Bringing together Regional University Study Hubs (RUSH) from across the country invites a whole lot of passion in one room for how best to serve regional students and communities.
GUC Chair Jody Beven and Director Natalie Nelmes have just returned from Coffs Harbour for the biennial RUSH Symposium and adjoining National Conference for Regional Rural and Remote Education.
The Symposium focussed on three themes central to the roles of RUSH’s – supporting university students to remain in the region; promoting aspiration and participation; and meeting regional workforce needs.
“It was all so relevant and very interactive,” Jody said. “We would hear a couple of examples of best practice on each topic and then discuss other initiatives and how to potentially overcome barriers to putting them in place.
“Natalie presented on how GUC’s delivery of Curtin AHEAD and UniReady in Schools was raising aspiration along with developing the capability of local school students so they can pursue university study.”
Natalie was also part of a panel dedicated to how the Universities Accord may affect regional education and RUSH’s in particular.
The Symposium was supported by the Australian Government under the RUSH program with the Network Leads, of which GUC is one, contributing to the shaping of the program.
As an Executive Committee member for the Society for the Provision of Education in Rural Australia (SPERA), Natalie was also involved in the organisation of the two day National Conference that followed the RUSH Symposium.
“This saw 185 teachers, university academics and professional staff, government and other educational stakeholders join RUSH delegates for two days dedicated to exploring what growth through equity – the theme of the University’s Accord – looks like for those working at the grassroots across regional Australia.
“I joined with Curtin University to deliver a presentation on the inaugural WA Regional Higher Education Exchange and the opportunities and challenges it had presented to achieving better outcomes for higher education in our State.
“Between the RUSH Symposium and National Conference, it absolutely has filled my cup to overflowing with belief in what we do as well as new ideas and possibilities. There’s always so much to learn from getting together with your peers.
“Make no mistake, regional people know what higher education solutions can work in their communities and are putting some great initiatives out there to support local students and regional workforces. It’s vital these best practice initiatives are adequately supported.”
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