A high-level delegation from the University of New England travelled to Moree in northwest NSW last week to meet with prominent local council representatives, alumni and other professionals for a series of discussions on regional growth and innovation.
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.
The UNE SMART Region Incubator hosted the panel discussion on the Future of Health with 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 Future Fit. The strategic plan sets out UNE’s key focus areas for the next decade and 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.
Image caption (L-R):
Professor Michael Wilmore, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, UNE; Professor Rod McClure, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNE; Dr Lou Conway, Director UNE SRI; Mr Rob Field, Director UNE Metro, Parramatta; Ms Azaria Dobson, Director Activation Precincts and Partnerships at Department of Regional NSW; Professor Brigid Heywood, Vice-Chancellor and CEO, UNE; Mr Darren Keegan, Regional NSW Investment Coordinator; and Mr Daniel Boyce, Executive Planner, Moree Plains Shire Council.