Archive for October 16th, 2009

The University of New England stands to benefit from the development of strategic relationships in the international arena, following the unqualified success of its International Health Conference held in Thailand this week.

The International Conference on Health Service Delivery Management is a joint effort between UNE and Thailand’s Naresuan University, and has attracted more than 450 delegates from across three continents.

The Vice-Chancellor and CEO of UNE, Professor Alan Pettigrew, in Thailand, said the conference had pulled together knowledge from the fields of health, medicine and education to address global issues in health service delivery.

He said the conference had attracted considerable international interest from health practitioners, health providers, and educators from 16 countries including Australia, Sudan, Nepal, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Laos and Bhutan.

“All of the international experts present are committed to improving health care and to learning from each other through research and education strategies,” Professor Pettigrew said. “The international partnership between UNE and Naresuan University is evidently world-leading in its concept and practical application for improving health care in rural and regional settings.”

Professor Victor Minichiello, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of UNE’s Faculty of The Professions, said that the strategic relationships developed between UNE and institutions such as Naresuan University and the World Health Organisation would provide benefits to the global community.

“It is anticipated the conference will result in the expansion of this collaboration into a wider regional network,” Professor Minichiello said. “I commend the organisers for their vision and dedication to the wellbeing of communities, and look forward to UNE working with global partners to develop strategic relationships that not only benefit UNE, but tackle global health service problems head-on.”

THE PHOTOGRAPH displayed here expands to show a colourful ceremony at the conference.

Australia’s oldest regional university, the University of New England, will receive a multi-million dollar upgrade to its Information Technology infrastructure.

$5 Million will be received by UNE from the Australian Government to enhance the University’s teaching and learning facilities.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Pettigrew welcomed the funding which will support UNE’s position as a leader in distance education, by providing a faster, higher speed digital capacity.

“UNE has a great tradition in quality distance education and this funding will ensure that UNE continues as a market leader now and into the future.”

Professor Pettigrew said the $5 Million will assist the University to become a global leader in the provision of digital education, and will greatly enhance our linkages with colleagues, both domestically and internationally.

“This funding will connect UNE at high speed to the world’s most sophisticated teaching and research networks, enabling us to fully engage with our student and research collaborations and networks,” Professor Pettigrew said.

Chancellor of UNE, Dr Richard Torbay, said the funding was significant and was a sign the Australian Government was prepared to invest in regional educational infrastructure.

He said the Australian Government is to be commended for its commitment to the rebuilding and restoration of regional campus facilities and priorities.

“Reliable high speed digital connectivity is increasingly a fundamental requirement to the successful delivery of teaching and learning, support services for students and staff, and the conduct of research,” Dr Torbay said.

“This is a great boost to the University and will ensure have the best facilities available for our future researchers and students,” Dr Torbay said.

The Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Marie Bashir AC, has recognised the University of New England’s School of Rural Medicine with an award for its research into rural mental healthcare.

The award was presented to Professor Fiona Stewart on behalf of UNE’s School of Rural Medicine, and recognizes research into ways of supporting mental health practitioners, particularly those who work with children and adolescents in regional areas.

Chancellor of the UNE, Dr Richard Torbay commended the research undertaken by Professor John Fraser and Associate Professor Christian Alexander .

“Australia’s regional community is ‘crying out’ for real assistance, and I am pleased that UNE is focused on bringing results to the table that provide real assistance to the community.

“UNE’s first-class research demonstrates the University’s commitment to delivering tangible outcomes to Australia’s rural and regional community,” Dr Torbay said.

Professor Fraser said the research involved great deal of collaboration between UNE and rural GPs across rural NSW.

“As this research deepens, the University will continue to work alongside Hunter New England Health Service to explore programs that address this area of need,” Professor Fraser said.

Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of UNE’s Faculty of The Professions, Professor Victor Minichiello said the award demonstrates the significant impact the newly established medical school is making in the field of rural healthcare.

“As one of Australasia’s first rural medical school, UNE is clearly providing leadership to the rural community, delivering real research outcomes in the area of rural healthcare delivery.

“This award is evidence that UNE’s research is making a real difference to peoples’ lives, importantly in this acutely under-resourced area,” Professor Minichiello said.