MOU signed for Launch Pad: Smart Business Centre

Western Sydney University VC, Prf Barney Glover with Deputy Mayor, Cr Peter Sidgreaves

Camden Council and Western Sydney University recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the view to working towards the future establishment of a LAUNCH PAD Smart Business Centre in Oran Park Town.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Lara Symkowiak says that this is a positive step forward in connecting the business community of Camden and the broader Macarthur region with Western Sydney University.

"Council is committed to supporting business and education initiatives that will benefit our Local Government Area and the MOU is a fantastic example of this commitment.

"By working collaboratively with the University, Council will be able to maximise opportunities to drive education, innovation and economic growth.

"Were it to be established in Oran Park, the Centre would allow students, businesses, industry bodies and employees access to a range of business and education resources.

"By building knowledge-based capacity that will generate investment and interest in our region, we will be helping to secure more employment opportunities for our residents," says Cr Symkowiak.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Barney Glover says the University welcomes the opportunity to further explore the possibility of setting up a LAUNCH PAD Smart Business Centre in Camden.

"A Smart Business Centre would provide businesses in the region with access to a range of high-quality assistance programs and resources all designed to support innovation in one of Western Sydney's fastest growing areas," says Professor Glover.

"Council already has a very well developed economic development agenda, and we share Council's enthusiasm to promote technology-focussed innovation across the region.

"Western Sydney University looks forward to working with Council on this exciting project."

The MOU was signed by Deputy Mayor Cr Peter Sidgreaves and Vice-Chancellor Professor Barney Glover.

The Centre would operate in partnership with government, business and the community to develop a range of initiatives and offer:

* Business facilities
* Education forums
* Networking opportunities
* Links for businesses to researchers
* Business advisory services and mentoring
* Access to government programs
* Introduction for businesses to student resources for internship and recruitment

Western Sydney University will also explore the opportunity to work collaboratively with the current 'Oran Park Smart Work Hub' operator, to share the resources already available through that facility, and which provide great synergies with LAUNCH PAD.

Further information on this initiative is available by contacting Council's Economic Development Officer on 4645 7614.

Ends

15 September 2015

Media Contact: Amanda Whibley, Media and Public Relations Manager