Regional Study Hubs Network Event One — Geraldton
Event Details
Geraldton Universities Centre, Geraldton, Western Australia
12 June 2019
- 14 June 2019
The inaugural Regional Study Hubs network conference, led by the NCSEHE with support from the Australian Government Department of Education, was hosted by the Geraldton Universities Centre on 12–14 June.
This event brought to Geraldton 37 representatives from 14 of the 16 Regional Study Hubs (now referred to as Regional University Centres) situated across 23 Australia-wide locations.
Based on the successful models of the Geraldton Universities Centre in WA and the Country Universities Centre in NSW, the community-owned Regional Study Hubs will partner with universities to facilitate access to tertiary education for students
in regional and remote communities across Australia.
Participants were given a tour of the Geraldton Universities Centre facilities, with commentary from Geraldton Universities Centre Director Natalie Nelmes and Board Chair Steve Douglas who also presented on the unique experience provided to students in the Geraldton and surrounding regions as an important part of their mission.
A highlight of the event was hearing two students’ perspectives on the invaluable opportunities provided by the Geraldton Universities Centre as a Regional Study Hub.
Country Universities Centre CEO Duncan Taylor also spoke on the unique experience that the Country Universities Centre offers students in regional NSW.
The Minister for Education The Hon. Dan Tehan introduced the Conference through a video address, and guest speakers included Professor Andrew Taggart and Dr Cathy Stone (NCSEHE); Meredith Wills Panel member of the National Regional Rural and Remote Education Strategy; Geraldton Universities Centre staff, Board members and students; as well as university representatives from CQUniversity and Curtin University.
Workshops and roundtables led by the Geraldton Universities Centre and the NCSEHE facilitated information-sharing among the group, while networking opportunities forged connections to support long-term success across all of the Regional Study Hubs.
Delegates were guided through the new Regional Study Hubs Network online Discussion Board, which currently has approximately 50 members. Managed by the NCSEHE, this platform will facilitate ongoing professional discussion, with the first resources and event outputs now available.
The next Regional Study Hubs Network event will be held on 14–15 November 2019 at the Country Universities Centre NSW, supported by the Australian Government and NSW Government.
Event program:
Conference address by Hon Dan Tehan MP:
Presentation by Professor Sue Trinidad:
Presentation by Dr Cathy Stone: