Title

Prime Minister officially opens Notre Dame Sydney

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Fall 3-3-2006

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame, Fremantle Campus

Publication Place

Fremantle

Abstract

The Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon John Howard MP, today officially opened the Sydney Campus of The University of Notre Dame Australia, amid the presence of distinguished guests, including the Cardinal Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell.

The Sydney Campus of Notre Dame opened its doors this week to 450 foundation students, studying in six Schools: Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Law, Nursing, and Philosophy and Theology.

Notre Dame, a private Catholic university, has been established in Western Australia for 15 years, and its move to the east coast, at the invitation of Cardinal Pell, reflects the importance of an enhanced Catholic higher education presence, starting in Sydney.

Notre Dame Australia Vice Chancellor, Dr Peter Tannock, says the University owes a debt of gratitude to both the Prime Minister and Cardinal Pell for their support and encouragement of this venture.

‘We are delighted that the Prime Minister and also the former Minister of Education, the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP, have graciously joined us today.

‘Cardinal Pell’s vision for the rejuvenation of St Benedict’s and also Sacred Heart Parish at Darlinghurst, has enabled Notre Dame to establish itself in Sydney.

‘The Broadway Campus is centrally located on the historic St Benedict’s site. The University has magnificently restored and transformed two former schools and parish buildings into a splendid campus of higher education.

‘An important aspect of the new Campus is St Benedict’s Church, which has been restored to its rightful position and a significant Sydney landmark.

‘Notre Dame will make a substantial contribution to the diversity and quality of higher education in Sydney.

‘We aim to replicate the beauty of the Broadway campus on the Darlinghurst site, where it is proposed to open a Medical School in 2008.

‘Both Campuses will see the revival of these places of historical significance to the church and community of Sydney,’ Dr Tannock said.

‘I am grateful to the foundation students and their families who have placed trust in Notre Dame. Our dedicated staff, under the leadership of Peter Glasson, Executive Director and Professor George Kailis, Assistant Provost, will confirm the important choice they have made.

‘I also wish to acknowledge the Parish Priest of St Benedict’s, Fr John Neill op and his parishioners, whose co-operation and support has facilitated the successful restoration of St Benedict’s Church,’ Dr Tannock said.

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