Notre Dame and Freo Ports enter partnership

The University of Notre Dame Australia and Fremantle Ports have signed a partnership agreement designed to create new study, research, training and graduate opportunities for both organisations and the broader Fremantle community.

In a statement, Notre Dame said the memorandum of understanding featured a range of initiatives, including jointly funded research scholarships, shared use of facilities for events, and professional development opportunities for Fremantle Ports staff.

Kicking off the formal partnership, an injury prevention and fitness program for Fremantle Ports staff will be run by the university’s health science students.

In addition, the port will provide Notre Dame with a broad list of areas of interest for research and jointly funded research scholarships for postgraduate students.

The four-year agreement was signed by Notre Dame pro vice-chancellor Selma Alliex and Fremantle Ports chief executive Chris Leatt-Hayter.

Ms Alliex said discussions began in 2016.

“There is so much we can achieve through our collaborations – these initiatives will positively impact Notre Dame right through from undergraduate to postgraduate programs, but more importantly it will allow the university the opportunity to be of service to Fremantle Ports.”

Mr Leatt-Hayter said Notre Dame’s mission aligned with one of the port’s key community investment areas – supporting and encouraging education.

“It makes sense that we as neighbours work together and can turn our minds to the great things we can achieve for a better Fremantle and WA,” he said.

Notre Dame chancellor Chris Ellison, Fremantle Ports deputy chair Kim Horne, members of the Inner Harbour Community Liaison Group, and university and port staff attended the signing ceremony on the university’s Fremantle campus.