Source: Southern Cross University media release.
| MEMBER for Lismore and NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin this week toured Southern Cross University’s Sirius Student Accommodation in Lismore to highlight the role of local investment in strengthening the region’s economic recovery, while helping meet Australia’s growing need for student accommodation. The 27-unit Sirius complex at 147 Military Road is in the final stages of refurbishment following extensive damage during the 2022 floods, which inundated ground-floor apartments with around half a metre of water. The upgraded apartments are on track for completion later next month. Southern Cross University Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin said the project was about backing the local economy while helping Lismore grow. “This refurbishment is about increasing student amenity and capacity, but also about our local economy and local community,” Professor Carlin said. “It’s being delivered by a local contractor, using local tradies and suppliers. “This is a boost for Lismore’s economy right now, and it will continue to benefit the city as students move into these apartments in the coming weeks and become part of the local community in the years ahead. Ms Saffin thanked Southern Cross University, through Vice Chancellor Professor Carlin, for undertaking the refurbishment. “Having the student accommodation is a great experience for students to live on campus, and it takes pressure off the Lismore rental market,” she said. “The great bonus is that this has added to our local economy, with the university hiring a local Joel Jensen who uses local contractors and local people. So it’s one of those projects I can’t help but love.” Joel Jensen, Director of Joel Jensen Constructions (JJC), said keeping work local was a deliberate choice. “We delivered this project using 100 per cent local contractors and suppliers, so every dollar spent stayed in the Northern Rivers and supported the local economy,” Mr Jensen said. “That supports the regional economy, improves quality, and means everyone working on site is personally invested in getting it right for the community.” The Sirius redevelopment includes 21 two-bedroom and six three-bedroom apartments and has been designed with flood resilience, sustainability and long-term durability in mind, including careful material selection, energy-efficient fittings and robust construction methods. The refurbished accommodation is due for completion February 2026, bringing new students back into Lismore’s housing, retail and hospitality sectors. Southern Cross University is one of the city’s largest economic anchors, supporting hundreds of local jobs and injecting millions of dollars into the regional economy through construction, education, research and student spending. Quality student accommodation is a critical part of the Southern Cross University experience, helping students to feel supported, connected, and build lasting ties to the Northern Rivers. Photo caption: Southern Cross University Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin, NSW Minister for Recovery and Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, and Director of Joel Jensen Constructions Joel Jensen. |
