CCBR Business Review

19 Seeking business advice? PKF can help. Everything we do, we do to help our clients get closer to their goals. Gain more time for you Secure your financial future PKF Central Coast Suite 2, 184 The Entrance Road, Erina Increase profitability www.pkf.com.au (02) 4367 8955 Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute to open in mid-2021 THE CONSTRUCTION OF the $72.5 mil- lion Central Coast Research Institute and University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School reached a new milestone in November 2020 with the completion of its base-build. Located at Gosford Hospital, the Clinical School will feature a 100-seat lectorial space, seminar rooms, problem-based learning spaces and breakout areas for students, as well as a library. The building will include three simula- tion labs, and laboratory settings that will expose students to real-life situations they could expect to experience as public health providers when they enter the workforce. Commenting on the project University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky, said: “Through our partnership with the Central Coast Local Health District, we are establishing a framework for practi- cal application of lessons in local clinical settings, developing high-quality health practitioners who are reflective of the pub- lic health needs of the community in which they will work,” Researchers will have access to dedicated and collaborative spaces, including spe- cialist anatomy, histology and molecular laboratories and a microbiological physical containment level 2 – or PC2 – lab fit to carry out world-class research. The facility will also host the new Central Coast Research Institute (CCRI) operating as a joint venture between the Central Coast LHD and the University of Newcastle, the Director of the CCRI, Professor Nick Goodwin said, “We know that many peo- ple in our community deserve a better care experience and that integrated care is a route towards improv- ing their health care outcomes. We also know that approaches which combine research, innovation, education and knowl- edge translation help to accelerate the adop- tion of innovations to achieve such goals.” A new Gosford Campus While it has been a challenging year for the university sector, with universities unable to welcome international students, and huge changes to teaching, the University is committed to establishing an expanded presence in the Gosford CBD close to the Clinical School and Gosford Hospital. A new campus would further build a world-class education and innovation centre in Gosford, and provide more pathways for local peo- ple into university. Just 14% of people on the Central Coast have a bachelor’s degree or above, compared to 28% in Greater Sydney. The Australian Government has committed $18 million towards the project, and the NSW Government has committed to working with the University of Newcastle to further develop the precinct. The Central Coast Economic Strategy, being developed by the Greater Sydney Commission identifies investment in a univer- sity campus in Gosford as one possible key pillar for the future of the Central Coast. The University is working continuously with TAFE NSW to ensure students are well supported to move between the two institutions. M A J O R S T O R I E S O F 2 0 2 0 Central Coast Research Institute and University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School in the Gosford Hospital precinct, nearing completion CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW YEARBOOK 2020