the Epping campus, we’re providing much-needed access to quality adult education for the local community. We are thrilled to help those in and around Epping gain qualifications for employment, improve their English and acquire other important skills and connections that are vital for a full and successful life in Australia."
In addition to learning opportunities Macquarie Community College also seeks to improve personal, community and employment connections for its students. Collignon noted, “In addition to providing an excellent educational foundation for our students, the new campus will enable more learners to become future-ready by providing a direct pathway to employment.” This is possible with the help of Macquarie Community College’s Career Training (VET), employment readiness and English language programs.
“Our community needs organisations like Macquarie Community College that are actively stepping up to grow our local economy. Helping others upskill is a fantastic way to address the needs of our community and area employers,” Donna Davis said at the inaugural event.
She further added, “With the increasing need to fill the labour shortage in Australia, Macquarie Community College’s move to assist adults in sharpening their skills and gaining confidence to enter the workforce is a purpose-driven move to develop our community. I am positive this opportunity will also help in placing locals into hundreds of high-quality jobs essential to retain the growth of our city.”
The new, modern Epping building is accessible by multiple modes of public transport including via the Hills/Chatswood metro, the main T2 train line and buses. The new campus is a five-minute drive from the existing Carlingford campus and a stone’s throw away from the newly opened Darcy Street Project cafe – a social enterprise collaboration with MCC and DSP at the Parramatta Council’s Boronia Grove Community Centre.
The opening of the new campus was also welcomed by local employers – especially in fast growing essential services like childcare, aged care and disability support. Jessica Barlow, Centre Manager of Shine Preschool Carlingford said “With the increasing need to fill the labour shortage in Australia, Macquarie Community College’s move to assist adults in sharpening their skills and gaining confidence to enter the workforce is a purpose-driven move to develop our community. I am positive this opportunity will also help in placing locals into hundreds of high-quality jobs essential to retain the growth of our city.”
The Carlingford campus, established in the late 1980s, will remain Macquarie Community College’shead office and shared teaching campus for the College and the growing Gateway Community High School. Other programs such as Career Training (VET), English language and short courses for leisure and self-improvement will continue to be held at Ryde, Chatswood, Blacktown, Mount Druitt, and Richmond campus venues.
Students residing in and near Epping can enrol for the following Term 3 classes:
Vocational Training
- Basic Computer Skills for Work and Study
- Coffee Club English
- English for Child Care
- English for Work and Study Beginners & Intermediate
- Everyday English Language – Intermediate
- Tech Savvy Seniors
- BSB30120 Certificate III in Business (Customer Engagement)
- CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability Specialisation)
- CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Leisure and Self-Improvement Short courses
For course specific information, please visit our website: https://www.macquarie.nsw.edu.au/
You can also contact us via email at info@macquarie.nsw.edu.au or by phone at 1300 845 888.