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Enterprising ideas help UNE students win accolades

July 12, 2005

thumb_Sife Group0022.JPGStudents from The University of New England have been recognised nationally for their projects promoting ‘Regional Connectivity’ between the University, students and businesses across New England.
The 15 students, pictured, who comprise UNE’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team presented their projects at the SIFE National Competition in Sydney over the weekend (July 8, 9 and 10).
It was the third time UNE students entered the competition, involving teams of students from 22 universities, who each had 30 minutes to present their various projects to a judging panel made up of senior executives from major Australian corporations.
A not-for-profit organisation, SIFE challenges university students from all disciplines to make a difference in their communities and develop their leadership, teamwork and communication skills through learning, practising and teaching the principles of free enterprise.
UNE’s SIFE mentors, Airlie Bell and Rhonda Leece, said they were pleased with the efforts shown by UNE students.
“This year’s SIFE team from UNE presented three projects: the Armidale Markets Online, the Graduate Aware Project, and the Seed of Growth Project,” Ms Bell said.
“These three projects all promote the team’s aim of achieving ‘Regional Connectivity’ which is the ability to bring people, businesses and communities together to promote economic success and sustainability in the New England Region.”
Ms Bell said she was particularly pleased with the successful development and growth of the Armidale Markets Online project which is now in its third year. The project established a web site facility for stall holders at the monthly Armidale markets to promote their products on-line. In addition, the students provided extensive training for stall holders in IT and business skills, so that they can manage their own e-commerce operations.

Two new projects were established this year – a Graduate Aware Program to strengthen links between graduates and regional employers, and the Seed of Growth project which aims to assist primary producers by enabling them to share information and discuss problems with one another, and academics at UNE via interactive chat rooms on a dedicated web site. This project is still in the development stage, working with the Dept of State and Regional Development and the New England North West Consultative Committee.
The UNE team was among the smallest at the competition, held at the Darling Harbour Convention Centre, and were runners-up in their heat.
Ms Bell said she was thrilled with their success and said the students were already planning to enter the competition next year.
For more information phone Ms Airlie Bell on 6773 2897 or
Ms Rhonda Leece on 6773 4407 or Ms Lydia Roberts on 6773 2779

Posted by Lydia Roberts at July 12, 2005 11:29 AM