27 October 2023
Talking Points:
- Mitsui E&P Australia and Beach Energy provided $15,000 in sponsorship to support IT upgrades for two Geraldton Universities Centre (GUC) classrooms.
- The updated equipment will enable GUC students who live further afield to webcam into tutorials when they are unable to travel the long distance.
- The IT upgrades have replaced old projectors and screens with new electronic screens and specialised webcam and speakers to enhance the learning experience.
GUC supported University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) Bachelor of Nursing students took time out from their class today to help Mitsui E&P representative Freya Contos unveil a plaque in recognition of the much-welcomed IT sponsorship of Mitsui E&P and Beach Energy.
The sponsorship has enabled IT upgrades to take place in two GUC classrooms, including the nursing classroom. The upgrades will greatly enhance the quality of presentation both within the classroom and when students who live further afield need to webcam into tutorials. Quality presentation is particularly important for nursing students as the GUC nursing classroom is not only used for tutorials, but also for complex clinical instruction.
GUC Director Natalie Nelmes said it was often challenging for a not for profit organisation such as the GUC to afford to keep up to date with advancing technology, and the sponsorship from Mitsui E&P and Beach Energy has been a godsend.
“These two classrooms are used for up to 15 tutorials a week, with approximately 120 students attending,” Ms Nelmes said.
“The IT upgrades will make a big difference to students and tutors in class, as well as providing a more enhanced learning experience for those more remote students when they can’t attend tutorials in person.
“It is so gratifying to see large industry players like Mitsui E&P and Beach Energy really valuing education and the social fabric of the communities in which they operate.
Mitsui E&P CEO Ken Yamamura said education, skills development, training and employment are important focus areas for Mitsui E&P’s partnerships and sponsorships.
“We made a commitment to the communities in which we operate, to contribute to regional and community development, especially in training, education, skills development, employment and sustainable community initiatives – and so we are very pleased to support GUC with the purchase of new smartboards,” Mr Yamamura said.
“The Geraldton Universities Centre ensures the community has access to a university education close to home – they can study, do their placements and clinical training, participate in lectures and tutorials, all here in the Mid West.
“This is good for regional development, as those graduates will likely remain in the region, gain employment here, and continue contributing to the growth of the Mid West.”
Background
Mitsui E&P Australia Holdings Pty Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsui & Co. and is based in Perth, Western Australia. Mitsui E&P is the Operator of the Waitsia Gas Field, located ~16km southeast of Dongara and ~80km southeast of Geraldton. Mitsui E&P is working with Joint Venture partner Beach Energy to deliver the Waitsia Gas Project Stage 2 project, which involves building a new, purpose-built production facility, the Waitsia Gas Plant, capable of producing ~250 TJ per day.
Picture caption left to Right: UniSQ Bachelor of Nursing student Helen Painter, GUC Nursing Academic Coordinator Dr Steph Millns Sizer, Freya Contos Mitsui E&P, and Jeff Hunter Mitsui E&P