With the announcement that SAE Byron Bay campus would close by 2028, a coalition of students, alumni, staff, and community members are calling for the decision to be reconsidered, and to allow for community consultation.
Serena Nesci said in a media release last week that, ‘This decision has shocked and concerned students, staff, alumni and the broader Northern Rivers creative community. Although, there is a consultation period until the end of July before a formal full closure of the current campus is decided’.
Cultural landmark
‘SAE Byron Bay is a cultural landmark, and has nurtured generations of musicians, filmmakers, audio engineers, and digital creatives for over two decades.
‘Its closure threatens access to creative education in regional and remote NSW; local jobs and industry talent development, and Byron Bay’s identity as a creative hub’.
Serena is asking SAE to explore alternatives, which could include downsizing, partnerships, or co-location models.
Matt Evans, Executive General Manager SAE Australia and spokesperson for SAE and ACAP University Colleges told The Echo, ‘The decision to wind-down the Byron Bay campus was not taken lightly. We’ve been exploring options for rejuvenating the campus for a significant amount of time, and we continue to work in consultation with impacted staff and students.
Open to discussing proposals
‘We are open to discussing any proposals they may put forward. However, since the campus was introduced, student demand has shifted and domestic enrolment in the region is no longer sufficient to support future operations.
‘As such, with our lease concluding in 2028, the time is right for the Byron Bay campus to begin winding down. This petition reflects how valued SAE and ACAP University Colleges are, and we’re incredibly proud of the many ways our staff, students and alumni continue to contribute to this region’s creative and care sectors.
‘We thank all those that have shared their love for the campus and how much ACAP and SAE University Colleges have meant to them since the announcement.
He added, ‘To celebrate our heritage in the region we will be launching a future scholarship for members of the Byron Bay and broader Northern Rivers community to apply to study at other ACAP and SAE campuses.’
A petition to lobby to ‘Save SAE Byron Bay from closure’ is at www.chng.it/ZhCp7DGkVM.
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