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Macquarie Park Sydney, Australia

AUSTRALIA’S ORIGINAL INNOVATION DISTRICT

Education and Training Prospectus

City of Ryde

Mayor’s message

Our Vision City of Ryde: the place to be for lifestyle and opportunity at your doorstep. The City of Ryde cultivates local talent with global impact by creating an environment where students, entrepreneurs, researchers and emerging professionals can learn from each other, connect through strong industry networks and contribute to real world solutions. The City of Ryde Education and Training Prospectus (the Prospectus) celebrates Ryde’s identity as a centre for innovation, diversity, and opportunity by showcasing the existing education and training assets, and demonstrates how strengthening collaboration between schools, TAFE and Macquarie University can create a talent pipeline that is industry ready and meet the current, emerging and future market demands. Council is committed to delivering outcomes that align with the Community Strategic Plan, to make Ryde a better place to study, live, work and do business through innovative education and skills development pathways.

Trenton Brown City of Ryde Mayor

Cover image: Meadowbank TAFE NSW. Photo credit: Gray Puksand. 2

Education and Training Prospectus

City of Ryde

Chief Executive Officer’s message

The City of Ryde Education and Training Prospectus (the Prospectus) outlines Council’s place-based approach to supporting skills development, workforce participation, and lifelong learning across the Ryde local government area. It reflects Council’s commitment in responding to the evolving social, economic and employment needs of the area, bringing to life the vision of lifestyle and opportunity at your doorstep. As a centre for innovation, education and employment within Sydney’s northern corridor, the City of Ryde is home to a diverse population, a strong business and technology industry, and a range of education and research institutions. The Prospectus brings together education and training opportunities that support residents, businesses, and community organisations to build capability, improve employability, and adapt to current and future workforce demands. Developed in partnership with education and training providers, industry, government agencies and community stakeholders, the Prospectus highlights the breadth of assets, facilities, programs and initiatives in the City of Ryde, aligned with NSW and Commonwealth skills priorities, local market trends and Council’s economic development and social inclusion objectives. Council’s role is that of an enabler and connector – facilitating partnerships, advocating for local skills investment, and improving access to education and training opportunities for everyone who lives and works in the region. Flexible, accessible and locally delivered opportunities that support participation and remove barriers to engagement.

Wayne Rylands City of Ryde Chief Executive Officer

Education and Training Prospectus

City of Ryde

The Australian Education System

Meadowbank TAFEand NSW. Photo credit: Gray Puksand. Education Training Prospectus 4

City of Ryde

Australia’s education and training system is comprehensive and nationally coordinated, spanning early childhood education, school education, vocational education and training (VET), and higher education. Responsibility is shared between the Commonwealth and State and territory governments, with funding, policy and regulation distributed across different levels.

The broader education and training system is shaped by strong links to industry, a focus on skills development, and an international outlook. Australian universities, including our very own Macquarie University, are recognised globally for teaching and research, while the VET sector supports workforce participation, upskilling and reskilling, and lifelong learning.

Universities and the VET system, delivered through Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes and registered training organisations, are a central feature of the landscape, providing nationally recognised qualifications designed to meet industry and labour market needs.

Australia is a leading destination for international students across both higher education and vocation training, contributing to economic growth and cultural exchange.

Macquarie University Incubator. Photo credit: Chris Stacey. Education and Training Prospectus

New South Wales Leads the Way in Education and Training

Macquarie University. Photo credit: Chris Stacey.

New South Wales Leads the Way in Education and Training

New South Wales (NSW) has Australia’s largest and most diverse education and training system, encompassing early childhood education, primary and secondary education, VET and higher education. NSW is home to over 2,000 schools across the State and four of the world’s top 200 universities. The system is overseen by the NSW Department of Education (NSW DoE), with students progressing through internationally recognised pathways including the Higher School Certificate (HSC), vocational qualifications delivered by TAFE NSW and registered training organisations, and degrees offered by world-class universities. This strong regulatory framework underpins NSW’s reputation for high-quality, globally recognised education outcomes.

Institute of Applied Technology Digital – National Centre of Excellence, Meadowbank. Photo credit: Gray Puksand.

NSW attracts a large and diverse international student population, supported by strong industry connections, innovation precincts, and opportunities for integrated learning and research collaboration. Study NSW, a dedicated team established by the NSW Government to support and promote international education and global engagement, collaborates with education providers, industry and communities to enhance the international student experience, strengthen employment outcomes and build global partnerships. Alongside academic excellence, the NSW system focuses on student wellbeing, inclusion and global competitiveness, reinforcing the State’s reputation as a leading destination for education and training. Education and Training Prospectus

City of Ryde’s Education and Training Landscape

Macquarie University. Photo credit: Joanne Stephan.

City of Ryde’s Education and Training Landscape

The City of Ryde has a well-established and diverse education and training landscape that supports learners across all life stages. With a wide range of public and private primary and secondary schools, as well as early childhood education services, the City of Ryde also has supporting infrastructure to cater to the needs of a growing and multicultural population, including the newly constructed Midtown Macquarie Park Primary School. The City benefits from its strong education base and proximity to major universities, notably Macquarie University, a globally recognised centre for teaching, research and innovation, ranked in the top 200 universities in the world. Macquarie University is the only university in Australia with a wholly owned education and research hospital and health precinct, proudly boasting more than 300 partners within the innovation precinct and a further 3,000 partnerships globally. The strong local education base in the City of Ryde contributes to high levels of education attainment locally and supports pathways from school into further study and employment.

Education and training in the City of Ryde is closely connected to industry, innovation and workforce development, reflective of the region’s role as a key economic hub for NSW. The presence of Macquarie Park Innovation District and Meadowbank Education and Employment Precinct create strong links between education institutions, research organisations, and employers in sectors such as technology, health and life sciences and advanced manufacturing. Vocational education and professional training opportunities, including those delivered through TAFE campuses, the Institute of Applied Technology Digital – National Centre of Excellence at Meadowbank (IATD – NCoE) and private providers, support skills development and lifelong learning. Collectively, these assets position the City of Ryde as a knowledge-focused community with a dynamic and future-oriented education and training system.

Meadowbank TAFE NSW. Photo credit: Gray Puksand. Education and Training Prospectus

City of Ryde’s Education and Training Landscape

Map of Schools within the City of Ryde SCHOOLS

1 Macquarie University Station M2 Macquarie Park Station

CO VE

10 RO AD

MARSDE

VIC

TO R

UR CH

Epping Boys High School

Eastwood Heights Public School

St Anthony's Catholic Primary School

Kent Road Public School

Midtown Macquarie Park Primary School

CA Montessori Children's Centre

Truscott Street Public School

Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School

North Ryde Public School

Denistone East Public School

St Kevin's Catholic Primary School

Marist College Eastwood

Eastwood Public School

St Therese's Catholic Primary School

Smalls Road Public School

Saturday School of Community Languages

Northcross Christian School

Ryde East Public School

Ryde Secondary College

27 Meadowbank Station

West Ryde Station

N ROAD

Denistone Station

North Ryde Station

RO AD

Eastwood Station NE

RO AD

LEGEND Public School Private School

20 Ryde Public School 21

22 Holy Cross College 23

Railway and Metro Stations Rail and Metro Lines Road Classification – State Ryde Health Precinct

Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary School

24 Gladesville Public School 25 Putney Public School 26 Italian Bilingual School 27

Meadowbank Public School

28 Marsden High School

Macquarie Park Innovation District

29 St Michael's Catholic Primary School

Meadowbank Education and Employment Precinct

30 West Ryde Public School 31

St Charles Catholic Primary School

Education and Training Prospectus

Ermington Public School

City of Ryde’s Education and Training Landscape

The City of Ryde is home to several significant education centres including Macquarie University within Macquarie Park Innovation District (MPID), Meadowbank Education and Employment Precinct (MEEP), Le Cordon Bleu culinary and hospitality hub, as well as the Ryde Hospital Redevelopment.

The Meadowbank Education and Employment Precinct (MEEP) The MEEP is a modern precinct that brings together industry, education and government to deliver an integrated learning environment, supporting students and apprentices to become workforce ready. Central to this ecosystem is the Institute of Applied Technology Digital – National Centre of Excellence at Meadowbank (IATD – NCoE), a landmark Australiafirst collaboration between TAFE NSW, the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Macquarie University and Microsoft, integrating university theory with the practical training of the VET sector to deliver highly responsive, industry-designed education to meet the rapidly evolving demands.

Macquarie Park Innovation District (MPID)

Ryde Hospital Redevelopment

MPID is located just 13km from Sydney’s CBD and 20 minutes by Metro, seamlessly connected via the Sydney Metro Northwest Line, major arterial roads, and nearby international gateways, making it the perfect location to live, study, work and do business. As Australia’s original innovation district and anchored by world-leading Macquarie University, MPID offers multiple training and employment pathways, across a diverse portfolio of high-tech and high-growth industries, with leading businesses in the district.

The NSW Government is investing $526.8 million for the Ryde Hospital Redevelopment (the Redevelopment), an initiative that will enable Ryde to have a state-of-theart hospital of the future and strengthen key academic relationships with tertiary providers to benefit from a range of opportunities including clinical placements, teaching and research. This Redevelopment supports the vision for a progressive, future‑focused hospital that can meet the long‑term needs of the community while enabling new models of care that deliver the highest quality patient outcomes. The Redevelopment has the potential to turn into a Health and Innovation Precinct, connecting healthcare, education and research innovation in the future.

Education and Training Prospectus

City of Ryde’s Education and Training Landscape

Map of Education Centres within the City of Ryde

Macquarie University Knowledge and Research Cluster Macquarie University Macquarie University M 2 Station

Macquarie University Corporate and Tech. Cluster

RO AD

Australian Patisserie Academy m

ROAD MARSDEN

RO AD

Denistone Station

The Sydney Coffee Academy

Australian College of Education

West Ryde Station

Meadowbank Station

VIC

TO R

RO AD

The Institute of Applied Technology Digital – National Centre of Excellence at Meadowbank (IATD – NCoE)

1.2

TAFE NSW Multi-trades and Digital Tech. Hub

LEGEND Training and Education Assets (12) Railway and Metro Stations Rail and Metro Lines Road Classification – State Ryde Health Precinct Macquarie Park Innovation District Meadowbank Education and Employment Precinct 12

North Ryde Station

LA NE

CO VE

3.8k

Eastwood Station

Macquarie Park Station

Education and Training Prospectus

City of Ryde’s Education and Training Landscape

City of Ryde is Strategically Positioned for Innovation

115

To Port of Newcastle, Newcastle Airport and Hunter-Central Coast’s Renewable Energy Zones

Parramatta North Health and Innovation Precinct

CSIRO Lindfield Collaboration Hub

Westmead Health and Innovation Precinct

City of Ryde 10km km

WESTERN SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Sydney CBD

Parramatta Precincts

16km

38km

Tech Central Innovation Hub City of Sydney

Bradfield City SYDNEY (KINGSFORD SMITH) AIRPORT

LEGEND Sydney Global Economic Corridor Ryde LGA Local Government Area

Education and Training Prospectus

City of Ryde’s Education and Training Landscape

Experience Exposure Expertise

The City of Ryde cultivates local talent with global impact by creating an environment where students, entrepreneurs, researchers and emerging professionals can learn from each other, connect with strong industry networks and contribute to real world solutions.

Experience – Engaging Local Experiences As a member of the Welcoming Cities network, Council plays a vital role in facilitating the social, cultural, civic and economic foundations that enable people from all backgrounds to succeed. Studying in Ryde forms the beginning of a lifelong connection with the City and our student community enriches local culture, strengthens global connections and contributes to Ryde’s identity as a talent hub.

Exposure – New Ideas and New Ways of Thinking The City of Ryde’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths. Residents, students and visitors from around the world bring new perspectives that spark innovation and creativity. Council supports programs and exchanges that expose learners to new ways of thinking, global best practice and cross-cultural collaboration to ensure that our community remains future forward and adaptive.

Expertise – Industry and Innovation Networks The City of Ryde is home to one of the nation’s most significant innovation precincts, where large numbers of global companies, research and highly skilled workers converge. Council facilitates connections between talent and industry through work-integrated learning, applied research projects, innovation pilots and pathways into professional networks. By doing so, we help grow a knowledge-based economy and strengthen the City’s role in Australia’s global trade, business and innovation landscape.

Education and Training Prospectus

Macquarie Park Innovation District

Macquarie Park.

Education and Training Prospectus

Macquarie Park Innovation District

Macquarie Park Innovation District (MPID), as one of Australia’s most significant innovation locations and referred to as the original innovation district, is uniquely positioned for new, innovative education and training opportunities. The district is distinguished by scale, diversity and maturity of its education-industry ecosystem across high impact sectors including Medtech and pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and logistics, research and education, media and telecommunications, and transport and automotive. These industries thrive on emerging technologies and collaborative research, supported by coworking spaces and incubators within the district’s innovation ecosystem. This presents an opportunity for targeted investment in critical skills development, focusing on priority areas such as construction, net zero and energy transition, digital and cyber security, and advanced manufacturing. MPID brings together a global business community, world-class tertiary institutions, vocational training providers, research institutions, and a skilled, diverse workforce. This environment fosters talent development and an integrated ecosystem, supported by access to emerging technologies, shaping the future of education and employment. The co-location at scale creates a mature, integrated framework with strong research and development (R&D) capabilities and the scale to develop and retain talent. Sustainable growth is a key priority driven by Council’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2035 and supporting businesses within the community to meet their targets.

Education and Training Prospectus

700+

companies, including more than 180 multinationals and large corporate tenants

63k+

highly educated workers across diverse

$700m+ is invested annually in research and development

Macquarie Park Innovation District

Leader in Complex Research and Manufacturing The NSW Government has invested $96 million into the construction of a world-leading RNA research and pilot manufacturing facility (the Facility), the first of its kind in Australia, at Macquarie University with an additional $110 million of committed R&D initiatives over the next 10 years. The Facility is expected to drive local jobs and investment in the health and life sciences sector, enabling rapid clinical trials of new therapeutics as well as promoting growth for high-tech companies. In addition to the RNA Facility, Macquarie University also hosts the ARC Training Centre for Net-Zero Energy Carriers Safety and the Semiconductor Hub, both of which align with State and Commonwealth priorities to develop sovereign manufacturing capabilities and future-proof industry resilience.

Co-location and Accelerated Innovation Through Industry Partnerships The concentration of commercial industry creates direct employment pathways, while the co-location of Macquarie University, specialist research facilities, deep-tech incubators, and two TAFE NSW campuses offers an unparalleled ecosystem that integrates education, research, and industry. This synergy drives innovation-led growth through access to cutting-edge research and strategic partnerships with MPID being the leading postcode for Intellectual Property (IP) creation.

Case Study: Macquarie University and Cochlear Macquarie University and Cochlear have forged a globally recognised, award-winning collaboration through the Australian Hearing Hub (AHH), positioning it as a flagship example of industry – university partnership and opportunity at your doorstep. A recipient of the Cooperative Research Australia’s Awards for Excellence in Innovation, this alliance brings together expertise in engineering, audiology, linguistics, health economics, and hearing health advocacy to accelerate research translation and commercialisation. Shared access to cutting-edge infrastructure and Cochlear’s global innovation resources promotes joint research programs, talent development, and student placements. Co-funded studies generate data for major public funding bids, while the partnership delivers tangible public health benefits, informs policy, and trains clinicians, technologists, and researchers, ultimately improving hearing outcomes for thousands and advancing global knowledge.

Education and Training Prospectus

Macquarie Park Innovation District

Access to World-Class Specialist Skills Over 50 percent of people in Sydney hold qualifications at a bachelor’s degree level, graduate diploma or higher level of education, and this increases to 63 percent in the City of Ryde, providing a strong talent pool and pipeline for world-class specialist skills. The City of Ryde has a higher concentration of employment in professional, scientific and technical services at 12.5 percent, compared to the average for Sydney which is 11.6 percent.

Strong Local Identity and Cultural Diversity

275 languages spoken across NSW

78 languages spoken

in the City of Ryde

~50% of the City’s population

speak a language other than English at home

Macquarie Park is not just centred on technology and research, it is a place where diverse cultures, creativity and inclusive innovation intersect to create a vibrant lived experience for students and workers. The thriving international communities in the City of Ryde help to create a seamless and supportive environment for those relocating to the area and offer access to international markets through its diverse workforce. The City of Ryde hosts a significant number of festivals, events and creative programs, bringing together approximately 160,000 attendees annually. Council also partners with service providers in the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, investing in diverse in-person and online programs and events for different demographic groups to develop the community and improve social wellbeing.

Education and Training Prospectus

Macquarie Park Innovation District

Innovation in Learning and Employment Pathways MPID benefits from an ecosystem of industry-connected training pathways that compliments early learning, local schools, universities and support a diverse approach to developing a job-ready workforce. Local VET providers such as TAFE NSW and Macquarie Community College deliver accessible, government-supported training aligned with priority industries, while employer linked programs, short courses and traineeships across the district contribute to ongoing workforce upskilling and industry readiness. The many multinational organisations within MPID also offer a range of graduate and undergraduate programs as well as cadetships for students, creating a scalable platform for MPID to build a more inclusive and responsive talent pipeline that meets the needs of local businesses and supports long-term precinct growth.

Case Study: Ryde Secondary School and Industry MPID’s ecosystem fosters integrated industry opportunities across lifelong learning, embedding early education and learning to enhance student experience and exposure. Ryde Secondary College Students enjoy access to industry through short-term work experience programs with local employers in sectors like transport, healthcare, construction, and retail. Immersion initiatives provide hands-on technical exposure and direct engagement with professionals, while the AW Edwards’ Girls Who Build program showcases careers in construction through the Ryde Hospital redevelopment, promoting diversity in the built environment. Collectively, these programs create strong pathways for talent development and industry collaboration both within and beyond MPID.

Education and Training Prospectus

Macquarie Park Innovation District

Case Study: Integrated learning with Mia Mia Child and Family Study Centre Mia Mia Child and Family Study Centre is a nationally acclaimed leader in early childhood education, demonstrating the integrated opportunities to live, work and learn within MPID. Each year, the centre supports more than 600 pre‑service teachers, researchers and practitioners through immersive placements and practice‑based training. Its on‑campus location and close connection to university faculties enable cohesive integration of theory and practice, while its observation-based education model informs State and national conversations on early learning. The Centre’s proximity to tertiary students and researchers creates a unique environment for learning, research and student participation, influencing curriculum planning, teaching studies and the development of tailored learning programs.

Education and Training Prospectus

City of Ryde

Collaborating to Create Global Talent in our City

Macquarie University. Photo credit: Chris Barlow.

Education and Training Prospectus

Collaborating to Create Global Talent in our City

How Council Partners Across the Education System

“

We believe in the power of learning and education to transform lives and communities.

”

As one of Australia’s leading education and innovation hubs, the City of Ryde plays a pivotal role in linking the work of State and Commonwealth education systems, TAFE NSW, universities and private training providers with the needs of our growing local economy and community. In addition to academia institutions, the City’s Public Libraries are significant contributors to lifelong learning by providing free, universal access to information, technology, and educational programs for all ages. They support formal and informal education through digital literacy training, specialised workshops, literacy initiatives for children and adults, and resources for career development, fostering a community-wide culture of continuous and self-directed learning.

Creating Real-World Learning Pathways Council works with industry, TAFE NSW, universities and Registered Training Organisations (RTO) to facilitate meaningful work experience, internships and community-based learning opportunities. These experiences give students practical skills, build confidence and strengthen connections with local employers and community organisations.

Case Study: Sustainability Master’s Students – Building Resilience Students from Sustainable Development Master program at Macquarie University worked with the City of Ryde to support the review of key Development Control Plans (DCPs) with a focus on strengthening local climate resilience and sustainability. Working alongside the Council’s sustainability specialists, and planners, students applied their academic knowledge to real-world urban challenges through testing ideas, analysing policy gaps and proposing practical solutions tailored to local conditions. Through this collaboration, students gained hands-on experience in environmental planning and community-centred design, while Council benefited from fresh perspectives and research-driven insights to support its commitments under the Net Zero Pathway (2022) and Ryde Resilience Plan 2030.

Education and Training Prospectus

Collaborating to Create Global Talent in our City

Strengthening Industry Engagement – Supporting Workforce Readiness We actively promote the value that students bring to local businesses from digital capability and research expertise to innovative problem-solving, supporting the development of a workforce ready talent pipeline for the industry.

Integrated Learning Pathways for Young People Council supports programs that give school-aged learners early exposure to industry environments. Initiatives such as Meadowbank Employment and Education Precinct and industry-supported learning experiences build aspiration, spark curiosity and help young people understand future career possibilities.

Case Study: Macquarie University PACE Program Through Council’s ongoing involvement in the Professional and Community Engagement Program (PACE) Program, students from Macquarie University have contributed to a wide range of projects, including cultural placemaking initiative, strategy development and targeted research activities. By increasing awareness and participation in PACE programs, Council supports businesses to grow while enhancing opportunities for students to gain industry-relevant experience, building their confidence and workforce readiness capabilities.

Meadowbank TAFE NSW. Photo credit: Gray Puksand. Education and Training Prospectus

Collaborating to Create Global Talent in our City

Case Study: Ryde Environmental Education Network The City of Ryde Council proudly champions the role of teachers as catalysts for change. Recognising that educators shape the next generation’s values and behaviours, Council is committed to equipping teachers within the City of Ryde with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to embed sustainability across the curriculum. This commitment is brought to life through the Ryde Environmental Education Network (REEN), a collaboration established in 2007 with the purpose to strengthen environmental education by supporting schools and teachers with practical resources, professional development, and access to expert knowledge. REEN operates as a free, inclusive network designed to foster partnerships between schools, Council, NSW government agencies, and leading sustainability organisations. Through this network, teachers gain opportunities to: • Access high-quality training and resources that align with curriculum priorities. • Collaborate with peers and experts to share ideas and best practice. •

Engage with organisations committed to delivering sustainable education aligned with the NSW curriculum, supporting the development of future generations who are environmentally conscious and equipped to lead sustainable change.

Case Study: Anytown Championing New Models of Education Micro-credentials and modular training are transforming tertiary education by offering faster, more flexible and industry-aligned pathways. Council advocates for the continuation of these alternative approaches to broaden access, meet emerging workforce needs and strengthen local economic resilience.

Education and Training Prospectus

With a focus on big data, cyber security and artificial intelligence, the curriculum is co-designed with employers to ensure graduates are job-ready from day one. ‘Anytown’ is a standout feature, 64-square-metre, four-tonne 3D-printed mini city that immerses students in real-world cyber-attack simulations which offer hands-on learning at the cutting edge of digital technology. Council partners with IATD – NCoE at major events such as Small Business Month and Ryde Business Forum, communicating to businesses of an industry-ready workforce at their fingertip, and promoting the unique courses on offer to meet current and future demands.

Collaborating to Create Global Talent in our City

Conclusion

“

The City of Ryde has a vision for lifestyle and opportunity at your doorstep.

”

Macquarie University grounds. Photo credit: Joanne Stephan.

The education and training landscape is a cornerstone of the local economy and community, supporting lifelong learning, innovation and opportunity. This Prospectus has highlighted the breadth of education and training pathways available across the region and the strength of collaboration between education institutions, training providers, universities and industry. Together, these assets position the City of Ryde as a dynamic centre for knowledge, skills development and global engagement.

Success will be reflected in sustained investment in education infrastructure, inclusive access to high-quality learning opportunities, strong student engagement and workforce outcomes, and deepened collaboration between education providers and industry, and where Ryde remains a leading destination for education, training and innovation.

The Council is committed to ensuring this ecosystem continues to thrive. Through ongoing advocacy with State and Commonwealth government and partners and identifying opportunities for investment into the education infrastructure, Council will work to support a skilled, resilient and future-ready community. Education and Training Prospectus

City of Ryde Economic Development Concierge

Macquarie University. Photo credit: Chris Barlow.

City of Ryde Economic Development Concierge

City of Ryde Economic Development Concierge:

Call +61 2 9952 8222 (outside Australia) 02 9952 8222 (within Australia)

Email invest@ryde.nsw.gov.au

For More Information Visit:

www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/invest

Education and Training Prospectus

Customer Service Centre 1 Pope Street, Ryde NSW 2112 +61 2 9952 8222 (outside Australia) 02 9952 8222 (within Australia) www.ryde.nsw.gov.au