High-quality training equipment, increasing enrolments, and meaningful work placement opportunities were all up for discussion earlier this month during the first meeting of the reinstated SuniTAFE Mildura campus Nursing Industry Reference Group.  

The Industry Reference Group (IRG), which was reinstated in May 2026, is designed to ensure that SuniTAFE’s nursing program remains aligned with current industry practice, workforce needs, and regional health priorities.  

The IRG brings SuniTAFE’s nursing team together with key stakeholders, including local health service partners, employers, clinical leaders, and pathway providers such as La Trobe University.  

SuniTAFE Education Delivery Manager - Nursing Jayne Hunt was the driving force behind reinstating the reference group because she knows how critical industry engagement is for effective nursing training.   

“Within a regional health context, SuniTAFE plays a vital role in producing employment-ready Enrolled Nurses who can directly contribute to addressing local workforce shortages,” she said.  

“The IRG supports this by strengthening local training-to-employment pathways and reinforcing the shared goal of building a sustainable nursing workforce within the community.” 

During the May meeting, Jayne took IRG members on a tour of SuniTAFE’s Mildura campus training facilities to showcase the equipment that students are using to gain practical skills.  

“The IRG responded very positively to SuniTAFE’s nursing facilities, noting that they are of high standard and provide an excellent learning environment for local students,” Jayne said.  

“Our industry partners were particularly impressed with the contemporary equipment available, including IV pumps, hospital beds, and patient lifting equipment, which closely reflects current clinical practice.  

“The inclusion of advanced simulation technology, such as the SimAnne manikin, was also highlighted as a valuable and engaging learning tool that enhances students’ clinical readiness.” 

Beyond just the training equipment available, the setup of key learning spaces also received praise for their ability to emulate real world working conditions.  

“The group also commended the design of the simulation spaces, including dedicated areas such as a fully functioning bathroom and a medication room complete with a simulated drug safe,” Jayne said. 

“These environments were recognised for their ability to replicate real workplace settings and support the development of safe and competent practice. 

“Overall, the feedback reinforced that SuniTAFE’s facilities were well aligned to industry expectations and play a key role in preparing students for the realities of clinical environments.”  

Jayne and her team look forward to continuing to build these key relationships to gain further insights into how SuniTAFE’s nursing students can hit the ground running as they transition from classroom to placement and employment.  


Want to learn more about Nursing at SuniTAFE? Click the links to learn about nursing students Claire, Mackayla, and Gabrielle who are all following their passions to become nurses and give back to their local communities.