Murdoch University, Curtin University, South Metropolitan TAFE, and the WA Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities for a specialised defence training hub at Murdoch’s Rockingham campus.

A Strategic Futures Hub would combine higher education, research, industry, start-ups, and vocational education and training all in one place, with a  focus on education, workforce development, teaching, research and innovation aligned to WA’s future industry needs.

Defence-related research and education represent a significant area of activity across Australian universities, supported by substantial workforce demand. Located near HMAS Stirling - Australia’s largest naval base and the epicentre of the AUKUS trilateral security pact - the Kwinana-Rockingham Strategic Industrial Area, and the Henderson Defence Precinct, Murdoch University’s Rockingham campus is well-placed to support the workforce and education needs of these major projects.

The new hub would join Murdoch’s Extractive Metallurgy Hub at the Rockingham campus, which is focused on strengthening Australia’s sovereign capability to leverage our world-class mineral resources and skilled workforce, and serve as a focal point for industry, academia and government to deliver a greener future. Co-locating these two strategic hubs would revitalise the Rockingham Campus and provide students and researchers with significant education and career opportunities in thriving future industries.

The MoU, signed by the WA Government, and Murdoch University Deputy Vice Chancellor, Global Engagement, Professor Simon McKirdy, is an important first step in establishing a collaborative relationship between partners.

Professor McKirdy said the Strategic Futures Hub would help serve the local population of the southern corridor by integrating with development in the area.

“The southern corridor is one of the fastest-growing regions in WA and is increasingly important to the State's economic future,” he said.

“This project is about making sure local communities can benefit from new opportunities in defence, advanced manufacturing, and other growing industries, while also supporting the strategic priorities of WA.”

Professor Peter Eastwood, Murdoch University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation, said the proposed new Strategic Futures Hub was an exciting opportunity for the University.

“Rockingham sits at the doorstep of some of Australia's most important defence and industrial projects, making it the ideal location to bring together education, research, and industry,” he said.

“This partnership creates an opportunity to train the workforce these industries need, while supporting the research and innovation that will help them grow.

“By combining the strengths of universities, TAFE, Government and industry, we can create clearer pathways for people to access training and be employed in these emerging industries.”