The NESIRH aims to attract new high-tech industry to Armidale and the region through physical and digital co-location of companies and start-ups that specialise in agriculture, alternative energy, creative industries and health focussed research and innovation.
Together with Armidale Regional Council and the Armidale Business Chamber and through engagement with the wider community, UNE is developing a proposal to seek critical co-investment to develop these plans and give life to this vision.
The development of the proposal will need input from a diverse range of stakeholders across the Armidale and wider communities and industries.
UNE Vice-Chancellor and CEO Professor Brigid Heywood said that UNE’s world-class research, development and innovation in the sciences can provide an engine to drive future economic growth for New England.
“As a university in a regional area, we can play an important role in supporting and enabling economic and social growth in the communities in which we operate,” Professor Heywood said.
“The NESIRH will leverage UNE’s 80 years of world-class science research and teaching in health, agricultural and environmental sciences and well established research institutions based in Armidale.
“Including the New England Virtual Health Network (NEViHN), Australian Genetics Breeding Unit (AGBU), the SMART Region Incubator and the SMART Farm, the National Centre of Science, Information and Communication Technology, and Mathematics Education for Rural and Regional Australia (SiMERR) and the Tablelands Clinical School.
“To develop the concept, we need to involve the whole community, business and industry leaders and experts in health and education. This is an open invitation to be a part of this very important initial development stage.”
The intention is for the NESIRH to leverage off Armidale’s quality digital connectivity, highly accessible location and airport, and reputable enterprises such as UNE, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, a collection of National cattle breed societies, ICT International and the soon to be established Department of Regional NSW.
Please email Elizabeth Egan for further information or to register eegan@une.edu.au
The proposal development workshops will be undertaken using zoom from 2:00pm - 4:00pm on the following dates:
- Creative Arts and Industries – Thursday 5th November
- Health – Tuesday 10th November
- Industry/Manufacturing and Technology – Thursday 12th November
- Business – Tuesday 17th November
- Education - Thursday 19th November
- Energy – Tuesday 24th November
- Community – Monday 30th November
