Vice-Chancellor and CEO, Professor Brigid Heywood, together with Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Wilmore and Director of UNE’s Smart Region Incubator, Dr Louise Conway participated in the talks which included a panel discussion on regional health, a workshop on regional activation and the launch of UNE’s new strategic plan, Future Fit.
“UNE was founded with the aim of serving regional communities. We are reclaiming this role and are committing to providing education and sharing knowledge when and where it is needed,” Professor Heywood said.
“We see immense value for our region in accelerating access to learning that builds skills and innovative research to support high-growth industries especially those adding value to agriculture and delivering healthcare.”
Discussion began with a panel discussion on the Future of Health hosted by the UNE SMART Region Incubator (SRI). In attendance were local allied health professionals, representatives from NSW Regional Development and an audience who actively participated in discussing the challenges and potential solutions to support health provision in the surrounding region. One of the ideas tabled suggested the development of an allied health hub available for both consults and as a work-integrated learning space for students to join in.
The panel discussion was followed by a workshop with NSW Regional Development and Moree Plains Shire Council representatives to further discuss activating the collaboration to develop the federal funding bid for the Moree Special Activation Precinct (SAP).
Other discussions with collective actions included the concept of developing a local skills council to interrogate and understand what skills might be required with the precinct development, the need for the region to innovate towards modern manufacturing and value beyond sending raw commodities out of the region, and the health and wellbeing needs of families who may join the Moree community to work in the industries created as a result of establishing a SAP.
Lastly, the delegation met with alumni and business representatives to launch UNE’s strategic plan, Future Fit. This strategic plan maps out the University’s strong focus on student access and success, and support for partnerships for the next decade. In her presentation Professor Brigid Heywood invited the community to share their thoughts on UNE’s role and future as the key anchor academic institution in the New England North West and future collaborations.
