Major step for Victoria University & Western Chances

Victoria University (VU) is proud to announce Western Chances has increased its presence at VU’s Footscray Nicholson Campus as part of a new ‘flipped campus’ agreement. 

The Victorian Minister for Education The Hon. Ben Carroll was also on site and pledged $100,000 to support Western Chances Links Program which connects students at state secondary schools with learning and development opportunities delivered outside the classroom. The announcement took place at Footscray Nicholson and was well-attended by Western Chances alumni, VU staff, along with VU's Vice-Chancellor, Chancellor The Hon. Steve Bracks AC and State Member for Footscray Ms Katie Hall MP.

“Western Chances sends a powerful message to young people that the sky is their limit – encouraging them to take up leadership positions and develop their skills to represent and advocate for their communities.” 

“We are proud to support Western Chances for another two years as they undertake their important work to develop young leaders in the west,” Mr Carroll said. 

Since 2006, Victoria University has been associated with Western Chances, a charitable foundation with a focus on empowering people in Melbourne’s western region to achieve their potential through educational scholarships and life changing opportunities. 

The 2024 agreement makes Western Chances a Major Alliance partner of Victoria University, building on successful VU initiatives such as Access Scholarships, which provides an additional $1000 to Western Chances recipients studying at VU, bringing secondary school students onto campuses to experience university life, and student engagement opportunities. 

VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said equity in education was a strong focus in the recently released Universities Accord and the elevated partnership with Western Chances speaks brilliantly to that point. 

“The expanded space at Footscray Nicholson Campus will enable Western Chances staff, students and volunteers to really elevate their support of young people in the west of Melbourne,” Professor Shoemaker said.  

“VU is famous for providing the highest quality of equitable opportunities for all. We are delighted to continue this proud tradition with Western Chances now, tomorrow and into the future.” 

VU Bachelor Laws and Bachelor Criminology student Karlee McCulloh said her Western Chances scholarship fund eases her financial burden by covering expenses including computers, study materials and Myki card. "This means I can focus all my efforts on my study and achieve my ultimate dream of becoming a social worker and helping those in the juvenile system."

Western Chances Founder and Chair Terry Bracks AM said VU becoming a Major Pro Bono Partner of Western Chances was an important next step for the two organisations. 

“Through this Major Alliance, we are poised to create new opportunities for our young people and pave the way for increased access to education, skills, learning pathways, and employment,” Ms Bracks said. 

“At the heart of this partnership lies a deep-rooted belief in the power of education and our profound love for the west. That’s why we have worked so well together over the past 18 years and are looking forward to the incredible journey ahead. 

“We are thrilled to receive this funding which will empower young people through access to opportunities to nurture and grow their talent and leadership.”